Two Steps to Undertake in a Career Change

Recently Glassdoor reached out to me for an article about changing careers and I provided some insight, which was quoted. In it I discussed the importance of learning about the position and field one aspires to enter. I also discussed the importance of reaching out to the decision makers at companies that career changers are interested in. I’d like to expand on those here.

Preparation for Career Change

• Do Your Due Diligence. The very first step, even before you officially make your decision is to do your research and make sure you’re not falling prey to the mentality that “the grass is always greener on the other side.” Take time to learn about your new chosen career. Make sure you understand the required skills abilities and even the personality type that your potential career needs. The most skilled of scientists may not have the right skill or personality to become a social worker. You should also aim to learn as much as you can about the challenges and problems that individuals on that career path might come up against, as well as how to deal with those challenges and problems. This will help keep you from having some idealized version of the job and then have the brutal realization that the actual work is not something you are interested in.
• Revamp Your Resume. Before any serious job hunting, you’ll want to make your resume into a document that highlights your transferrable skills and experiences and less on the chronology of your previous jobs. A functional resume highlights skills and points less obviously to the dates of your last employment. Even if you don’t have exact experience in your chosen field, you’ll likely have skills that transfer into your new career. For example, if you are trying to get a sales position but all of your experience is in marketing, you can show how your experience in marketing can help to make you a strong salesperson.

• Promote Your Personal Brand. You’ve been in the workforce. Chances are, people who know your work think of your skills and results when they hear your name. Capitalize on that. Reach out to the people who make decisions at companies you’re interested in. Tailor your pitch to the companies, and tell them how you can help them.

If you are trying to switch careers and need help making the transition, then contact ADAM Personneltoday.

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