Changing Careers
8 Tips for a Smooth Transition Between Careers
1. Research the Career
2. Connect with a Professional
3. ID Transferable Skills
4. Seek Additional Training or Education
5. Volunteer in Positions Related to Your Intended Career
Volunteer in positions related to your intended career. While you probably can’t commit to a full time internship while also holding down a full time job, you can often find weekend or evening activities that will help you add skills that will enhance your resume. If you can intern it is very beneficial because your employer will already know you and your character.
6. Utilize Social Media Networking
7. Prepare a Resume that Highlights Your Skills
Prepare a resume that highlights your skills and the strengths that you developed in your previous career or through additional eduction or training. Using the a functional resume will highlight the skills that you have developed in your other positions. The functional resume lists each major skill as a heading and then lists a few achievements related to the skill. This style minimizes any work experience that doesn’t enhance your job prospects in the new field while maximizing exposure for skills and abilities gained through volunteer work, internships, or other activities.
8. Be Persistent
Be persistent and keep trying to make the change, even if it takes a while to find the right employer that is willing to give you a chance in your new career choose. In the current job market there are many applicants for each available position, and employers may have quite a few qualified candidates to select from. Networking, preparing a great resume, gaining additional training, and volunteering should help career changers enhance their job prospects.