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So, you realized that you are unhappy in your career, and you’re ready to make a change.
Congratulations! Acknowledging what’s wrong is the first step, and it’s always the hardest.
Now that you’ve determined that changing career paths is the right thing to do, it’s time to start doing something about it. It can be overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! Today we bring you some of the best tips to help you get started and enjoy the process.
1. Take Inventory of Skills and What You Like
Think about the job you’re leaving. What did you like most? Also, think about the things you disliked about the job. Take note of the events that strike a chord, write about how they made you feel and why. The point of this is to determine what job satisfaction looks like to you so you can seek that in your new career.
It’s equally important, if not more, to take inventory of your skills, both personal and professional, your values, and your interests. Think back on a time where you feel successful and fulfilled. What were you doing? Was it a job, a hobby, an internship, volunteer work? What skills contributed to your success at that time, and how can you apply that today?
2. Determine if You Want to Change Industries
If you want to change career paths, you need to determine how you want to do that. Do you want to get a different position in the same industry? Do you want to go into an adjacent industry? Or do you want to change industries altogether? Determining this is key, so be honest with yourself and consider your skill inventory.
3. Weigh Your Options
Whether you want to stay in the same industry, go into an adjacent industry, or change industries, you need to get informed about your career options. Brainstorm career ideas based on your skills, values, and needs to find your way. If you can’t find something that clicks on your own, you can always turn to career counseling, which can be of great help.
4. Do Your Research
Once you have settled on a new career option, you have to do your research to understand what this new career path entails and find a fast-growing field where you can thrive. The best way to learn more about a field is by talking to professionals in that field, so talk to people you already know or make new connections.
5. Create a Plan
Creating a plan of action is all about defining a clear goal and laying out the milestones that will get you there. You’ve already done your research, so you already know your new career path; now, you have to identify what it takes to get there. That includes certification, education, skill development, networking events, etc. Break everything down into steps and give yourself a realistic timeline.
6. It’s Time to Rebrand
You can’t go into a new career path with the same resume, cover letter, and social media profiles that got you your last job. That’s why it’s time to rebrand and highlight the things about yourself and your personal and professional experiences that make you perfect for this new career path you’re taking.
7. Rewrite Your Resume
By this point, you’ve made a list of all your skills, you’ve researched your new career path, you’ve read tons of job descriptions, and you know what you can bring to the table. When you rewrite your resume for a new career, you have to bring to the light all the relevant skills and experiences that make you the right fit for the job.
This takes a bit of creativity and introspection. Look at all the skills you gained in your last job and determine which ones can be redirected towards your new career path. Don’t overreach, though, be reasonable and honest in your resume.
Also, don’t forget to include some non-professional experience in there. Employers don’t only want to know about your skills, and they also want to know about your values, so mention hobbies, volunteer work, side hustles, etc. These are all things that can evidence your values and skills at the same time.
There are many resume formats you can work with, so take the time to consider the options and choose the one that works best for you. Chronological resumes are the most used, but that doesn’t mean they’re the most effective. Functional resumes are often the best option for someone changing careers, so look into it.
Lastly, your resume doesn’t have to be exhaustive; it just has to be targeted. You don’t have to list every position you’ve ever had and every accomplishment you’ve ever made, even if they don’t relate to the job you’re seeking. Include your greatest hits and the highlights that will be more attractive to the hiring managers in the field; that’s how you’ll get their attention.
And I will repeat it:
Get profesional help on writing your new resume.
8.Put Your Network to Work
Reach out to contacts in the field you’re interested in and speak with professionals you know. This can open many doors, and it’s great to have references, so use your network. You can reach out via text, email, social media, or even on the phone. But get out there and find opportunities to job shadow whenever possible.
9. Work on Your Skills
Working on your skills is something you should never stop doing. It keeps your mind sharp, and it keeps you up to date on common practices and trends. The market is constantly changing, so consider working on your skills and seeking additional education. There are plenty of college courses, online courses, and even continuing-education classes you can take advantage of.
10. Keep Yourself Motivated
Last but not least, keep yourself motivated. Changing career paths can be a lot of work, and at times things may not move at the pace you want them to. That doesn’t mean you should give up, though. Keep your eye on your goal, track your progress, celebrate small victories, and keep going!