What To Consider Before Changing Careers

Commit To The Change

It is possible you simply had an “aha” moment and realized it was time for a career change. Or possibly you have spent a number of years in a current career path and realized it was well past time to find something you were really passionate about.

Regardless of why you have decided to change the status quo in your life in terms of a career, you want to embrace this change and truly own it. You will want to create a career change action plan and begin to set up goals for the job search as you make this dream into a reality.

Rewriting The Resume

Changing your career is not going to require a brand new work history. However, you will need to look over your experience and skills and find a way that you can explain to potential employers how your old career can bring expertise and skills to a new career.

Consider what skills could be easily transferred and highlight those on a resume. Soft skills that will typically include communications, adaptability, problem-solving are generally sought out by employers. Get in touch with Quanta to find your ideal role. Let potential employers know how you were able to use these skills and how they benefited your previous employers. This is going to allow for a hiring manager to understand how you acquired the skills you have without a typical work history.

Filling In The Gaps

You may be looking at your resume and feel as though it is rather thin and you may not have all the skills you need to change careers. However, there are a number of ways in which you can build new skills and gain the experience you need for a much-needed career change. This can include:

– Adult Internships

– Volunteering

– Freelancing

– Side Gigs

Learning To Leverage The Cover Letter

The cover letter is generally thought to be an extension of the resume. This is another opportunity for you to explain why you are the perfect fit for the position. You want to take full advantage of this area and allow a potential employer the ability to understand why you are considering a career change as well as the skill set you are able to bring to a new career.

Strengthen Your Brand

Throughout a long career, your brand has evolved into something you know the ins and outs of. At this juncture, you will be starting over and it is essential to rescreate and renew your brand. Create a pitch as to who you are now and why you are changing careers.

Begin To Network

Networking is one of the most essential and powerful ways to get your brand known and to find golden opportunities. While you may be starting over, this does not mean you are going to have to start your networking efforts from the ground up again.

You can begin by reaching out to current connections and see if they have anyone they can introduce you to or any possible leads. You also want to become involved in any groups that are associated with your new field. In addition, look to social media as to what is new and upcoming related to the field as well as companies you are interested in.

Testing The Waters

For many people, the thought of changing jobs and actually doing it is not an easy process, especially if you are secure in a job. If you are not too certain about the prospect of starting over, you may want to try out a new role instead. Start something on a part time basis or even freelance if possible and see if the type of work you are interested in is fulfilling and interesting to you.