My name is Patrick Richard and I run the website www.ShinyNeedle.com. It's a way for both hiring managers and job seekers to cut through the clutter of resumes. Not that resumes aren't important, but specifically for those trying to shift their career goals or direction it may not be the best tool. Proving yourself through your strategic thinking is a way to show hiring managers that you get their respective company. I wanted to share some insight that was written about on our company blog that I think may be helpful to the HR.com community. You can use this yourself or with your own organization as some motivation.
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “When you're finished changing, you're finished.” The 21st century global economy has transformed the workplace from the 50s “Father Knows Best” model to a more competitive fast-paced environment with no guarantees. You can no longer expect to work for the same company for forty-years and retire at the age of sixty-five with a secure pension. Most workers can expect to switch careers several times during their working lives. If you expect to keep up and stay ahead of the organizational curve, you must take a proactive approach, and have strategic plans in place to respond effectively to downsizing, elimination of your job due to technology and outsourcing due to globalization. The modern workplace can instill fear and anxiety about your future if you are not prepared to meet the challenges head-on. Many of today’s workers have embraced the many twists and turns in their career path, viewing transitions caused by the tough economy as opportunities to pursue a career in a new field. It’s not easy to switch careers, but it can be one of the most rewarding decisions in a person’s life. Knowing how and when to change careers can make all the difference.
Begin With a Solid Foundation
It’s much easier to shift careers when you already have a solid foundation in place consisting of education, training and a top-notch skill set. It begins at the beginning. From day one in the workplace, you should always be on the lookout for opportunities for additional training, education and the taking on of new projects that would enhance and expand your skill set. Having solid well-rounded credentials makes it much easier to prove to a prospective employer that you possess transferable skills that are valuable and in demand in your new career path. Keeping one eye always trained on the future is an essential part of career management. If you are provided with the opportunity for training in web design while employed as a customer service manager, for example, you should jump at the chance.
If your employer doesn’t provide training opportunities, then it’s up to you to build an attractive resume. Take courses at the local community college or obtain professional certifications. Work towards an advanced degree. Attend professional courses and seminars. Volunteer to serve on a non-profit board of directors. And as always, network, network, network.
Research Your New Field
Whether you are currently employed or conducting a job search, it’s essential that you thoroughly research your new career path and put a strategic plan in place consisting of a series of action steps to achieve your ultimate goal. You can’t decide willy-nilly one day on a whim that you are bored with sales and now want to work as a financial analyst. You need to take the time to research the field you want to switch to by scanning job openings on job boards, carefully taking note of the job requirements and the special knowledge, skills and abilities sought by the employer. When considering a career switch, it’s also a good idea to conduct informational interviews with working professionals in your new field of choice, using your personal and professional networks.
Conduct a Thorough Self-Evaluation
After completing your research, it’s time to conduct a 360-degree self-evaluation of your skills, background and education to determine your transferable skills and any deficiencies in training and education you need to overcome to reach your career goal. Make a list of your deficiencies and formulate a short and long-term plan to address them. Meanwhile, rework your resume for your new career path highlighting your transferable skills. In the short-term, consider volunteering, working part-time or freelancing in your new field. These activities can be added to your resume to show a potential employer that you have recent experience in your new field. When changing careers it’s important to realize that you are starting over and have to prove yourself all over again.
You may get your foot in the door, but it may be at the bottom. However, many career-changers are inspired and invigorated by the fresh challenges presented by a new career. Changing careers is not for the feint of heart. But it’s well worth the effort. It takes confidence and determination to make your dreams come true. Henry David Thoreau once said, “Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined.” As long as you are flexible, retain a positive attitude and have a plan in place, you are well on your way to achieving success in your new career path.
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