Ask the expert: Bridge to road not taken

Q. Several years ago I took a fork in the road in my career. Now I want to build a bridge back to the other road and get back on track to get the job I always wanted. Of course, there has been a long gap and consequently, a hole has developed in my skill set.

My CV gets me interviews for half the jobs I apply for. I seem to do well in many aspects of the interviews then fall down when particular questions come up. I give answers based on my previous work experience to the scenarios they pitch and I believe I would intuitively know how to handle the situations they put to me, but I have little real experience in that area.

Right now I am in a job that simply doesn't allow me to develop the experiences recruiters are looking for. A pattern is starting to emerge where I have to agree with the interviewer that on the face of it I am a good candidate, but although I have many of the core skills they need, there is a hole there that cannot be overlooked.

What do I do? Or should I just accept I made a mistake and make the best of the road I am on?

A. Career changes, even within a specific field, often require additional development before you move to more senior positions. It is great that you are getting interviews, as it suggests you have most of the skills that are required. As you note, however, there is a "hole" in your skills because of your career change several years ago.

Generally, there are two ways that a deficit can be addressed: training or additional experience. You are the best judge of what suits you and the "hole" you are trying to address. You may need to return to education part-time to be updated or re-certified in the area, or you may need to apply for jobs that address your skills gap but that are not such a significant step up.

Indeed, you might even have to take a step backward to develop the skills required to move forward again. Most people who change career paths have to occasionally make lateral or even backwards steps so that they can gain additional skills to move on with a slightly different career path.

In some cases, you may be able to take on projects in your present job that allow you to address the gap, but this seems less likely on the facts that you have presented.

Until you have addressed this gap, it is unlikely you will win the promotion you are seeking.

Next step - education or a lateral career move on your way to the senior position you desire.