Top Tips For Switching Careers

You might be ripe for a career change if you find that you are bored and tired of your current line of work. For a seamless transition into a new line of work, we encourage you to follow the five tips described below.  

1. Find The Reason Behind Your Desire To Switch Careers

Why do you want to switch careers? Find the answer to this question before launching yourself head first into a new line of work. Take the time to put down your own list of pros and cons of your past and current jobs. What motivates you? What type of work environment do you think you would thrive in? Write down the answers to these questions as well. Also include any qualities you prefer in an employer, your attitude towards jobs that require you to work on new projects as well as your preference when it comes to working on your own versus working as part of a larger team. When all this is done, you will have a clear description of what you are looking for in a new career, as well as what you would like to avoid.   

2. Find Out More About Your Viable Options 

Find out more about some of the careers you are interested in, while considering the list of qualities you jotted down in the above step. To ensure that the line of work you are considering comes with the job security and opportunities you seek, dig deeper and learn more about where it’s headed in the future. When it comes to researching the projected performance of different industries over the next decade, take advantage of the Occupational Outlook Handbook that’s available for free from the Department of Labor. For more information on what is available, look at job boards published on Glassdoor, Indeed, Monster and other popular websites. Consider familiarizing yourself with careers in securities, insurance and financial planning when it comes to the financial services sector.  

3. Volunteer and Conduct Informational Interviews 

Conducting informational interviews with professionals that are already working in an industry you are interested in will help you find out whether it is really what you want. To find potential interviewees work the contacts in your network, research online or LinkedIn. This will also help to teach you how to prepare for an interview. You can also find out if a given industry is exactly where you want to be by taking up a part time job or volunteering in it. Before you fully commit to a new career path, try it out first.   

If you find your next career move here’s how to write a compelling CV.

4. Establish A Network 

Without a network of reliable contacts, breaking into a new industry can be quite challenging. Your transition into a new career will be smoother if you establish a network of mutually beneficial relationships with recruiters, industry experts and employers among others. Whether you choose to do it over the internet or in person, there are many ways you can use to establish relationships. You can start by attending events meant for networking. Furthermore, consider joining and participating in LinkedIn groups as well. You will not only get the opportunity to meet new people but also provide assistance where necessary, for instance by pointing out useful resources, thus giving them the opportunity to reciprocate.   

5. Take Advantage Of Your Transferable Skills 

Lack of experience in a given industry is one of the main reasons why most people are afraid of moving to a new line of work. During interviews and in written documents such as your resume and cover letter, be sure to market your transferable skills. Take stock of your transferable skills after finding out which skills are needed in your new career. It might come as a surprise to you that you are already highly qualified for your new line of work.