Essential Steps Towards a Career Change

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There are times in life when we lose track of our actual purpose and passions. Maybe you’re stuck in a monotonous job without any growth potential, or you may be following a routine that leads nowhere. 

As women in this developing and fast-paced world, we must always stay on our toes and keep developing our perspective of success. Redefine things when you think you’ve entered a strut. A career change is one major step that can improve satisfaction levels and help you work on your redefined purpose in life. 

Are you ready for a new challenge? Are you looking to step into a new industry? Do you want to follow the dreams you had as a child? There can be several compelling reasons motivating you into a career change. More women than ever before are considering a career change today; why? Because we don’t accept mediocrity anymore! 

Whatever the reason behind it, a career change can be a daunting experience. So take a look at some essential steps to take for a career change. 

Redefine and Identify Your Purpose 

You’ll likely go through multiple career changes in life. This is partly because our interests and the circumstances around us change and develop over time. However, before you make this decision, you must understand what you’re looking to get out of your next career. 

Some of the common factors motivating your purpose could be: 

  • New challenges in life 
  • More flexibility 
  • More passion 
  • Career progression + opportunities for growth 
  • Higher salary 
  • Extra stability 
  • Better work-life balance for you and your family 

The purpose you choose and the purpose you find motivating you will be based on your priorities in life. For example, a self-dependent woman will want a career change with more growth and financial prospects, while a woman who perhaps has a family to fend for will wish for a career change with a better work-life balance. 

Research Your Industry 

Research is an integral part of a career change that cannot be neglected at any cost. Spend some time researching and finding out the intricacies of the industry you’re stepping into. Since you are new to that industry, you wouldn’t know everything there is to know about it. 

The bigger your career move, the more research you should put into action. Some factors to look at during your research include: 

  • Job market trends within the industry. Is it worth making the shift? Are there enough jobs with potential? 
  • Salary range in the industry. Is it more than what you currently earn? Is it a motivating factor for you? 
  • Minimum skills and qualifications that are required in the industry you’re transitioning into. 
  • Starting salaries within the industry. This should be a primary research factor if you’re making the shift for monetary reasons. 

There are several resources online that can help you research these factors and hear from people currently working in the industry. 

Catch Up with Transferable Skills 

There could be several skills from your previous work experience and career that you can quite possibly transfer into your new career. Don’t worry, and you won’t have to completely start over, as these transferrable skills will help you settle down and make your mark in your new industry and career. 

Some of the skills that you will be able to transfer with you into the career that your next step into include:

  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Learning quickly
  • Efficiency
  • Reliability
  • Listening skills
  • Punctuality
  • Organizational skills
  • Meeting deadlines
  • Negotiating skills
  • Creativity
  • Learning quickly
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Decision making

Develop Your Skills 

When you make a career change, it is of utmost importance that you also update your skills and broaden the knowledge that you may have previously acquired in your career. The key options you have to develop new skills include: 

Building on Existing Skills 

Even though you’re stepping into a new career, there will be skills from your current job that you can further hone to improve your position in the new career. These skills should be relatively easy to develop further, so start with these. 

Work Experience and Volunteering

You can consider getting some working experience in the new industry through volunteering opportunities around you. This will help get your foot in the door and benefit from some active learning. 

Further Education

Some career changes require further education, which you can most probably get through an online platform. Online learning is a good solution for people still working a 9 to 5 routine. 

Update Your Resume 

Before you make a career change and forward your resume to possible employers in the industry, make sure that you dust off your CV and ensure that it is up-to-date for your new enterprise. Career coaches and resume writers think that making recruiters believe in your career change is often challenging. Your resume does the talking here and should tell recruiters that you are relevant to them. 

Hence, you must highlight skills and experiences from your previous industry that might help you in the new drive. Also, mention any skills and further education you may have acquired recently or are currently acquiring in your resume. Build your case here. 

Some factors to consider while updating your resume include: 

  • Is the outline concise? 
  • Is it easy to read? 
  • What is the length of A4 pages? 
  • Does it sell your experience? 
  • Have you included contact details? 
  • Are there any mistakes? 

Once you follow the steps above, you will probably land an interview at a firm in your new industry. Make sure you are well prepared and ooze confidence and charisma. Remember the reason and purpose motivating you and follow it for success. 

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