I don't seem to be moving forward

Question

"I worked for seven years as deputy manager in a hotel. I then moved to Oxford and increased my skill base and worked outside the industry for the first time in my life.

"I then worked as an accounts assistant, where I was responsible for the food & beverage profit and loss account. The events of 11 September 2001 affected my work because the contract with the management company was ended and I had to move jobs in November. I am working as a receptionist and duty manager but I have an HND in catering and more than 13 years' experience in the industry. How can I gain my first general manager's job?

"When I was working as deputy I used to run the hotel when my general manager was away. I also had sole responsibility for the day-to-day running of the night club. My present position is not fulfilling me in any way. I have the ablity and used to work in all departments of the hotel and love responsiblity. I kept my staff employed in the hotel where I was duty manager because we did go through some tough times. Please advise me how I can move my career forward."

Jennifer

What the expert says

Kim Parish, human resources director, Scottish & Newcastle Retail

!	-

"With seven years' experience as a deputy manager you should have a sound base from which to develop your career. "First, take some time to honestly review your knowledge, skills and competencies in relation to the role you aspire to. This exercise will help you to highlight both where your strengths are and any development needs you may have. If you do have development needs, you should then take some positive action to address these. "Once you feel you are suitably skilled and experienced to assume a general manager's role, there are various ways of pursuing your goal. If you want to work for a company with a recognised brand or chain of hotels, I would suggest the following approach: - update your CV so that it really 'sells' you (whilst remaining honest!) - devise a good covering letter to introduce yourself and your CV - highlight the role you are looking for and why you have written to that company - draw up a shortlist of companies you would really like to pursue a career with - contact those companies (head office addresses are easily found on the Internet) and find out who you should forward your details to so they receive serious consideration (this is usually someone in the human resources/personnel department) - send off your covering letter and CV to the specified person (it's important you have a name) - contact that person about a week after sending your details to ensure they have received them and ask for their feedback. "I hope this gives you some ideas."