How To Make A Career Change – 5 Tips to Make IT Happen
There are so many ifs and buts about switching jobs; getting started is the hardest. Where will I go? Will I have to take less money? Will anyone even hire me?
And then you think, ‘ Maybe I should just stay in the job I have now. ‘
No! To move to a new job or career, you must start initially.
How To Make A Career Change (5 Tips):
Are you feeling stuck in your current career? Do you find yourself daydreaming about a different job or industry?
Making a career change can be daunting, but it can also lead to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment. Here are five ways to make a successful career change.
#1 – Do Your Research:
This is the most important place to start. Doing your research is essential to getting yourself going. So many of us get stuck in the same old job because we don’t know our options.
See what jobs are out there that you might be interested in, whether in your or another industry.
See what jobs are in alignment with your skillset. You have many skills that you have acquired over the years, which could be useful in various industries.
Research the industries you are interested in, even if it ‘ s the ones you already work in. Things change so quickly these days, and staying up to date is important if you are putting yourself out there.
Information is power, especially when it comes to a job search.
#2 – Update Your Resume And Your Cover Letter:
This is very important. Whether you have been in the same job for 3 years or 30, an updated resume and cover letter are essential. And using the correct format is essential.
Resumes and cover letters these days are no longer read by potential employers but rather scanned. There are so many job applicants that all potential employers have time to do.
Make your resume and cover letter succinct and to the point, very clearly highlighting your skills and experience. Use dot whacks, not full sentences, for easy scanning. Put your most relevant skills near the top of your resume as many employers don ‘ t get more than a quarter down the page before they move on.
Never, ever, ever indicate anywhere that you lack skills. You might be, but you don ‘ t need to tell your potential employer before it is necessary, if ever.
#3 – Apply, Apply, Apply:
Once you have your resume up to date, start applying.
There are a variety of sites where jobs are posted. Locate the ones in your industry and check them daily. The same with companies that you are interested in working for. They post their jobs in the human resources section of their websites. Checking them regularly will ensure you don ‘ t miss out on any opportunities.
Don ‘ t hold back. Apply for any jobs that interest you. There are so many job applicants these days that it might take some time before you get a callback. Or not, because your resume is awesome!
Another important thing to do is reach out to your contacts. The best way to get an interview is through a personal recommendation. So use those contacts. That ‘ s what they are there for.
#4 – Brush Up On Your Interview Skills:
How long has it been since you have had a job interview? A year? 10 years? Interviewing can be like riding a bike in that you remember how to even if you haven ‘ t for a while, but practicing will make sure you don ‘ t fall off.
When you land an interview, take a few minutes and consider some questions they might ask you. Think about what you might answer and practice speaking those answers out loud. Work with a friend or with your mirror. But do it! Practice ‘ ¦
#5 – Don ‘ t Give Up:
Again, like #1, this is key.
Applying for a job can be frustrating and disheartening. So many people are out there applying for jobs, and it can be hard to stand up and be noticed.
But you will be. Put your best self out there as often as possible, and you will be discovered and allowed to shine.
Don ‘ t give up until you get the job of your dreams.
No one should be stuck in a job that they have outgrown. Don ‘ t let indecision and the unknown keep you from seeking a new job.
Wrapping Up!
Making a career change can be daunting, but the right approach can lead to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment. Assess your current career, acquire new skills and education, network and build connections, create a strong resume and cover letter, and be open and adaptable to new opportunities.
Take the first step toward your desired career today!
Looking for more ways to successfully change your career? Contact me now, and I can help!
I am a NYC based Certified Life Coach and mental health advocate. My writing has been published on The Huffington Post, Prevention, Psych Central, Pop Sugar, MSN and The Good Man Project, among others. I work with all kinds of people to help them go from depressed and overwhelmed to confident and happy in their relationships and in their world.
My brother has done some great things with networking.
Actually, forget the word “networking” and instead think “catch up”.
Work your connections for catch-ups with those in your field or desired new arena.
Even 20 minutes a day setting appointments changes everything.
Just start with research. Absolutely the first step. So many blogs, like yours offer great advice.
Being current is important. Grab a friend and go out for a resume updating workshop at the local whatever. Make it fun.
Love your can do attitude Mitzi.