If you’re thinking about switching careers, trust us you are the only one. But the challenge is how to change careers, especially when you have no idea which one to choose, or where to go.
Many workers consider changing their occupation each year. There are several steps you can take to figure out when and how to make a successful career change.
Switching careers typically involves researching new career paths, evaluating your current skills, and identifying opportunities that align with your lifestyle. In this article, we’ll outline several steps for planning a career change.
How To Change Careers?
When thinking about changing careers, it’s useful to think about what you’ve enjoyed and disliked about your past jobs. Begin by making two lists: one for the aspects you dislike about your current career and another for what you’re looking for in a new job.
It’s also beneficial to prioritize the items on both lists based on how crucial they are to your career aspirations.
For instance, your lists might resemble this format:
Current career:
- Long hours and low pay
- Little opportunity for advancement
- No support for additional training
- Few openings in other locations
- No travel
New career:
- Schedule flexibility
- High pay good benefits
- Opportunity to advance career
- Emerging or growing job market
- Opportunity for travel
While you’re making your lists, focus on including items that are true of your position or career field in general, rather than things specific to your current employer. Also, consider which qualities on your “new career” list are most crucial for your lifestyle and long-term goals.
You might not be able to check off every item on your list, but you’ll find several opportunities that can meet your most important non-negotiables.
5 Steps to How to Change Careers
Changing careers can be tricky especially when you are in a job, and want to switch to a job of your interests. To make your choice for changing careers follow the below 5 steps.
How to change careers:
- Assess Your Experience And Skills
- Research New Careers
- Update Your Resume
- Find Additional Training
- Make A Transition Plan
1. Assess Your Experience And Skills
Now that you have a clear idea of why you want to switch from your current career and what you’re seeking in a new one, think about the skills and training you currently have that make you a strong candidate.
Even if your new career isn’t a direct match with your current experience, you probably possess several relevant, transferable skills that employers value. You might have also gained new skills in your current role that are sought after in another industry.
To organize your thoughts, create a list of both your hard and soft skills. Hard skills are typically gained through training and practice, like proficiency in specific software or fluency in a foreign language.
Soft skills, on the other hand, relate to your personality and interpersonal abilities, such as creativity, teamwork, and punctuality.
Here’s an example of what a list of your hard and soft skills might look like if you’re transitioning from a customer service career:
Soft skills:
- Punctual
- Effective problem-solver
- Adapt well to new processes
- Communicate well with clients
Hard skills:
- Significant product knowledge
- Knowledge of Python and HTML
- Advanced WordPress skills
- Excellent writing and grammar skills
To brainstorm ideas, it’s often useful to reflect on specific accomplishments from your career or personal life and identify the qualities or skills that contributed to your success. Make sure to be honest when listing your skills.
You might also want to note down any technology platforms you’ve used in your current job, like CRMs or workflow and customer support ticket applications. Even if your next field uses different technology, there could be similarities in how or why it’s used.
If you’re not confident about performing a certain skill at work, you can leave it out for now and work on improving it with more practice.
2. Research New Careers
Now that you have a clear idea of what you’re seeking in a new career and the relevant hard and soft skills you possess, it’s time to explore the available career options. Your career research should focus on three key areas:
- Immediate Transfer Careers: These are jobs where your current hard skills can be applied right away without needing additional training.
- Some Training Required Careers: These jobs may need a bit of additional knowledge or training to fully utilize your current hard skills.
- Significant Training Required Careers: These roles require a moderate to substantial amount of new training because few, if any, of your current hard skills directly transfer.
For this step, create separate sections for each type of career option. Note which of your hard skills align with each career and which of your career goals they fulfill.
Soft skills are generally transferable across different career paths, so consider which soft skills you want to emphasize in your next career. The most important ones should guide your selection criteria.
You can begin your search on indeed.co.in. Use specific job types or keywords to narrow down your search. This method helps you discover new career opportunities that match your current hard skills.
For example, if you’re proficient in WordPress, enter “WordPress” in the search bar. You’ll find various openings like WordPress Developer or Graphic Designer. Refine your search by adding multiple keywords in quotes, such as “WordPress” and “HTML,” to get more precise results.
Be thorough and creative in your career search. Remember, you’re not just looking for a job right now but considering a complete career change. This process can help you uncover new career paths you didn’t know existed and identify the additional skills needed for these new roles.
After completing your research, your list of potential new careers may look something like this:
Developer:
- Higher pay
- Potential to work remote
- Opportunity to advance
- Paid training
Technical Writer:
- Similar pay
- Potential to work remote
- Opportunity to write
- May need more training
Software Analyst:
- Much higher pay
- Marketable for future jobs
- More training needed
- Python skills advantageous
After you’ve compiled a list of careers you want to explore, consider reaching out to friends and family who currently work in those fields. Ask them if your current skills can easily transition into that career and inquire about any additional skills you might need before applying for jobs.
3. Update Your Resume
Once you’ve identified a few potential career options, update your resume to showcase the relevant skills and experiences that make you a valuable candidate for these positions.
It’s a good idea to create multiple versions of your resume, tailored to the specific positions you’re interested in. For careers where you feel you already meet the qualifications, focus your resume on highlighting both the hard and soft skills that are important for those roles.
For instance, if you’re applying for jobs as a WordPress Developer and have WordPress skills listed on your current resume in a less prominent way, consider featuring a personal website at the top of your resume that showcases your extensive WordPress skills and abilities. Also, elaborate more on your WordPress training and skills in the skills section.
Repeat this process for each position you’re applying to. Refer to the job postings to identify the relevant skills, experience, and qualities that the employer is seeking. Use these clues to tailor your resume accordingly.
4. Find Additional Training
If you’re committed to applying for and landing a job in a field where your current skills don’t perfectly match, consider acquiring as many necessary skills for that career as possible before submitting applications.
This might involve postponing your career change for several weeks or months, but it could be worthwhile if you invest time in developing additional skills. Sometimes, the potential for better pay, benefits, and career satisfaction justifies the extra preparation time.
Depending on the specific skills you need to acquire, consider these options:
- Enrolling in self-taught online courses
- Taking online courses offered by a local college or university
- Volunteering at organizations where you can gain the necessary skills
Regardless of the path you choose to acquire these skills, ensure you update your resume to showcase your newly acquired skills that are relevant to the employer’s requirements. While you don’t need to be an expert in these new skills right away, strive to be confident in your ability to perform them.
5. Make A Transition Plan
It might be tempting to quit your current job in hopes of quickly finding a better one. However, it’s advisable to refrain from leaving your current career until you have a solid job offer in hand. There are no guarantees when making any career change, even if it’s within the same field.
Once you’ve received a job offer, it’s important to part ways with your current employer on good terms. Writing a polite and respectful resignation letter can help maintain a positive relationship with your employer as you transition into a new career.
Final Thoughts
Changing careers can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. It’s crucial to approach this transition thoughtfully and strategically.
Start by thoroughly assessing your reasons for wanting to change careers and identifying the skills and qualities you bring to the table. Research and explore potential new career paths that align with your interests and goals.
Network with individuals in your desired fields to gain insights and advice. Once you’ve identified promising career options, tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
If necessary, invest time in acquiring additional skills through courses or volunteer work. When you receive a job offer, ensure a smooth transition by leaving your current job on good terms with a respectful resignation letter.
Remember, patience and persistence are key throughout this process, as career changes can take time but can ultimately lead to greater fulfillment and success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I drastically change my career?
Here are 5 tips for changing careers:
- Assess Yourself: Start by taking stock of your skills, interests, and values. Self-assessment is the first step towards understanding what you want in a new career.
- Research: Once you have a clearer picture of your strengths and preferences, research different jobs and industries that align with your profile. Some potential career paths will begin to stand out.
- Create an Action Plan: Once you’ve identified a new career path, develop a detailed action plan outlining the steps needed to transition into this field. Set specific goals and timelines to keep yourself on track.
- Network and Gain Experience: Connect with professionals in your desired industry. Networking can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Consider gaining relevant experience through internships, volunteering, or part-time work.
- Reality Check: Before making a final decision, conduct a reality check. Evaluate the practical aspects of transitioning careers, such as financial implications and required training or education.
How can I change my career fast?
Here’s a guide on how to switch your career path:
- Evaluate Your Current Role: Start by assessing whether you’re satisfied with your current job. Reflect on what aspects you enjoy and what you find unfulfilling.
- Reflect on Your Interests, Values, and Skills: Review your interests, core values, and skills. Identify what truly motivates you and where your strengths lie.
- Explore Different Industries: Consider exploring careers in various industries that align with your interests and skills. Research potential job opportunities and growth prospects in these fields.
- Search for Job Opportunities: Actively seek out potential job prospects that match your desired career path. Utilize job boards, networking events, and professional contacts to uncover opportunities.
- Develop an Action Plan: Create a structured action plan outlining the steps you need to take to transition into your new career. Set specific goals and timelines to keep yourself accountable.
- Update Your Personal Brand: Rebrand yourself to align with your new career goals. Update your resume, LinkedIn profile, and professional image to reflect your desired industry and skills.
- Conduct Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your target industry for informational interviews. Gather insights about the industry, roles, and potential career paths to inform your decision-making process.
How to switch career at 30?
Making a Career Change at 30:
- Recognize Your Transferable Skills: Start by identifying the skills you’ve gained in your current job that can be applied to a new career. Transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership are valuable across various industries.
- Clarify Your Job Goals: Take time to reflect on what you truly want from your next job. Consider factors like work-life balance, job satisfaction, and growth opportunities.
- Explore Career Options and Create a Strategy: Research different career paths that align with your interests and skills. Develop a plan outlining the steps you need to take to transition into a new field, such as acquiring additional training or certifications.
- Manage Expectations: Be patient and realistic as you embark on this journey. Understand that career changes take time and may involve starting from an entry-level position or gaining experience in a new field.
- Gain Relevant Experience: Seek opportunities to gain the experience needed for your desired career. This may involve volunteering, internships, or part-time roles to build your skills and credibility in the new field.
Hey, I am Sachin Ramdurg. I run and manage futuredecider.com website that helps students, graduates, and professionals, to find and decide on their future career with ultimate future career advices and future career guides. I have an overall 12+ years of career guidance experience in multiple domains which has helped multiple students, graduates, and professionals to find the best career path for their future.