Dear Melissa,

Thanks for writing to us. I’m glad to hear that you had a supportive employer throughout your treatment and surgeries and that they continue to provide support. A prolonged job search can be frustrating, but it sounds like you have an incredible breadth of professional experience to offer a potential employer. I will reach out to our career coaches to get further insight into your questions, but in the meantime, the following resources might be helpful:

• Resume review service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new
• Resume & Cover Letter advice: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new
• Job Search Toolkit (2nd Edition): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new (features advice on improving resumes, cover letters; interview and networking tips and other useful tools to help you during a job search)

You also mentioned that you feel you’re behind the curve on the latest technological tools and programs necessary for your line of work. CAC offers a Professional Development Micro-Grant program that offers cancer patients and survivors professional development opportunities to build or enhance their skillsets. Although the application period for the 2017 grant year has closed, we would be happy to notify you when the next application opens! More information can be found here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/resource/micro-grants

We also have an upcoming Job Search webinar on March 8th. You can find more information and register here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/events/webinar-jobsearch2017

A coach will be in touch soon!

Kind regards,
Nicole Franklin, MPH
Manager of Programs
Cancer and Careers

Good Morning, Melissa,

Welcome to CAC! As I read your inquiry, I could empathize with your situation, as time and technology move so swiftly today. In spite of the gig economy, many employers still adhere to some outdated views about employment gaps and those of us with "so much experience, we probably won't stay." Couple that with the way the need for new technological skills arise so quickly, I can see why you are frustrated. There are a few ways around these issues, though. I'll address your questions directly because you were so clear about what you needed to know. But, first I want to also say that an unapologetic approach about your skills and strengths will serve you well in networking and talking with potential employers. Please do take advantage of all the resources that Nicole mentioned above. The webinar will be fantastic, as is the resume service and resources.
I would like to add another idea to that list that Nicloe mentioned. You may want to consider giving the flexible job options available via niche job boards a try. Some of these are FlexJobs.com, Guru.com and Fiver.com to name a few. Individuals with graphic design skills are frequently in demand on these site. Granted, it is gig type work, but it may prove a satisfying way to work and build your portfolio at the same time.
Now to address your questions. I have copied them below to help both of us keep them in order:
My Questions:
1) How do I get a potential employer to consider a resume with 20+ years experience for an entry and mid level position?
You may consider leaving some of your lengthy experience off of your resume document. Job search strategy and standard practice today is to list only experience that is relevant to your search, and only the past 10 - 15 years. That may help a bit.
Another alternative is to try an Infographic Resume. It seems a perfect fit for your profession, and is an eye-catching alternative to the traditional resume. Here are two links to articles about this resume style.
https://www.themuse.com/advice/4-rules-for-creating-a-killer-infographic-resume
https://www.fastcompany.com/.../how-to-create-an-infographic-resume
You can also get more than 1,000 examples of Infographic resumes on Pinterest if you want to see some powerful examples.

2) Do I use the cover letter to address the gaps and explain why I'm looking for lower level positions?
A cover letter is a personal approach to an employer, but with today's resume screening software, they seldom make it to the hiring manager. If an online application provides you with a space to add additional documents besides your resume, then by all means, write a cover letter touting your skills and how they fit with the position in question. I would advise against using a cover letter to explain gaps, though. When addressing that sort of issue, it is best left to face to face exchanges if you choose to address it at all.

3) What if it's an online resume submission process that does not allow for a cover letter?
This is a most likely circumstance. In that case, use your resume that covers just the last 10 years or so. As I mentioned above, if the site offers an opportunity to upload other documents, even without specifically mentioning a cover letter, then use it to put your best foot forward with a well crafted pitch for why you will be able to make a strong contribution to the employer, no excuses.

4) Should I specify in my chronological resume that I've been full-time until 2010 and part-time since 2010, to help potential employers understand why I am considering lower level positions?
Not necessary. Just list positions and accomplishments for each role not the FT or PT status of your work. Whether you used your skills on a PT or FT basis is really not relevant to why you would be an asset to a new employer. Although I am not sure from what you have told us, I suspect that lack of interview opportunities stems more from the employer need for the latest graphic arts skills. This may be a challenge you face, rather than your tenure in the market. Please do take advantage of any opportunities in your community to gain experience or training with the most up to date and in demand capabilities.

5) Any other advise to help me get back in the game? Yes, take advantage of all the job search assistance offered in your community, via OneStop centers, via job clubs etc. And, do attend to the Job Search webinar offered here on March 8th. My career coach colleagues are outstanding resources for you, as will be the other webinar participants.
You've got what it takes to get that job, Melissa. Keep those gigs coming until that full time role surfaces through all your hard work.

My warmest regards,
Kathy Flora, Career Coach

Hi Melissa,

Kathy has offered a lot of great advice. To follow-up on her suggestion of looking into flexible work options, FlexJobs is a great resource: https://www.flexjobs.com/. It is membership-based, but you can enter the code CANCER when you check out to receive a 50% discount.

Regards,
Nicole

Hello,
I'm in my 50's and had breast cancer in 2005 and pretty much alone now, except for my brother who can't really help. As a side effect of surgeries and chemo I had to go on disability. I'm outgoing enjoy being with people and an artist and I've been caring for animals part time. I am now looking for part time work because the savings are running out. I lost my job 2 months ago and I've been looking for work in areas that I have worked and sending out resumes. I haven't received any answers and I'm petrified. I'm trying to keep upbeat but it's very difficult. I haven't mentioned that I had cancer and don't know if I should. I know from experience some people just don't get it or understand. I don't know where to turn to so I found this and turning for help here. Thank you in advance.
R

Hi Ronna, Thanks for your post. I’m sorry to hear that you lost your job and the job searching has been difficult so far. You mentioned that you didn’t know if you should disclose your cancer history in your job application or with potential employers. In general, you are under no legal obligation to disclose your medical condition to a prospective or current employer (however if you want to access a reasonable accommodation you may have to disclose some information to show you are entitled to it). I would recommend watching our webinar to get a better understanding on issues around disclosure: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/2016-webinar-online Additionally, I would recommend checking out the following resources to help guide your job search. • Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new (you can submit your resume and receive feedback from a professional coach for free) • Job Search Toolkit (2nd Edition): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new (features disclosing your cancer history during a job search specifically, advice on improving resumes, cover letters; interview and networking tips and other useful tools to help you during a job search) • Job Search webinar recording: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/job-search • Exploring Your Options: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options • Information on part-time job options: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/part-time-winning-combination I hope that’s helpful and please feel free to reach out with any follow up questions. Wishing you the best of luck with your job search! Kind Regards, Nicole Franklin, MPH Manager of Programs Cancer and Careers