Changing course

Consider doing this:

Instead of:

Think through the following questions:

• What’s the motivation behind the change?
• Have you talked to a trusted mentor about what’s not working?

Rushing into a new field because you’re dissatisfied with your current circumstances.

Take time to fully assess your preferences, values, strengths likes/dislikes and goals.

• What excites you?
• Is the career you’re considering something you’re passionate about?
• Does the career take advantage of your strengths, skills and your preferences?

Limiting yourself to similar careers that don’t capitalize on your strengths, skills and preferences.

Ask yourself; “Do I have what it takes for this career?”

• Learn about the skills and credentials for the field you’re considering
• Then network with people in the industry to find out what’s important to the hiring managers in that field, and what skills and experience are required.
• Consider volunteering to gain skills.

Not having a clear understanding of what it takes to break into the new field.

Reworking your resume.

• Re-phrase and reorganize your skills to highlight your qualifications for the new career.
• Pay attention to job descriptions and use key words in your resume
• Look for transferable skills; a hobby, volunteer experience that maps to job description. For example, a teacher may leverage communication skills used in the classroom (delivering presentations, facilitating group discussions, persuading others and writing reports) to a new career in consulting.

Using the same resume that got you hired for your previous career and not showcasing your transferable skills.

Using a resume format suited for career changers; either a combination format, which is a chronological-style resume that leads with a qualifications summary. This format is great to use when you have transferable skills from previous jobs. The summary highlights some of your most relevant qualifications to easily point them out to the hiring manager.

Or a functional format, which allows you to emphasize your related skills and downplay your work history.  Works well if you’re pursuing a career that is very different than what you’ve done before.

Sticking with the standard / traditional chronological format.  

Be patient. Change may take time. Making the change from one career to another might take time. Lean on mentors for guidance and support.

Getting disheartened at the slow pace of your development as switching careers takes time.