Studies show that the average person today will have at least two, and more likely four or five, distinct careers in his or her lifetime. Whether due to downsizing, life changes, or just plain boredom, a career change is practically inevitable so workers today should be prepared.
When to Make a Career Change
Changing careers successfully is really just a matter of planning. People who wait until a career change is necessary are often left floundering and end up grabbing the first opportunity that comes along, rather than finding a new career that meets their lifestyle, passions, and interests. This might make for financial security, but it rarely does much for one’s mental and emotional well-being.
In order to make a career change that is truly beneficial, workers should start thinking of alternate careers while they’re still employed. They should research these careers, develop the necessary skills for them, and begin networking with possible contacts. And it’s never too early to start polishing a resume and cover letter for that new career, either.
How to Make a Career Change
Smart workers have already laid the groundwork for a career change by the time it becomes necessary, but if that’s not the case, not to worry. While time (and a steady income) is always an advantage, a career change can be made quickly with the right tools, namely, a resume, a cover letter, and a network of contacts.
The Career Change Resume
Writing a resume is never easy, but it can be especially difficult for a career changer, particularly if the career he or she is seeking is radically different from his or her current one.
The key to writing a winning resume for changing fields is highlighting transferable skills. This is best done with a functional resume format, in which skill sets are listed rather than previous job titles. Certain fields may require additional education, but in most cases, showing how previous experience has taught the skills necessary to perform the new job is enough to earn at least an entry level or probationary position.
Of course, transferable skills don’t just come from the working world. Successful career changers draw on their experiences in other areas as well, such as family and social life, and volunteer commitments. For example, someone who has planned several large holiday parties could easily list “event planning” as a skill set, and someone who volunteers as a Little League coach definitely has coaching and leadership experience. Be careful not to exaggerate, though; cooking dinner every night does not make one a four-star chef!
There are many examples of resumes online, including those targeted to career change, but it may also be worth investing in a resume service. These companies use professional resume writers to provide clients with winning resumes, and though they can be costly, they can be of particular help when someone is looking to move into a field unrelated to his or her current employment.
The Career Change Cover Letter
Like the career change resume, the career change letter should focus on skills rather than experience. The best strategy is line up transferable skills directly with the skills identified in the job advertisement. Make distinct connections, or list the skills in a two-column table, with the job requirements in the first column and personal skills in the second. Again, don’t embellish, but do be sure to emphasize how previous experience, although in a different field, corresponds directly to the skills required in the new career.
Also, make sure to emphasize how this experience will benefit the company or organization. Employers, like people, are self-serving; they want to know what the applicant can do for them, not vice versa.
Career Change Networking
As the old adage says, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” This is perhaps most true in the case of a career change. In the absence of specific education and experience, a good recommendation can go a long way to helping someone make the leap from one field to another. Of course, some transferable skills are necessary, but they may not be enough to get even a foot in the door. Knowing someone in the desired field can help career changers obtain specific inside information regarding the skills and personality traits employers most look for. It also allows them to get an insider’s view of the new career to make sure it’s really for them; some careers look great on the outside but every job has its disadvantages, so before one invests in the time and effort of making a career change, it helps to be sure the new career will be a good fit.
So, how does a career changer make contacts in the new field? The best way is through his or her existing contacts. Odds are at least one friend, family member, or colleague knows someone in the desired field, or at least knows someone who knows someone.
Career changers should also consider setting up profiles on business networking sites, where they can be seen by recruiters and perhaps even potential employers. Again, these profiles should focus on the transferable skills that will be most useful in the new career.
Career Change Advice
Many career counselling services offer help and tips for career change. Some are free of charge, but even those that charge can be worth the price if they lead to a new, fulfilling career.
With the right resume and cover letter, a large network of contacts, and perhaps a little professional advice, one can make the career change process as smooth as possible. It's never easy to switch fields, but starting early and persevering is the key to making a successful career change.
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