Feeling stuck in your current career but don't know where to start? Know it's time for a change, but it all feels so overwhelming? It doesn't matter if you're in your 20s or facing a midlife career change. A career switch can feel challenging, especially those first few steps.
At Liberty Staffing Services, we're here to help. We've put together a guide to help you get started.
Know Your Main Motivation
There's not just one reason someone wants a different career. If you're considering changing paths, the first thing to do is identify exactly why and why now. There are three big reasons people want to make a career change:
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Higher Pay: Pay is the driving force behind a lot of career transitions. Financial stability can provide a sense of security and open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
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Work-Life Balance: Many jobs are demanding, and they can take a toll on life outside of work. From long shifts to late nights, poor work-life balance gets many people to start looking for something new so they can enjoy their career but also life outside of it.
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Personal Fulfillment: Everyone wants to feel like they are making a difference with their work. Whether you want something more meaningful, or your ambition stretches beyond the limits of your current career path, personal fulfillment is a great reason to want something else.
Set Your Goals
Once you've got your why, it's time to start looking at the how. The next step is to set goals for yourself and build an action plan. Do you want a vertical transition where you start higher up or a lateral one where you move to a similar ranking in a new career? From there, set smaller goals that are more attainable in the short term, like expanding your professional network or finding a career coach.
List Your Transferable Skills
A lack of experience stops most people from making the career transition they really want. However, many have transferable skills that can help them land the role they want. Perform a self-assessment and identify your strengths. Consider soft skills like communication, problem solving, and emotional intelligence that are crucial in most careers. These skills can be a large factor for employers when attempting a career switch.
Update Your Resume
Now it’s time to show off those skills. Tailor your resume to the role you want, not the one you have. Open with a short summary that explains your new direction, then put your most relevant achievements first. Replace industry jargon with plain language a new employer will understand. Focus on results, such as projects you led, problems you solved, or processes you improved.
Understand the Realities of a Career Switch
Before you go any farther, it’s important to face the realities of a career change. Finding a different career path rarely happens overnight. It takes time and effort. You have to be prepared to deal with rejection, network with new people, and keep going when progress feels slow. You may need to start in a more junior role, take a short course, or build experience through volunteer or contract work. Every conversation and application moves you closer to the right fit.
Work with the Career Experts at Liberty Staffing
You don’t have to make a career switch on your own. Our team works with job seekers across Southern Ontario every day, and we know what employers are looking for. We can help you sharpen your resume, connect you with openings that match your skills, and guide you through each step of the process.
Contact us to start building your next chapter.
