Are you feeling stuck in your career and looking for a way to make a change? If so, you're not alone. A lot of people find themselves in this situation at some point in their lives. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make a successful career pivot. Keep reading for advice on how to get started.
Reach out to your network for help
Reach out to people in your network who are in the career you want to switch to. Ask them for advice, job shadowing opportunities, or even introductions to other people in their field. It's important to get a first-hand look at what the day-to-day of the new career would be like.
Don't have a network in the new field you want to enter? Not a problem. Use LinkedIn to build one. Join relevant groups, participate in discussions, and reach out to people directly.
Do job-shadowing to see if you like the new career path
This is an important step to take before making a career switch. Job-shadowing allows you to get a feel for the day-to-day of the new job. It also gives you an opportunity to talk to people who are already working in the field and get their insights and advice.
To find job-shadowing opportunities, reach out to your network (see step one), search online, or contact companies directly. Taking part in short-term volunteering opportunities can also be an excellent way to explore new career possibilities, while also giving you something to add to your resume.
Update your resume and cover letter
When you're applying for jobs in a new field, it's important to update your resume and cover letter to reflect your new career goals. Highlight any relevant skills or experience you have, even if it's from a previous job or unrelated field.
If you don't have any relevant experience, that's okay. Use your resume and cover letter to highlight your transferable skills. For example, if you're switching from sales to marketing, you can highlight your experience with customer acquisition and lead generation.
Revamp your LinkedIn profile
Your LinkedIn profile is one of the first things potential employers will look at when they're considering you for a job. Make sure your profile is up-to-date and reflects your new career goals. Highlight any skills or experience you have that are relevant to the new field and add a professional headshot. If you aren't sure of what to put in your bio to market yourself in your new sector, make things easy for yourself and check out our specialised LinkedIn profile service!
In conclusion
Making a successful career pivot is not easy, but it is possible. By following the steps above and putting in the hard work, you can make your dream of switching careers a reality. When you're applying for jobs in a new field, it's important to update your resume and cover letter to reflect your new career goals. If you aren't sure how to tailor your CV for the industry you want to pivot to, get in touch today.