The 12-Step Plan to a Successful Career Change - Resumonk Blog

The 12-Step Plan to a Successful Career Change - Resumonk BlogThe 12-Step Plan to a Successful Career Change Being stuck in a job that doesnt allow you to reach your full potential can cause a lot of unwanted stress and uncertainty for many people. Were here to remind you that you arent stuck, and its totally possible to switch into a different industry, field or position. Maybe youve lost interest in your current profession, or maybe youve discovered a new interest in anotlageher field. No matter the reason, deciding to switch careers is life-changing. To be successful at whatever it is you choose to do, you need to make the change the right way. If youre considering a career changebut dont know where to start, follow these 12 steps1. Discover What You Truly EnjoyThe brde thing you want is to go through the process of switching careers just to get into an industry you dont like. List your likes, dislikes, values and interests. Identify exactly what it is about your current job thats making you want to leave - and make sure to avoid career paths that could have the same obstacles. For some people, this could be the toughest step. Figuring out what you truly enjoy and are passionate about after ignoring it for years isnt a simple task. Ask yourself, What do I get excited about doing? or Whats something I spend my free time thinking about or doing? Choose a career related to your answers to those questions. 2. List Careers That Satisfy Your PassionsOnce youve keyed in on some of your passions and interests, search for careers that would encompass those things. For example, if you spend a lot of your time thinking about or hanging out with your dog, consider a career that has to do with animals. The important part about this step is keeping your skills in mind, as well. Just because you like dogs doesnt mean you have the expertise or skills required to be a veterinarian. However, if your skills include marketing, writing and designing, you could consider working as a marketing specialist for an animal protection agency or dog kennel. The trick is to combine your skills with your passion to create your ideal position, and go from there. 3. Research the Careers That Made Your ListOnce youve come up with your list of dream careers, start researching. The bigger the industry change youre making, the more research you should do. If you want to make a worthwhile, informed decision, this might be the most important step.Think about the years of research and education you had before going into your current position - can you imagine how difficult it wouldve been to adjust without all that information? Set yourself up for success by learning as much as you can before you start applying to jobs.4. Make the Decision Youve brainstormed your interests, listed careers that relate to them and researched them all - now its time to decide. Making a decision is important because it will frame the way the rest of your career change process goes. You need to pinpoint a specific industry or career youre trying to break into in order to achieve that goal.5. Develop an Action PlanOnce youve decided on the path youre going to take next, develop a specific plan with measurable goals, action items and a timeline. There are probably new skills you need to learn, professionals you should meet and work to wrap up at your current job. You might even have a few personal goals youd like to work on while making this shift. Leaping from career to career isnt a casual move - you dont want to take it lightly. The more detailed your plan is, the better chance youll have at finding your dream job quickly.6. Adjust Your Personal BrandWhen you hand someone your business card or invite them to check out your online portfolio, they should be able to tell which industry you belong to now - not your past field. This step includes adjusting your resume, cover letter and portfolio as much as possible so potential employers know youre all in. When you edit you r own professional brand to be more related to the new industry, theyll see your dedication in that aspect.You can consider creating a functional or skills-based resume using Resumonk.Highlight what transferable skills you have learnt in your previous profession and how they apply to the new industry.7. Start Networking in Your Desired FieldIn any career field, its not only about what you know, its also about who you know. Start attending networking events for your industry and meeting as many people as you can. Introduce yourself and say youre starting to break into the field now. This is a great opportunity to ask seasoned professionals for their tips or advice on how to get into the industry and be successful - people love talking about themselves, their stories and their success, so theyll remember you for asking.8. Update Your TrainingAs you learn more about your new field, you might discover you need to significantly broaden your horizons. Start slowly, taking only a course o r two at a time. Not only will this be difficult to juggle with your current position, but itll also help you confirm youre truly interested in the field.If its not required to get a job in the field, you might not feel the need to get a new degree or certification for your career switch - thats OK. Taking a few courses could be enough to give you the jump start you need and catch you up to people whove been in the field for years.9. Find a MentorWhile youre making this transition, youre going to be stressed and uncertain at times. A mentor can help keep you on track and remind you of the bigger picture. They dont have to be an incredibly successful, rich or powerful person to be an adequate guide for you during this time. However, it certainly wouldnt hurt if theyre experienced in your new industry.10. Begin the Job HuntRecall all those skills you learned about job hunting during your senior year of college. Dig out your cover letter templates, interviewing tips and negotiation st rategies. Remember the importance of researching companies thoroughly before applying, interviewing and especially before accepting a position. Its also important to remember that the job hunt is truly a hunt - its not going to happen overnight. Try not to think about it too much and trust that the right position for you will come along.11. Continue Learning About Your New FieldTo keep yourself distracted while you wait to hear back from the seemingly endless amount of applications youve filled out, keep learning about your new career. As we mentioned earlier, knowledge is power when it comes to breaking into a new industry. The more you know going into your new job, the less youll have to adjust to on that first day.12. Lose the Ego - Youre Back at Square OneBack to the bottom of the totem pole you go Dont be above taking entry-level positions just because youve been a working professional for 10 years - or more. Youre just starting out in this industry, so youre most likely goi ng to have to start at the bottom, especially if its a big switch from your previous position. Be flexible, eager and willing to begin again. Your New Career Awaits Making a career change is not an easy feat. It takes a lot of strength, courage, willpower and determination to pull off. Use this guide to help you along the way, no matter how big of an industry change youre making. When the stress creeps up on you, just take a breath and remind yourself that good things come to those who hustle.p.s. Resumonk helps you create a beautiful rsum cover letter in minutes. Stand out from the crowd and multiply yourchances of landing your dream job.