Need A Career Change?

Remember the days where stability was the order of the day and people remained in the same job for life? No? That was probably a long time ago.

In today’s unpredictable economy and job market, a career change is often a “necessary” step in order to enhance one’s current work life situation and/or to generate an increase in income.

If you are contemplating on such a move, be warned - there is a dark side to contend with, for every opportunity is always accompanied with its risks. Here are some tips for you to consider before you make your big move:

1. Have a Clear Mission Statement
What is the big picture or your overall vision for your professional life? Have you ever clearly defined your career priorities, goals and values?

Like a corporate machine, you need to set a benchmark and a goal in order to prosper. Hence, if a career change is your wish, do devise a mission statement. Spend some time on this and use it as a guiding force in pursuing what you want to do and who you want to be.

Always remember - If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

2. Find Your Dream Career
Have you examined how your present skills can be transferred into a new career path? Do bolster your chances of getting hired by leveraging on your strengths to identify where you fit best. To achieve this, it’s important to recognise what you can and cannot control. Then, short-list several positions or companies that will serve as a natural transition into your new field.

Or perhaps, you may consider to request for an internal transfer. This can be another opportunity for you to develop your skills, boost your visibility and expand your network. An internal transfer will also benefit your company as it helps to keep attrition low.

3. Connect into Your Target Field
You can’t just depend on your resume when trying to switch careers. Yes, you MUST regularly update it but it is never enough. For this reason, networking and connecting with people in your target field becomes even more critical.

Do join professional organisations and associations, and network at their events and seminars. Educate yourself on your target industry and make valuable connections. Through this way, you’re not only exploring new career opportunities but developing your professional life as well.

4. Make an Impression
In your interviews, always state your case effectively – inform your interviewers on your strong, valid reasons to change careers. Be confident, stay articulate and project a powerful persona in order to have an impact. Do not give the impression that you are running away from something. Also, take these interviewing opportunities to mention on actions that you’ve taken to prove your commitment to the new field. Reveal your industry knowledge, and talk about industry events you've attended. You could even present your portfolio, if any - e.g. a research or white paper on an industry issue or a business plan that demonstrates the value you could bring to the organisation.

5. Learn, Unlearn and Relearn
The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn. - Alvin Toffler

Be at the forefront. Should you’ve already gotten your new job in your target field, be prepared to learn from the best around you. Your new colleagues may be younger than you but don’t let this be a barrier. There’s nothing wrong in learning something new from someone younger. Or, you may consider going back to school. Sign up for a relevant part-time or short programme to keep yourself updated with the latest in the market. Remember this - You are never too old to learn something new.

At the end of the day, it takes ambition and determination for one to make a successful career change. There’s always some ways to get your foot in the door. Here’s wishing you all the best!

(This article was first published in JobsDB.com - link)