How to avoid career change failure?
When you’re stuck in a career that doesn’t inspire you, it sometimes feels like there’s no way out. However, there is always a solution. Discovering a new career can help you realize your professional dreams, use your natural talents or be a way to enjoy more flexible working conditions.
It can also be the start of something new and exciting when you return to work after taking a break. However, while it may seem like a daunting prospect, changing career paths can bring significant rewards.
Plan your career change
Any major change in life is worth planning. Once you have decided that moving to a new career path is for you, it is important to define how you will do it.
With so many career opportunities available, narrowing down the industries you think you’d like to work in is a smart first step.
Don’t hold back at this stage. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the qualifications to work in your dream field – just focus on your ambitions. Think back to the jobs you considered when you were younger – they might reveal where your true passions lie.
It is important to consider how passionate you are about working in a particular field. Your passion is not only a driver of personal satisfaction, it can also be very attractive to potential employers.
Know your skills and talents
A career change works best when you play to your strengths and use your natural skills and abilities.
List the practical skills you have, such as knowing certain software programs or being able to use certain online tools. Don’t neglect people or soft skills like leadership and communication skills. Basic skills like typing are also worth adding to your list.
So think about which skills you like to use the most and how to apply them in the workplace. If you’re unsure, talk to friends, family, and colleagues to get an opinion on your strengths and weaknesses. Collecting these observations will help you confirm your new career plan.
Be realistic about the market demand
Changing careers requires a combination of ambition and practicality, and at this stage, it’s worth doing your homework to ensure your new career is doable in the long run. You need to make sure you don’t enter a career that may be short-lived.
Spend some time researching the market to make sure your dream job is in demand. Talk to industry leaders to get an idea of how things could change in the future, or check out Robert’s Half Salary Guide for information on market trends.
Bridging the skills gap
If your career change is significant, such as moving from finance to IT, you will likely need to invest in new skills or qualifications. Whether it’s enrolling in evening classes or a weekly internship, it’s an investment that pays off.
It also helps to notice the qualities that companies often demand in job opportunities and compare them to your current skills. If there are gaps, can you fill them in?
Talk to someone who already works in your desired field to get a clear picture of the essential skills for a successful career transition. Or speak to a specialist recruiting consultant for expert advice on the skills you need to be successful in your chosen industry.
Is Another Career Financially Beneficial?
While work can be personally rewarding, it must also meet your financial needs. Be realistic about what your new career is likely to offer on average. Is the salary comparable to your current salary? If not, are there any non-monetary benefits that could offset this?
Robert’s Half Salary Guide can help you learn about salary levels and other benefits for different positions.
Write your resume and apply for a new career
You have charted a new career path, you have worked hard to acquire new qualifications and skills, you have networked and talked to the right people. You are now ready to apply.
Think about how you can showcase your individual experiences, skills, and personalities in a way that will convince hiring managers that you are ready to start over. Clearly explain and organize your best qualities and skills so that recruiters can understand them quickly. Many of the skills you’ve developed over the years are transferable to new types of positions, so be sure to reflect them on your resume and other documents.
Changing career paths isn’t always easy, but many people reinvent their careers with a new position they love. With a little planning, you too can quickly take your career in a whole new direction.
