Changing careers can be an exciting time. When you’re tired of your old job, looking for something new, looking for better opportunities, better pay, or better work-life balance, it can be a relief to finally start thinking of a career change and putting a plan in action. You can feel revitalized thinking about all of the options you have to consider and all of the positivity that will come from the much-needed job change.
But at the same time, a career change can also be stressful and daunting. The job search could be more difficult if you’re looking to jump in a completely new field when you have little to no work experience in it. You might feel underqualified. Or you might feel nervous to take such a big leap.
But if you’re looking for a career change, you can ensure a smooth transition with these tips.
1. Do Your Research
You might know for certain that you want to leave your current job, company, and industry behind and never look back. But you might not know what your future holds. Before you jump into a career change, do your research. Focus on identifying a field that is strong, that you’re passionate about getting into, but that might have similarities to your current industry experience.
Need help? Here’s a good place to start: Talk to former colleagues with similar roles who have moved on to different careers. Consider what companies will accept your previous experience and see it as an asset, rather than irrelevant.
2. Update Your Resume
As you know, your resume and cover letter should be targeted to your desired role or industry, so your current resume will need to be updated. Use keywords and terminology used in your desired industry. Discuss your experience and skills in a way that highlights how they’re relevant to the new roles and fields you’ve set your sights on. Play down the industries of your former roles and play up the similarities to your targeted industry instead. Focus your ability to deliver results rather that your specific experience. If you’ve worked in several industries before, mention this to show how adaptable you are.
Consider getting professional resume writing help if you’re stuck on this step.
3. Network
Of course, much of the job search requires networking. This is one of the best ways to learn about unadvertised positions, get tips, and get referrals and recommendations. Your new updated resume might not be enough to get you through the gatekeepers when you have little to no experience in the industry. The art of networking can give you a boost in your job search. Attend professional groups, trade shows, or networking events in the field you’re looking to break into. Identify connections in your current network that work in your targeted industry and pick their brain over a cup of coffee to gain additional insights.
4. Let Your Passion Shine
Hiring managers often prioritize cultural fit when hiring. Even if you do not have quite as much relevant experience as other applicants, you can still position yourself competitively by letting your passion for the new industry shine. If you can successfully explain why you’re interested in the industry and why the company you’ve applied to is so appealing, you could beat out the more experienced applicants.
5. Consider Temp Work
If your career change isn’t going as smoothly as you hoped and you’re not getting any callbacks from hiring managers, consider temp work. A temporary staffing agency can help you get your foot in the door, help you gain much-needed experience in the field, and help you really zero in on the positions and companies that you want to work in.
Get the help you need with your career change. Contact Liberty Staffing.
