Changing tracks on your career

I'm currently working with three clients who are all keen to change their careers. It’s really common and something that is becoming increasingly relevant as we move away from the “lifetime” careers of past generations.

People who have been in a field or career for 20 or so years often desperately want to do something different. Maybe to pursue an interest or passion, maybe to get the flexibility they need or maybe just to get out of the rut they feel they are in. Most of us have a very clear idea of the sort of things that interest us, or no longer interest us, but very few actually make it happen.

Sometimes a career change is simply a by-product of changing circumstances as industries and companies evolve at a rapid pace. In these cases a career change is not so much a choice but a necessity.

It takes bravery and planning to make a successful jump. It can take longer, it can involve an initial pay-cut and it can be very very frustrating. But when you get there it is often highly rewarding and will offer you the chance to learn and develop a whole range of new skills.

So how do you make it happen? be strategic, be positive and be patient.

Step One: Clarify

Get clear about what you are looking for and why.

There are thousands of reasons to change. Write them down and work out what’s really driving you. What's essential, and what's a 'nice to have'?

The answer may not be a career change. Have a think about how you might be able to meet some of these needs in other ways.

Step 2: Research

Investigate the roles you are targeting in more detail – what skills and experience do you already have? What gaps exist?

• Use Seek/LinkedIn to find jobs in the same genre. Don’t race to apply, take in the detail about the job spec and what they’re looking for.
• Meet people who are doing something similar. Take them for a coffee and ask them about their job. Ask them about the pros and the cons. Ask them what a regular day involves. If appropriate ask the type of salary range.
• Research the industry. What’s happening? Is it expanding or contracting? How much happens here in Australia?
• Talk to recruiters who specialise in the field and get their advice.

Step 3. Prepare your story

The aim of the game is to be able to position yourself as a great asset to this new industry. (and to remove the risk for them)

• Start your resume and LinkedIn from SCRATCH to ensure you keep the messaging clear.
  
• Summarise the relevant transferable skills and experience you have. (from the step above) Prepare strong examples to demonstrate these.
• Work out what "edge" you could bring to this new field based on your past experience in a different field.
• Fill the skills gaps What courses could you do? What experience could you get from specific projects or volunteer work?
• Address Barriers Think about what they are and ensure you use examples which counteract them if you can. Eg. People think i'm old so can't use technology. Demonstrate how I use technology and adapt to new technology.
• Think about how you present yourself to the market It's a very different approach to a LinkedIn or Resume than when you have a classic career progression. It may help to work with an expert. (like me :-)) as the format usually won't be the same as you are used to. Remember to remove all jargon from your "past life" and ensure it makes sense to someone who knows nothing about your industry.

Step 4: Be proactive in selling yourself.

• Use your network.