Thinking about a career change but unsure where to begin? You are far from alone. Many of us reach a moment — whether it’s the spark of new‑year motivation, midlife restlessness, or simply the sense that our work no longer fits — when we start to wonder “Is there something more for me?” Yet navigating a job search, especially one involving a sector change or a career break, can feel overwhelming.
To shed light on what really happens behind the scenes in recruitment, Lucy Caldicott, creator of Lucy on Life, sat down with our principal consultant, Anna Gardet to explore the realities and possibilities for people navigating change in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. In this in‑depth conversation, Anna shares what recruiters look for, how candidates can position themselves for success, and why your age, background, or career gaps don’t define your potential.
As a leadership consultant and coach with 35 years of experience in both corporate and non-profit sectors, Lucy helps leaders find purpose, overcome burnout, and navigate change. Her mission is to support people in discovering work that brings fulfilment while making a meaningful impact.
Lucy is the host and founder of Lucy on Life, a platform dedicated to helping people navigate meaningful career and life transitions. With warmth, clarity, and real curiosity, Lucy brings thoughtful questions that empower guests to share honest, practical insights. This interview forms part of Lucy’s series on Practical Tips for a Fulfilling Career.
Anna has spent more than 17 years working in recruitment across the charity and not‑for-profit sector. At Prospectus, she specialises in recruiting:
- Chief Executives
- Senior Leadership Teams
- Board Members
With deep sector knowledge and a human‑first approach, Anna offers valuable guidance to anyone considering a new direction
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
1. Age Is Not a Barrier — Experience Is an Asset!
Many midlife jobseekers worry about ageism, but Anna emphasises that experience is deeply valued. The key is learning to articulate your strengths clearly and confidently.
2. Career Gaps Are Normal — Just Explain Them Simply!
Whether caused by caring responsibilities, burnout, redundancy, or personal projects, gaps are no longer a red flag. In the post‑COVID world, recruiters see them all the time. A simple, factual explanation is enough.
3. Sector Transitions Are Absolutely Possible
Non-profit → Corporate? Corporate → Non-profit? Anna explains how transferable skills (budgeting, leadership, marketing, operations, partnerships) translate across sectors. Your value goes far beyond the label of where you’ve worked.
4. Your CV Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect — It Needs to Be Clear
The strongest CVs:
- Highlight achievements, not just responsibilities
- Use numbers to quantify impact
- Avoid over‑designed formatting
- Tell a cohesive story of your experience
5. Salary Conversations Should Reflect the Value of the Role
Anna encourages candidates, especially women, not to anchor themselves to past pay. Research comparable roles and state the salary the job warrants.
6. Recruitment Behind the Scenes: What Candidates Don’t See
Anna shares how good recruitment is deeply human, transparent, and supportive.
- How recruiters brief clients
- What happens when hundreds of applications arrive
- How candidates are scored and shortlisted
- Why feedback sometimes falls through the cracks
Watch the Full Conversation
Take the Next Step in Your Career Journey
If this conversation sparked something in you, don’t let the momentum fade! Whether you’re navigating a transition, rebuilding confidence, or exploring new directions, support is available.
Visit Lucy’s website and follow (@LucyOnLife) for thoughtful interviews, reflections, and practical career wisdom.
Follow Prospectus for sector insights, job opportunities, and guidance from recruiters like Anna who champion candidate‑centred recruitment.
