Making a Career Change: The Whys and Hows
It's common for people to become tired of their jobs after a while, and to seek fresh challenges and activities. Sadly, pursuing a new career path can feel like a daunting task. It's something that many people think about, but few actually achieve. There can be lots of advantages to switching jobs, and many ways to go about it. In this article, we'll discuss the whys and hows of making a career change.
Understand Why You Should Seek A New Career
There are many scenarios where this could be a wise course of action. Perhaps you're bored or unchallenged in your current role. You may not be able to utilize your skills and abilities fully or feel like a round peg in a square hole. Alternatively, your salary may not be commensurate with your experience or qualifications - or it's simply too little to pay your bills. Also, it's not great for your mental health if you feel like you're stuck in a dead-end job.
It's equally demoralizing if the company you work for is downsizing, and your position is at risk. Perhaps you feel like you're in the wrong industry because there's a decreasing market for the goods and services you supply. Finally, you may have trouble maintaining a work/life balance or be experiencing workplace conflict or harassment. All these things could be an indication that you need to consider an alternative career.
Do Plenty Of Online Research
There are a lot of resources available online that can help you learn more about different careers and what they entail. A Google search can quickly reveal a wide range of blogs and specialist articles written by experts, and most of them are free. You can also access plenty of guidance and information by watching Youtube videos. It's also worth checking out LinkedIn as it can connect you to both people and job vacancies.
By doing internet research you can find out salary information and see what kind of qualifications and experience you need for certain roles. If you're interested in helping train trainers you can view graduate success stories, request an information pack, or book a call. This could connect you to face-to-face classes, interactive online classes, or an online self-paced course.
Use Your Resume
This is a document that contains a summary of your skills, experience, and education. It should be updated regularly (at least once a year) to ensure that it remains accurate and relevant to your current situation. Be sure to:
include any new jobs, promotions, or responsibilities you've taken on since your last update
add any new skills you've acquired (e.g. through training courses or on-the-job learning)
add details of any new qualifications you've acquired
remove any outdated information
Each time you apply for a job you'll need to send this to your potential employer. Always tailor your resume to each specific vacancy, rather than using a generic version time after time. Here are some helpful tips:
Use a clear and concise format that's easy to read
Highlight the most relevant information for each job you apply for
Use keywords that are likely to be used by employers when searching for candidates (e.g. if you're applying for a job as a social media specialist, include keywords such as 'social media’, 'Twitter', 'Facebook', etc.).
Do Some Networking
This is a great way to learn about different careers and connect with people who are already in the field you're interested in. You may even be able to make connections that lead to a new job or collaboration opportunity. It could also be a great way to learn about job openings that may not be advertised. There are a few different ways you can network, such as attending events like career fairs or industry conferences.
You could join professional organizations or online communities (e.g. forums, Facebook groups, LinkedIn networks) related to your field of interest. And of course, you can always reach out to local people you know personally. When networking, it's important to remember that you're not just trying to sell yourself - you're also trying to build relationships. Be sure to focus on developing genuine connections with people and providing value.
At the end of the day, you need to be realistic about your skills and personality, and your chances of thriving in a new career. Be certain as to why it's a wise decision and how you're going to make the change. If it all comes together, however, this could be the beginning of an exciting and lucrative new chapter in your life.