Embarking on a career change can be both exciting and challenging. If you’re seeking new opportunities or pursuing a lifelong passion, having the right resources and tools is essential to making a successful transition.
How to Change Your Career
Changing careers requires careful planning and self-assessment. Start by identifying your interests, skills, and values to determine which new career path aligns with your goals. Research potential careers, focusing on job duties, growth opportunities, and required qualifications. It’s important to be open-minded and willing to step out of your comfort zone during this process.
Building a Resume and Cover Letter
When switching careers, your resume and cover letter should highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences. Tailor your resume to the new industry by emphasizing abilities that can be applied in the new role.
Though fun layouts and creative resumes can look more aesthetic, a simple template in black and white, ATS-friendly fonts, and an easy to read layout will pass through an ATS. An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is software used by employers and recruiters that helps them sort, filter, and rank job applications based on specific criteria such as keywords, qualifications, and experience.
When you submit your resume online, it often goes through an ATS before reaching a human recruiter. This means that resumes should be well-optimized with relevant keywords and clear formatting to pass through the system and be considered for the next stage.
In your cover letter, explain why you’re making the change and how your background uniquely qualifies you for the new position. Consider including any relevant coursework, certifications, or volunteer work that supports your new career direction.
Goodwill’s Career Services can help you with building your resume and reviewing it before sending it off to potential employers.
Salary and Experience Considerations
Research salary expectations for your new career path and assess how your current experience translates. You may need to accept a lower starting salary or an entry-level position as you build experience in the new field. Even short-term internships can give you an advantage in the job application stages. Consider gaining additional certifications or taking courses to bridge any gaps in your qualifications.
Steps to Take
- Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and career goals.
- Research: Explore different industries and job roles to identify a good fit.
- Skill Development: Acquire new skills or certifications to prepare for your new career path.
- Resume Update: Revise your resume to focus on relevant experience and transferable skills.
- Job Search: Apply to jobs that align with your new career.
- Interview Preparation: Practice answering questions that are relevant to your career switch.
Networking
Networking is crucial when changing careers. Connect with professionals in your desired field through LinkedIn, industry events, or local meetups. Networking can lead to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable insights into the industry. Informational interviews with people in the field can also provide a clearer understanding of the role and what employers are looking for.
Preparing for Interviews
Interviewing for a new career can be daunting, but preparation is key. Be ready to discuss your reasons for changing careers and how your previous experience will benefit your new role. Practice answering common interview questions and prepare examples that demonstrate your transferable skills. Highlight your enthusiasm for the new career and your willingness to learn and adapt.
Career Aptitude Test
Taking a career aptitude test can help identify potential career paths based on your strengths and interests. These tests provide insights into which careers might be a good match for you, helping to narrow down your options and guide your job search. There are many free and paid tests available online that can serve as a useful starting point in your career change journey.
A career change is a significant step that requires careful planning, but with the right strategies and resources, it’s achievable and allows you to follow your passion.
Focus on building your resume and cover letter, leveraging networking opportunities, and preparing thoroughly for interviews.
Utilize Goodwill’s career services to help you achieve your next steps. Our no-cost services include:
- Access to community resources
- Career assessments
- Computer and soft skills trainings
- Connections to job leads
- Interview skills development
- Job postings
- Job search strategies
- Labor market information
- One-on-one career coaching
- Onsite hiring events
- Resume assistance
Visit goodwillaz.org/employment-services to learn more about how Goodwill can help you in your career journey.
