Beginning a career requires having an impressive resume, an aptitude for learning new things, and transferable skills that can be leveraged into employment opportunities. You may need to sign up for specific courses as well.
Switching careers can provide an opportunity to earn more money or pursue your passion, as well as provide a healthier work environment or better fit with your schedule.
Start with Your Interests
Identify your interests and talents; this way, you will find more meaning in what you do each day, increasing the odds that it will lead to success. If you need assistance determining this path, take a career assessment test; talk to people already involved with specific industries for insight.
Once you understand your interests, create a list of hobbies and activities you enjoy doing that could serve as talking points during an interview or included on your resume. This will show employers what makes you tick while also sparking their interest. For instance, if sports is your passion, mention that you play for or coach local teams as this demonstrates teamwork and leadership abilities; additionally, this section can highlight other passions like volunteering or reading that may make an employer consider hiring you.
When selecting a hobby, be sure it’s something you take an active interest in; otherwise, an employer could mistakenly assume you don’t take your position seriously or lack unique assets. Also, avoid claims inappropriate for workplace settings like drugs or gambling.
Make sure that when listing your hobbies, you also elaborate on why each one relates to the position you’re applying for. For instance, if sports is your passion, describe its effect on improving mental and physical wellbeing. Furthermore, use this section to demonstrate transferable skills such as communication or time management.
If you are still undecided on your career goals, working a temporary job could help provide invaluable experience in an industry of interest and help determine whether a permanent career in that field would suit you. With any luck, working under mentorship could also offer invaluable advice as you move through your professional journey.
Start with Your Qualifications
Once you know which career interests you, research the qualifications required. Some jobs require years of training, while others only require a high school diploma and experience. When considering transferrable skills such as team leadership or computer proficiency (soft skills), consider whether they will help advance your career.
At the outset of your career, academic credentials often play the most significant role. However, as time progresses and skills developed through on-the-job experience and personal behaviors become more valuable, these credentials become less critical and less influential.
Consider how much money you want or need to make in your career choice. While working in your desired field can be highly satisfying, remember that bills still need paying! Luckily, there are ways you can combine both passion for your chosen job with earning an adequate living.
If you love working with children but dislike the administrative tasks of being an elementary school teacher, consider becoming a childcare assistant or nanny instead. Or if tech is your passion but marketing/sales isn’t your forte, look for roles where the only task required of you is administrative work.
An often-made mistake among ambitious job seekers is applying for roles they do not meet all the qualifications for, thinking it will be impossible to get through an interview process without meeting every requirement listed in a job description. But hiring managers often view those requirements more as guidelines than hard and fast rules, so if your skills and experiences match those listed, then don’t hesitate to apply!
When selecting a career path that aligns with your core values and fulfills them, don’t be intimidated by taking risks. By dedicating the necessary time and energy, finding fulfilling jobs will bring greater happiness.
Start with the Job Description
As you transition into an unfamiliar career field, it is vital to remain flexible and accepting of new challenges. Furthermore, you may require budget adjustments to accommodate for potential gaps in income while you pursue this new path; saving may be an option, or you could add money directly into savings accounts to ensure an adequate source of funds during this period.
Before beginning to search for jobs and careers that interest you, it’s advisable to do your research on those types. Reading job descriptions or researching industries online will allow you to narrow your options and select one best suited to your skill set and qualifications.
As you explore various career paths, be sure that you fully comprehend their requirements. For instance, knowing how much experience a role requires can help determine whether it fits with you; additionally, an assessment such as CareerFitter can provide further insights.
An adequate job description details the specific responsibilities and requirements of a role. It should include practical details like where it will be performed (for full- or part-time positions), its location (e.g., its geographical location or full/part-time status) as well as its contribution to the company mission/culture; it may also highlight any possible growth opportunities or who they report to in your organization.
Making a comprehensive job description will set everyone up for success. Prospective candidates will gain a better understanding of what the role entails, and only those most qualified will apply; less-qualified applicants won’t waste their time applying – saving both you and your team time and resources when sorting through applications and interviewing candidates.
When writing a job description, try using standard industry jargon that your candidates will understand rather than creating unfamiliar terms that will make your position harder to locate on employment platforms and search engines. An outline can also help ensure all aspects of the role are covered adequately.
Start with the Company
Many workers mistakenly believe their careers begin when they submit an application or start work at a new position when, in reality, great careers begin long before this time. How you plan your career path is integral to its success.
If you’re thinking about starting your own business, freelance consulting, virtual assistance, or content creation might be ideal options to consider. These jobs require minimal initial capital. Joining a professional association in your new field will also help you learn its language while connecting with potential employers and making new friends!
