Turn the story of your disparate job history into an asset in search

“I have been underemployed and frustrated for almost a decade now — and not by choice,’’ said Hardiman, 50, a Boston resident who has taken a number of positions, including as a real estate agent and an administrative assistant.

Since the collapse of her business, Hardiman has had to go back to the proverbial drawing board. She knew it would be difficult to return to her profession of choice, interior design, since jobs were still scarce and her skills were dated. After a stint in the nonprofit sector, Hardiman decided to seek a Boston Globe Career Makeover to help her figure out how to parlay her varied experience into a full-time job.

“How do I get a meaningful and sustainable job in this economy? I need divine providence,’’ said Hardiman, who met with career specialist Kathy Robinson of Turning Point, a Boston-area career and business consulting firm.

With Hardiman’s diverse background, her most difficult challenge, said Robinson, would be telling the story of her career path and related objectives without having it seem disjointed. “How you refer to yourself is crucial. When you introduce yourself at a party, what do you say?’’ Robinson said. “You’ve done seemingly disparate things, including volunteer management, corporate design projects, and an entrepreneur ial stint; for networking purposes, you need a topic sentence.’’

She suggested that the best way to blend all of Hardiman’s various work experience together for a five-second pitch is a lighthearted comment such as “I’m a type of hybrid: two-parts interior designer and one-part nonprofit manager’’ or “I’m a free agent at the moment and looking for something full time if you happen to hear of anything.’’

Robinson also suggested that Hardiman consider jobs that incorporate both housing knowledge and nonprofit management, perhaps in roles such as affordable housing administration. In the meantime, since interior design professionals are expected to demonstrate their competency in all areas, Robinson said Hardiman should consider pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design accreditation, a green building credential. The Boston Society of Architects, a professional society for the building industry, offers introductory classes for LEED as well as for Revit, modeling software that Hardiman needs to know to get up to speed.

Once she updates her technology training, Hardiman’s long track record will be an asset, Robinson said. “Design clients want experience, not an untried novice,’’ she said.

As a longtime design professional, Robinson said Hardiman also should make connections within her industry by volunteering as a mentor or as a committee member for local design schools or at the Boston Society of Architects or the American Society of Interior Designers. “Board or subcommittee members are usually individuals who are connected with those who are hiring,’’ Robinson said.

As a follow-up after their meeting, Hardiman e-mailed Robinson, disappointed because she had just heard that she hadn’t gotten an internship manager position that she had been vying for at a nearby college of art and design. “I am very disappointed, because I felt my skills and experience level was a perfect match,’’ Hardiman said.

Robinson responded with words of consolation. “Even David Ortiz doesn’t hit a home run every time he gets up to bat. So you truly can’t expect to get every role you interview for. Use each at-bat as a chance to explore different directions your career can go.’’

Robinson’s parting advice: “Understand that a ‘no’ is not about you, but about the fact they happened to find someone who matched the skill set even a little more closely. Your job is to keep getting back on the horse.’’

To be considered for a Career Makeover, send an e-mail to careermakeover@globe.com.