We have a low-down on the best way to do it!
By Nicki Wilson, Managing Director at Genie
During these crazy times many people have truly looked within and had time to rethink their career path. Whether you are 50 or 21 change will always be unsettling. If you have decided to make that switch in careers the following top tips should help make the move a reality:
Plan of Action
Start by sitting down with a new notepad/an A4 piece of paper/a blank page on your laptop and write down your passions, your areas of interest, what you liked about your previous roles and where you feel you could contribute to a different industry or position. This may seem like a basic practice, but it will give you direction, a plan and something to always refer to.
Follow your passion
What have you always dreamed of doing, having a love for something will make it easier to transition as you will be more inclined to do everything in your power to secure that job you always dreamt of.
What skills are in demand?
Make a list of the skills required for your target role and if there is a skill gap in your experience… get researching, read, sign up to courses or perhaps consider interning or gaining work experience in your desired field. Many candidates come through wanting to switch careers with the same CV they have always sent and expect it to just happen. Any switch requires you to take action.
Network, Network, Network!
Reach out to connections, someone who is already in the field, attend breakfast mornings, trade shows or generally get yourself out there and SHOW UP!
Be Flexible
When considering a career move you must be aware that you may need to take a pay cut to move forward. Re-assess your budget, plan or find ways to supplement your income. That Fendi bag can wait while you create your new future! Of course, using savings, starting a business, having a side hustle or even taking out a loan can also be considered.
Same Same… but Different
Consider a different role but working in the same industry. It will make the transition smoother, and the doors may be easier to open this way. Perhaps showing a desire to colleagues or people in the industry where they already know how you work and can appreciate those transferable skills could be a way in. If you don’t ask you don’t get!
CV and Cover Letter/Email
Ensuring the correct key words, expertise and interests are all in your CV will help you stand out but also help potential employers find you. Being creative with the cover letter and/or body of the initial email is so important too. If an employer opens an email and its super genuine, shows personality and that you have researched you will be in with a higher chance of sparking interest. Not everyone is hired based on having the perfect CV, a lot comes down to how much you want it and culture fit. Being able to show some of who you are and what makes you tick is key. Many employers receive hundreds… or even thousands of applicants daily so you need to show them why you’re the best candidate.
Become an expert on LinkedIn. Probably one of the most valuable and often under-utilised tools for finding a new opportunity. Ensuring the details are the same as your CV is key but also having all the keywords listed relevant to your skills and what you want to do is truly effective also. Recruiters are searching day and night on LinkedIn so help them find you! There are many great introductions to LinkedIn on YouTube and online, it could be the best self-education you ever do. Turn on the feature where you can let potential employers know you are open to work. Connect with target companies/decision makers and you can even use LinkedIn to broadcast you are on the hunt!
One closed door, and another opens
You are on a mission, do not let one knockback affect your confidence. Rejection from one does not mean rejection from all and it is important to remember that and keep going!
Target lists
Research the companies you would like to work for and create an excel sheet, mapping out decision makers and if you have made contact/when was the last contact etc. This tool can be used for any job searching and creates a great way to be accountable throughout the job hunt. The more research you do the easier it will be to identify ways in and spot where you will flourish.
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