If you’re considering leaving the comfort of your current job, making a career move, and exploring a new industry, rest assured: you’re not alone. More and more people are realizing that life is just too short to spend a significant portion of it—one-third of your life—egad! According to recent research—on something that simply doesn’t resonate with your passions or aspirations.
It’s exciting, it’s promising, and the possibilities are endless. It’s also challenging. But with the right preparation, you’ll be more than ready to take the plunge into new professional territory.
Focus on your transferable skills.
These are the strengths you have that would be an asset in any industry. They include communication, dependability, teamwork, leadership, decision-making, empathy and more. Make a list of those you have – and those that would be most desirable in a future role. Then, work to marry the two together and strengthen any areas where you may need more work.
Network with your end goal in mind.
Whether you’re job hunting inside or outside your current industry, putting yourself out there and growing your professional network is the way to go. But when you’re making a change, strive to enhance your network accordingly.
- Join various networking groups relevant to your new industry, both on and offline.
- Connect with professionals and decision-makers already in your desired new field.
- Speak to as many people as possible and gather as much data as you can in preparation for your career change.
Learn all you can about your new field.
In addition to networking, I read industry-related articles, follow potential employers on social media, subscribe to newsletters, and stay on top of trends.
- Join and participate in relevant LinkedIn Groups.
- Attend relevant conferences, workshops, and webinars.
- Volunteering is a great way to gain exposure to a new industry. When you register for industry events, use the name of the organization where you volunteer.
Be ready to explain your change.
To help hiring managers understand your motivation to transition industries, prepare some talking points to use in interviewing. (Hint: A version can also be used when networking and in your job search elevator speech.) You may want to mention your thought process for your change and how you made your decision. Prepare to outline why you’re a strong candidate for a position, even though you’re a newcomer.
- Tailor your resume, as well. Include those invaluable transferable skills as you outline your qualifications for new job prospects.
Whether you’re interested in exploring and possibly transitioning into the healthcare arena or considering a career move or specialty switch within that industry, partner with AlliedUP Co-Op to ensure you make the right choice. We can help every step of the way. You may even want to test the waters with a temporary or contract-to-hire job in your desired field. Our partnership with Futuro Health can also support your pathway. Contact us today to learn more.
