You know you need to change careers but how do you actually do it, especially if you’re not even sure what you want to do?
Changing careers can be an intimidating prospect at the best of times, but with a little research and bravery you can have the career you desire.
Don’t rush into anything, and unless you’ve been made redundant, don’t quit your current job until you’ve secured something new even if you feel as though your current job is slipping out of your grasp.
Changing career in a panic may land you in a job you don’t want to be in, while approaching the change in a logical and mindful way may help you achieve your longed for job satisfaction.
Do a career assessment
Not sure what to do next? There’s an assessment for that.
By taking stock of your skill set and passions you can work out exactly which industry would be suitable for you to explore as your new career.
There’s no point just taking a job for the hell of it, so taking the time to find the right direction will be very beneficial in the end.
Education
If you have a set of skills that almost fit the bill of your desired job but your abilities and expertise are lacking in certain fields, consider seeking training in those areas to round out your resume.
You don’t always need to be proficient in every job requirement in order to land the position, but getting your skills up in as many areas as possible is only ever going to be beneficial for you.
Be realistic
It’s all well and good to want to be an astronaut when you grow up but if you are actually a long way from qualifying as one you need to reassess.
Don’t be afraid to extend beyond your comfort zone, and aim high, but don’t aim yourself out of the ballpark.
Be prepared to work your way up
It’s fantastic to have big goals, but sometimes we can’t jump into exactly the position we want. Be strategic. Does the position on offer help you to get to where you want to go?
Is this something you could flag in the interview process?
Working your way up will give you a greater understanding of the business before you get your dream role so when you land it, you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Networking
Never underestimate the people you have met along the way. The old adage “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” was coined for a reason and it may just be someone in your network who holds the key to your new career.
Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or send emails letting people working in the areas you’re interested in know that you are on the lookout for a job change. You just never know what might turn up.
Ensure your resume looks better than ever
Your resume is you on paper. You want to represent yourself as best as you possibly can to get your foot in that interview door and impress in person.
If you don’t know how to properly format your resume and make it look slick, pay someone else to do it. When you get your dream job the money will be 100% worth it.
Speak to your boss
It may seem counterintuitive but if your relationship with your boss is good, but you no longer feel passion for your job, maybe your boss can help you to relocate within the company?
Sometimes stepping sideways is all you need for to get the change you desire.
*For your chance to win a creative scholarship and an Internship at Cosmopolitan enter our competition here.
*This article is sponsored by Open Colleges
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