Have you reached a point of saturation in your career? Is there no scope for growth in it anymore? If you’ve realized this isn’t what you want to do for the rest of your life, a career change at this point is essential. You don’t have to love doing what you did a few years back. If a career change is on your mind, this guide is exclusively for you. We’ve got some tips for a smooth transition into a different career.
Table of Contents
1. Figure out the “why”
People experience drastic changes in their lives as well as in their careers. External factors might act as the driving force behind a voluntary career change. However, you need to identify the reason first. While technological evolution is making certain careers redundant, it has opened a pool of exciting new career opportunities. This is a classic example of one of the external disruptions. On the contrary, internal disruptions involve changing our passions, likes, change, hobbies, etc.
2. Acquire the skill set required.
Learning is your only gateway to making a switch to a different career. The first step toward a successful career transition is to enroll in a course to get certified. Find out what skill is required for you to make a switch. Is it a soft skill or a technical skill? Whatever it may be, a course will familiarize you with the skill set.
These courses not only provide valuable knowledge but also demonstrate your commitment and dedication to potential employers during the career transition process. In your pursuit of certifications, it’s essential to select reputable and recognized programs that hold value in the job market. Look for certifications from well-established institutions or industry-leading organizations to maximize the impact on your resume and enhance your chances of landing a new job in your desired field. For those looking to enter the world of finance and investment, mastering the Series 7 practice questions by Career Employer can prove immensely beneficial. By investing time and effort into continuous learning and gaining relevant certifications, you’ll not only gain confidence in your abilities but also demonstrate to potential employers that you are committed to excelling in your new career path.
If you want to move into an industry that requires qualifications you haven’t been exposed to yet, there’s an urgent need to enroll in an additional course. Besides making you industry ready, the course will also add weight to your CV.
3. Keep an open mind
While it’s strongly recommended to be sure about what you’re looking for, it’s equally important to keep an open mind. You never know when an opportunity with a better-suited role will knock at your door. While planning your career pivot, brainstorm all the roles and industries that match your values and skills. Are you confused about what career would be best fitted for you? Seek advice from a career coach or email people you admire on professional platforms.
4. Prepare
Once you arrive at a decision and make up your mind about a certain career path, embark on the journey right away! Start connecting with potential recruiters from the industry. Share your CV with them. One such professional platform for finding a pool of opportunities is Jobsier. Know that your CV will determine whether your application will land in the pile of trash or secure your dream job. Keep the CV as succinct as possible. A maximum of five sentences should cover yourself, what you bring, and your long-term career goal.
5. Take care of the finances.
Career changing could be financially draining, But that’s not unavoidable if you plan out your transition in advance. You’ve to tighten things for a limited period. Below are some of the financial considerations you should take into account:
- Expenditure on training, certification, or education
- Ways to cover your livelihood till you find the next job
You can overcome these issues by increasing your savings during your last working months before transitioning. Cut down expenses a little and expand your savings account to prepare for a couple of months of unemployment before you bag your dream job.
6. Connect
Apart from the recruiters, connect with your friends already working in the company you’re aiming for. Referral schemes at their workplace will benefit both them as well as you. Ask your friend a favor to put forward you as a recommendation for a job role in their company. Maintain contacts with people across industries you want to work in. Such people will update you regarding the latest opportunities and assist you while transitioning your career.
7. Interview tips
Let’s say that you’ve got a couple of interviews lined up. Now you must wonder how to go about it. A major drawback of career transitioning is that you come with work experience from a completely different industry, which isn’t applicable here. However, your course certificate will be there to balance the gap. The best thing to do here is to point out your skill sets from your previous career and link it to the requirement of the job you’ve applied for.
Conclusion
It’s time to make a switch when you feel not contended with your career. Don’t ignore the unsatisfactory feeling lying around in your gut. You don’t have to simply put up with your career. There should be a passion for it instead of coercion. Stick to the tips above, and you’ll have a smooth career transition.