Recently I spoke with a prospective client who wants to make a career change. He said he felt totally at a loss about what to do or how to begin. But, after I asked him a few questions, it occurred to me that he had quite a few ideas that would help him forge a new direction.
If you desire a career change, but feel stuck on how to begin, here are a few tips to help you get started and move on:
1. Sort out whether you need to change employers, positions or careers. Think about what's missing in your current job. Ask yourself under what conditions might you stay with your employer. Your responses should help address the question of whether your work situation needs tweaking or a complete overhaul.
2. If you think it's time to change your career direction, consider what is most important to you at this time of your life. In any given life phase, your values, interests and even skills can change and influence your attitude and work satisfaction. Ask yourself how your values and priorities influence your desires around work.
3. Identify any particular segment of the marketplace that interests you and think about anyone you may know who works there. Call them for a meeting about what they do and how they like it. Check out your assumptions about this type of work setting in an informal and casual conversation.
4. Revise your résumé. When you make a career change, it's most likely that you'll need to shift from the traditional chronological format to a functional resume that allows you to highlight your relevant skill sets rather than a recap of your work history.
5. Decide if you want to own your own business or work for someone else. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, seek out the resources available in your area for business owners. Talk with people whom you know who can address the questions you have about starting a business. The small business development centers, funded by the Federal government and local resources, including UMaine Extension's home based business program are all free to the public.
6. If you prefer to work for an employer, create a list of companies or organizations about which you are curious, and begin to educate yourself about them by reviewing their websites and doing Google searches.
7. Narrow your list to three or four organizations and identify a person who works there by asking friends and family to connect you with someone. Have your friends contact the person on your behalf to let them know that you will be calling soon.
8. Make contact with the person and request an informational interview. Bring your résumé and get feedback on the type of position someone with your skills and experience might fit in their organization. Their response will help you target your new position.
9. Refine your résumé so it aligns with the new position.
10. Continue with informational interviews until you hear of positions. Apply and get hired!
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