Do you have a job that is unfulfilling? People change careers for various reasons, but mainly they seek a job that better fits their needs and desires. We’re on the constant search for the perfect career- the career that we’re going to love and that’s going to love us back by giving us all the perks and benefits we seek that fulfill that desire for the perfect career.
Changing careers is can be challenging, but here are some tips on that can make the big shift easier.
1. Be prepared for a decrease in income. You may be at a good position in your present career right now, but once your change careers you’re more than likely going to have to work your way up again. Starting at the bottom means earning less than those at the top, so expect a decrease in income and possibly find other ways to supplement your income while you work at your new job.
2. Make networking your main priority. When you search for your new job, it’s important to network with those in the career field you’re looking at joining. We all know how important it is to network, so it’s vital to take the contacts you have at your current job and see if you can find any connections that will lead you to your new career. A way to make new connections in your new career is to search for contacts in the field of interest on LinkedIn and add them. Attend conferences and make new connections there. Think about starting a professional blog on the career you want to attract others in the same field.
3. Tailor your skills to the career you want by taking a class or volunteering at an organization that needs the skills you’re looking to apply in your new career. Doing this will also tailor your resume for the job you want.
4. Stay informed on your desired career by reading the top blogs on the industry. You can also use twitter to follow leaders in the industry that will post the latest information on the industry.
5. Find a mentor that will help guide you throughout your career change process. Seek someone that has experience in the career you desire to have. They can offer you insider advice and possible connections that can lead to a job interview.
6. Once you’ve landed that interview to that new job you’re looking for make sure to emphasize where you want to go with this career and leave any conversation of your past job behind, except for the skills you learned. Talking about your skills and making them connect to how you will utilize them in your new career will show you’re prepared for the job despite your lack of experience in the field.
Don’t forget to maintain a positive go-getter attitude throughout the entire process. Sometimes you may find some bumps in the road to your new career, but if you remain confident in your abilities and skills, that will shine through once you interview for the job. This may be hard if you’re changing careers not based on personal desires and more because of the negative outlook in your current field, so it’s your responsibility to keep positive because those with a positive outlook will impress hiring managers.
SOURCE: US News
IMAGE: Courtesy of the Life Quake
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