Sometimes we need to get to the point where we can have the confidence to change our careers and finally do something that we feel proud of. It’s often hard to take that leap of faith when you either are unsure of the direction to take or just simply lack the confidence for such a big thing as a career change.
After all, many of us don’t get to do the dream job when we first start out in the working world. We often find ourselves in a job that just pays the bills and leaves us unsatisfied at the end of the working day. It doesn’t have to be this way, though. You can make career focused steps and finally have a job that you feel passionate about. Here are 4 steps to a successful work transition.
Think about What You Want to Do
One of the first things to think about is, what it is that you want to do? You may know that you need to change your career, but what is it that you want to do and what is it that you feel passionate about?
Taking the time to think about what you want out of a job will help you to make the right choice and avoid the potential disapointment of landing up in a job later that’s not really what you were looking for. So, whether it’s similar to what you do now or whether it is a complete u-turn that requires you to gain fresh qualifications, be sure in your decision.
Does Your Resume Speak Highly of Your Experience?
The next thing to think about is whether or not your resume is doing you harm or helping you in this career change process. Not all of us completely update our resumes often. Sure you may add on your previous job experience and change the contact details, but do you tailor the resume to suit your new job search?
If not, then you might want to start doing that. There are certain things that you can to ensure that your resume stands out from the crowd. You can look at resume templates online and really work on the resume from start to finish. There could be as fair bit of competition out there, so give yourself a fighting chance to be seen and get the interview.
Seek out Opportunities and Methods to Try
Finding a job might not be a simple as it sounds. That’s the reality of the working world! If that’s the case, then you might need to be a little more proactive when it comes to the opportunities available to you.
Seek out options that companies are advertising publicly on their websites, for example. This activity can be a great way to network and have them keep your details on file if they don’t offer you something right away.
You could also think about enlisting the help of an agency to help find the right job. They can sift through all the possibilities and present you with the best possible options to match what you seek for a career change.
Rock the Interview and Land the Job
The last thing to make sure that you do is rock the interview. This can be the hardest element because it’s often nerving as a woman to sell someone on the strength of your abilities and be confident.
That’s especially true if this is a new job role or career path that you are following. Practice beforehand and present yourself in the best possible way to help calm the nerves and be assured of yourself.
When it is time for a career change, what are some other ways to prepare for it?
I quit my job after second child was born and took a while to adapt but don’t regret it and now that kids are a bit older and I have time I had the luxury to be able to go back full time to my old passion : writing .it started as a joke, continued as a challenge and now I really feel it like it is my career 😀I published one book, the second is on the way and I feel extremely good.busy but happy.
How wonderful to hear of your accomplishments in both career and motherhood, my friend!
Thank you, Christy, for sharing your post on career changes. The best advice is to get into the industry and see what the opportunities are. It took me almost a year to find a job in my field after I graduated from college, and then I switched gears on my career within two years based on opportunities provided with the company. Once you gain a good reputation in your industry, it is easier to find the next job. I agree with the advice above that you need to keep all of your options opens. Have a good day.
Gaining trust of those in the industry is huge. Thanks for sharing your insights on successfully changing jobs, Linnea. Have a lovely weekend!