The question: how do I restart my high-level
career?
After many years working overseas as a global IT director, I
took a drastic cut in pay to work at a small local company so that
I could be with my wife when she was ill.
She is now in full remission, and I am anxious to get back to a
senior role and improve my salary. I am finding that when I apply
for senior posts, the recruiter takes one look at my current salary
and rejects me out of hand.
The solution: approach companies directly for
posts
If you feel you are being rejected by consultants on the basis
of your salary, do not discuss it with them. If you do, make it
clear that you took a substantial pay cut and state what your
previous salary was.
It should be apparent to anyone reading your CV that you are
used to large IT environments and big budgets. It should also be
apparent that you have the skills and drive to be in a similar role
now.
Bear in mind that you have a good work/life balance and that
being local to your wife has in no small part aided her recovery.
Some firms may be cautious about the amount of time you would need
to commit for a big role. Work out what you are looking to do time
and travel wise and stick to it.
If you approach companies directly, you will secure interviews
very quickly. This is a candidate-driven market and any employer
can see that they potentially would get a strong candidate at
slightly under market rate but at a considerably better salary than
you are currently on. That is a win-win for everyone.
Solution by Tracey Abbott, business manager at Wreay Group
and Atsco board member
The panel: Computer People, Hudson, No Limits Coaching, The
Training Camp, Wreay Group
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