Are you looking for a new job this year? If so, you’re not alone.
Last year, more than 50 million people in the US quit their job voluntarily, for reasons such as low pay, lack of progression, and feeling underappreciated.
But no matter what your reason for moving on, you want your job search and career transition to be as straightforward and seamless as possible.
That being said, leaving a job you’ve been at for a while can feel a little nerve-wracking, particularly if you're planning on moving roles or industries.
So, if you’re thinking about changing careers this year, here’s how to do it successfully.
Think about your next career move
When you're ready to move on from your current position, there may be a natural career path you want to follow, moving from supervisor to director, for example.
However, if you’re looking for a bigger change you might need to take some time to think about alternative career paths.
In this case, you need to think about the industries you’d like to work in and research the relevant job market.
This is also an opportunity for you to take stock of the skills and experience you already have, paying close attention to your transferable skill set in particular.
Make an action plan
Making a career change can be a long and sometimes stressful process. So once you’ve decided what direction you’d like your career to go in, it’s a good idea to get a plan in place.
A well-written plan will outline each step you need to take on your way to your new role. It also presents you with an opportunity to set yourself goals. This will keep you accountable for your job search and allow you to celebrate even the smallest victories.
There are a couple of ways you can make an action plan and it’s best to choose the approach that’s right for you, whether that’s a spreadsheet, project management tool, or a good old-fashioned notepad.
Once you can see each step or goal you have set out, you can get your career transition firmly underway.
Making a career change requires planning and strategy
Assess your current skill set and experience
Now you're ready to start taking steps forward, it’s a good idea to assess your current skill set and experience to see where you stand in terms of requirements and what needs to be done.
As you begin your career transition you may need to strengthen existing skills or learn new ones. So research the most in-demand skills for the position you want and determine what you’ll have to do to get there.
That being said, sometimes research isn’t enough and it pays to get some first-hand experience. If that's the case, you might wish to consider taking on some new responsibilities in your current role to cover the skills gap.
As a seasoned professional, this can sometimes feel like taking a step back, but it can be an important step in the transition to your new role, so it's worth doing.
Update (and tailor) your resume
The next important step on your journey is to update your resume or to create a new version that reflects your career change plans.
Whatever the case may be, you’ll need to create a compelling summary and include your most impressive and relevant skills and experience. If you're switching roles or industries, be sure to really highlight your transferable skills.
Getting your resume just right is vital for a successful job search and to help you find the role that is going to take your career in your chosen direction.
Just remember to tailor your resume for every application you submit to increase your chances of being invited in for an interview.
Make sure you have the right mindset
Finally, whether you're creating a career plan, applying for jobs, or even starting a new role, you need to make sure you always go in with the right mindset. This will ensure you successfully find and secure your dream job and that you enjoy the onboarding process.
Always tackle each step of the plan or each goal with enthusiasm and do your best to stay motivated, even when it feels tough or frustrating.
Be sure to think carefully about every aspect of the new job. For example, if you’re being offered a lower salary but better flexibility and work-life balance, you need to carefully weigh this up to make the most informed decision.
But if at any stage you find yourself feeling stressed, disinterested, or frustrated with your career transition, take a step back and give yourself a break. Remember, a career move should be an exciting opportunity, so don’t overdo it.
If you follow these five steps to success, you’ll be able to enjoy a seamless and stress-free career transition that helps you fall in love with your work again.
