In this insightful workshop, career and leadership coach Lizzie Martin walks Elizabeth Willetts through crafting the perfect elevator pitch to explain a gap in your CV and to tell your professional network about the next step in your career after a break.
Lizzie begins by explaining what a positioning statement is and how having a positioning statement can smoothly and succinctly help you discuss why you took a career break. She breaks down the four ingredients of a positioning statement, covering how to communicate what role you’re looking for and the unique skills and experiences you bring to the table. At the end of the Livestream, Lizzie and Elizabeth answer questions from viewers, diving into topics such as how to positively portray redundancy as the reason for a gap on your CV and what your positioning statement should look like if you want to transition into a new industry after a career break.
This workshop is essential for anyone looking to restart their career after a break or is unsure how to sell themselves after time out of the workforce. If you enjoyed it or have further questions about finding a job after a career break, please contact Lizzie and Elizabeth at the links below.
If you want to hear more great advice from Lizzie, listen to her episode on the Work It Like A Mum podcast, where she offers a deep dive into how to discover and stand by your values – and why it’s essential for leading a happier life. Listen here.
Timestamps
[0:11] Elizabeth introduces Lizzie
[1:28] Lizzie talks about her background and her mission to support women through career transitions with her career coaching business, Work Life Mother
[2:38] Why you should learn to craft your personal story and how it can help to explain a career break
[4:15] Awkwardness, lack of practice, lack of confidence: Why crafting a personal story can feel difficult
[5:41] What is an exit statement, and what should it include?
[6:20] Don’t explain your decisions! Keeping your exit statement short and simple
[7:47] The second part of your exit statement: What you’re looking for now
[8:17] The subtle difference between ‘focusing’ and ‘prioritising’ on an aspect of your life
[10:07] Lizzie walks through what a positioning statement is and where you can use it
[11:51] The POSE approach to positioning statements: ‘P’ is for ‘Profession’
[12:24] The POSE approach to positioning statements: ‘O’ is for ‘Organisations’
[13:36] The POSE approach to positioning statements: ‘S’ is for ‘Strengths’
[14:17] The struggle of identifying and listing your strengths
[15:20] The POSE approach to positioning statements: ‘E’ is for ‘Expertise’
[16:37] Lizzie gives examples of positioning statements using the POSE approach
[20:36] Lizzie’s personal positioning statement
[21:55] A question from a viewer: How can you cast redundancy in a positive light in your exit statement?
[22:44] It’s time to remove the taboo around redundancy
[24:15] Lizzie and Elizabeth discuss the advantages of keeping your exit statement factual and objective
[26:35] A question from Abigail on LinkedIn: How do you display your competency and skills in your positioning statement without seeming arrogant and underselling yourself?
[28:33] Gather evidence to support your strengths and ask for feedback from people who know you
[30:07] Focus on your key strengths: Quality, not quantity
[30:31] A question from Noëlle on LinkedIn: How do you sell yourself if you’re unsure about what role you’d like to embark on or if you’re looking for a complete career pivot?
[33:58] Lizzie’s upcoming workshops: Imposter Syndrome, Identifying and activating your strengths, Returning to Work after a career break
[36:50] A question from Abigail: What’s your advice on applying for roles if you don’t know that you’ll love them?
[39:15] Don’t underestimate the importance of gathering information about potential jobs
[41:25] Where to go to find out more about Lizzie
Links
Investing in Women job board recruitment site
Investing in Women on Instagram
Investing in Women on LinkedIn
Investing in Women on Facebook
Investing in Women on Pinterest
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