Many are apprehensive when it comes to changing career but there is no doubt doing so can revitalise your life. Successful change comes from mature attitudes and just about anything is possible if you want it enough and are willing to do the work rather than rely on luck.
When considering a change of career, there are 4 vital rules:
1. Ask yourself why you want to change
Be rigorous in finding out exactly what is motivating your desire for change, otherwise you risk finding a new job with the same problems you encountered in the one you left. Reasons for seeking an alternative career vary from the simple, e.g. to earn more money, to the complex, maybe you feel jaded and fed up with your current position, but are not entirely sure why.
Take a close look at your working life to see which aspects you would like to change: is it the actual content of your job and if so why? Perhaps it is possible to gain promotion, to move to another department or area, or to receive more training to overcome difficulties in your current job.
2. Make your switch seem like the logical next step
In your CV, application and interview process be clear you’re aware of the differences between your old industry and your target one, and your transferable skills are the reason why your switch will be a success. Transferable skills are often overlooked by career changers but are desired by almost every employer:
Analysis & Decision Making, Commercial Awareness, Creativity, Customer Focus, Influence & Communication, Leadership & Team Working, Planning & Organising, Self-Management
3. People who get the job already know the job well
Whatever change you make it is vital to study in detail the company, industry, relevant news, competition, jargon, skills needed and attitudes / culture that prevails; there is general information available online but it would be better to talk to those with first-hand experience; the greater the fluency of your knowledge the more convincing you will sound as a potential employee.
4. Good applications are 100% relevant
Your CV needs to describe your projected future, not dwell in your past, no matter how successful you have been. It must place emphasis on skills and experience that are transferable and will actually match your new type of role. Previous achievements should relate specifically to the job you’re applying for and you should exclude all irrelevant points.
In the absence of time travel we only get one shot at our career. Don’t let apprehension get in the way.
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