Whether it's after college or straight from school, many people settle into careers at a fairly young age. It might have been what you were planning on and training for, or it might have just been something you ended up doing and somehow got stuck in; either way, it's natural to have second thoughts after a few years.
Because of this, a surprisingly large number of people make the decision to change careers in their late 20s, 30s and beyond. While it's true that it's never too late to get into a career that suits your interests and goals better, that doesn't make it any less daunting.
Here are some tips to help you land your next job when you're planning on making a career change.
List your relevant skills
When you're trying to get a job in an industry you have little to no experience working within, it's more important than ever to make your resume relevant. Start by making a list of all the skills you have that are helpful for your chosen industry.
Even if your current job is vastly different, there will be some transferable and widely-applicable skills you can mention. Think about your longer work and education history, too, and you'll most likely find some good examples.
Show off your unique history
Many applicants will have similar experiences to each other, particularly in entry-level jobs. Your rich work history and extensive professional experience are unique selling points that you shouldn't be afraid to show off, especially when you're up against people straight out of education. Be yourself and stand out from the crowd.
Talk to people in the industry
Discussing the field with people already working in it is an excellent way to find out what it's really like, but it's also useful for picking up tips that can help with your application. You can find out what employers might be looking for and pick up some networking contacts to boot.
Consider getting some experience
You might have to do it for free, but if you can find the time to get a little bit of experience in the job you want, it can be invaluable for applications. You might even find you get offered a paid, permanent position if you impress the people in charge.
Work with an agency
Employment agencies are often one of the best ways to get your foot in the door with a new industry. They can help with suggestions to make you a better candidate, give you realistic expectations, and use their contacts to help sell you as a potential employee.
Share15 November 2017
Hi! My name is Calvin. If you have ever wondered if you need advice, the chances are you may have needed a consultant. For a long time, I didn't think that I needed a consultant, so I would try and solve my own problems. However, I eventually, I had to admit that there were somethings that not even I could solve. My brother recommended a very cool consultant who has helped me to get my business running by giving me some very shrewd advice. Since then, I have used consultants for everything from buying a property to considering my next business investment. I hope you find my blog useful.
