Changing your career can often be a scary prospect. Whether that is because you feel that you want to do something else. Perhaps you like the idea of persuading a passion, earning more money, working for yourself or learning new skills. The problem with any sort of career is that you tend to need to make the decision early on in your life. Fresh out of school, you either know what you want to do, or you don’t. Some people then fall into jobs that just become their careers. Perhaps because they move up the ladder, and find that they are good at it because of the experience they have gained.
But the reality is, that you get many opportunities to change your career and do something you love. The problem many people face is having the courage to make the change, or knowing what they want to do. If you have one without the other you are likely to never take that leap of faith. However, if you do find yourself in the middle of wanting to change your career and really go for something different then you may be wondering what steps you should take. I thought I would share with you what some of them are.
Really figure out what you want to do
When it comes to changing your career you really need to think outside of the box and take time out to ensure you are making the right decision. The main problem is the not knowing. But if you do have an incline as to what career path might suit you at this stage in your life then doing plenty of research is going to help you figure out your next moves. It might be that you like thousand of something, but have no clue where to start to even make it your career. It could be that you feel a particular industry would be of interest so the next port of call would be to decide on what job or direction would suit your skills or perhaps allow you to take a step into that industry. Knowing what you want to do and then having the confidence to pursue it are two essential factors.
Do you have the right skills for the job?
The next thing to think about would be your current skills and knowledge. Do you currently have what is required to work in the industry you want or in the job that you want to do? This is when you might need to do a little research into whether or not certain degrees or qualifications are need to help you take that step into a new career. It could be that a career in Data Science, for example, will require you to learn about new software programs, or brush up on analytical skills and knowledge. A career in nursing or healthcare might require you to have medical knowledge and qualifications beforehand. Knowing the skills and knowledge needed is essential to help you take the right steps in your new career choice.
Work on your resume to get a foot in the door
Your resume is your chance to get a foot in the door when it comes to your new career, so it needs to really shine. By that I mean have all of your relevant experience but also a little bit about you. It is a big opportunity to be seen for an interview, and what is on that resume document or piece of paper could be the difference between getting the interview, and not getting one. First of all, start with the basics. A little bit about who you are and what you are all about, as well as the main basic information like date of birth, contact details and address. There is a lot of information online about creating a good base for your resume. The next thing would be to list qualifications and previous job history. If you do know the industry you want to get into then a good idea would be to tailor your previous experience around the new job. Make sure that not only do you highlight what you did, but also how that experience will benefit the new job or industry you want to work in.
First impressions count for a lot
We all know that first impressions count. Your resume is one of the first ways that you can make a decent first impression but it doesn’t stop there. If you do manage to get an interview then you really need to consider the impression you make there. Think about how you present yourself. For starters, ensure that you look presentable. It is small things like ensuring your hair is right, that you are wearing clean and fresh clothes and that your outfit is interview appropriate. If you are unsure about to what to wear for an interview there are plenty of guides online to steer you in the right direction. Make sure you appear fresh. So an early night the night before and avoiding strong smelling foods that longer such as curry or garlic would be advisable.
Could you improve your interview technique?
Finally, the way you conduct yourself at the interview is the final piece of the puzzle. An interviewer will sask you questions relevant to the new job, but they will also ask you things about your previous job experience, the skills you have and a little about yourself and your background. There are certain things you can prepare for. For example, your skills, the things you like to do in your spare time, what motivates you. These could all be things that are asked of you that you could prepare your answers. In terms of the new job, the best advice would be to research the company and job before the interview. So you feel safe in the knowledge of what you might be asked. Preparation is key for an interview, and so practice could be an option. Be that with friends or family.
I hope that these tips help you to change your career and finally have a job that you love and feel passionate about.
