Career change takes careful planning.
At whatever stage of your life; whether it is a return to work after a career break or if you are facing redundancy changing career can be daunting and overwhelming.
With careful career planning though the career change will be easier, focused and more successful.
Before starting your career change however there are a few things to think about.
First of all you need to prioritise and recognise what you need to do and how you will do it.
Career change is a job in itself
How committed are you to making the career change?
Rating yourself a 4 or lower means you are not ready and you have more reflection to do. On the scale of 5 or more, you are raring to go.
The next step is prioritising what your needs and concerns are.
Career change is not just about the job role
Not only will you need to think about the professional side of the career change but also about the personal impact on yourself, your dependents and your commitments.
Professionally
- Where will you find your next job?
- How will you discover which employers are recruiting now?
- What do you need to put together a powerful CV?
- Can you remember the golden rules of being interviewed?
- Do you know what to include in your cover letter and emails?
- Which agencies or online jobsites will you use?
- How can you negotiate the best benefit package once you have an offer?
- Who can help you?
Personally
- How will you build your self-confidence?
- What will you tell your family and friends?
- How will you manage your finances?
- Do you think your age will make a difference to your career change?
- Can you afford to retrain or change career direction?
- Where could you relocate to?
- What gives you real job satisfaction?
- Who can help you?
Answering these questions is no easy task and often you will need the support of friends, colleagues or even a professional to help you clarify your thoughts.
Building your self-confidence to start your journey could be as simple as reminding yourself of your strengths and skills. It can be an easy exercise and one that confirms the qualities and attributes that you can offer a new employer.
If you need help, ask me. My two books Get That Job and Can’t Get That Job also offer advice and guidance about preparing for career change and the job market.
How will you get started?
Do you agree with this? Post your thoughts below...
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...and if it's forced on you???
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LikeTimothyHolden Hi Timothy, if it's forced on you then it's even more important to review your immediate needs and concerns, professional and personal, to manage the job search.
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LikeI think the whole process seems that much easier if you've decided for yourself to make the change rather than having been pressed into it by, say, redundancy or marriage break up resulting in altered financial circumstances, and so on. In reality the practicalities might be every bit as challenging but at least you feel as though you're more in charge. Either way, though, I agree there's a lot to take into account and one of the things that seems to be more prevalent these days are people who gaily presume they'll be able to make a decent living from what has previously been an enjoyable hobby... :-(
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LikeLinda Mattacks Yes there are too many who think knitting chicken coop cosies is a viable business... and sure it might be a great hobby but will it keep the family?
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LikeSarahArrow Linda Mattacks Yes, gone are the romantic days of being able to set up doing your hobby to make a viable new business. However, it's still important to find job satisfaction in doing something you enjoy, in the right environment, using current knowledge & your best skills.
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LikeToo many people get carried away with dreaming about the more romantic elements of changing career and how wonderful it all will be, without first sitting down and working through the harsher realities. Your advice is invaluable for such people.
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LikeSuzeStMaurWrites thanks Suze. I try to be practical. Particularly in the current economy, job seekers and those wanting to change need to be realistic and prepare themselves well.
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