How to Change Careers Without Starting Over
Whether you have worked in your career for two years or two decades, you can always make a change.
Here’s what you need to do (#5 is key!):
1. Get clear on what you want. Start by identifying aspects of what you have done that you enjoy and those you don’t.
2. Separate what you do from the industry you do this in (I have a post coming out about this later this week so if you don’t already, follow me and turn your notifications on so you don’t miss that).
3. Get curious and start to do a search on possible positions to see which ones appeal to you most.
4. As you review job postings, get an understanding of what employers are looking for in your desired positions and ask yourself, “How have I done this or something similar in my own career?” - because chances are, you have.
5. Align your resume with the position and industry you are applying to. While you don’t need a separate resume for each job you apply to, you do need to show the correlation between what you have done and the skills and qualifications required for the desired position.
6. Include a cover letter. This is one of the biggest missed opportunities for job seekers. A well written cover letter (not one that is AI generated) bridges the gap between your resume and the interview. It is an invitation to continue a conversation about your qualifications, experience, and why you are interested in this particular position and industry.
7. Getting the right guidance, coaching, and support is crucial and will help you go farther faster.
8. Optimize your LinkedIn profile. Each of us have a brand and identity. Position yourself as an expert in your industry and initiate and contribute to conversations around relevant topics.
9. Learn and practice speaking to the value and impact of the work you have done. Highlight results over responsibilities.
10. Remember a career change does not mean you are starting over! You do not need to look at entry level jobs. A career change done right can lead to career advancement.
