As we approach the start of a new year, so do our thoughts about starting a new career. In this article, we’ll explore some key things that can help you through your upcoming career transitions. We’ll also explore why people change jobs and how you can leverage your past experiences to help you jump-start your 2025 job-hunting search.
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Before I became a career coach, I wore many different hats. My career path reads like the map in the book The Hobbit's opening pages. It’s one of many winding roads over rocky hills, mountains, and rough terrain for those unfamiliar with it.
But let’s be honest: a career is rarely smooth sailing from start to end, and where we often end up isn’t always what we imagined at the beginning.
You may be asking yourself, am I too old to change careers, or how exactly can I enter a new industry without retraining and fully utilising what I've learnt so far?
This is where I meet many of my clients looking to pivot out of their careers and wanting to learn how to translate their past experiences into other industries and roles.
Be reassured you're not alone; some are in their 20s or even starting new careers in their 60s.
1. Career Transistions: Understanding the Need for Career Change
So, first, let’s try to understand some of the reasons why people choose to pivot.
For me, it was when I felt dissatisfied with my progress within the company, my skill level had outgrown my current role, or when I no longer felt passionate about my work.
Various personal and professional factors can influence pivoting careers.
Pursuit of Passion: Sometimes, individuals discover a passion they want to pursue professionally later in life. Aligning their work with their interests can lead to greater fulfilment and happiness.
Growth and Development: People often seek new challenges to grow their skills and capabilities. A career change can provide fresh personal and professional development opportunities that their current role cannot.
Work-Life Balance: A demanding job can drain one's personal life. Switching to a career with a better work-life balance can improve mental health and well-being.
Financial Incentives: Some careers might offer better financial rewards or job security. Moving to a more lucrative field can be a strong motivator, especially if it aligns with their skills and interests.
Burnout and Job Dissatisfaction: High levels of stress and dissatisfaction in their current job can push individuals to seek a new direction. Finding a career more aligned with their values and interests can rejuvenate their professional life.
2. Transferable Skills: Leveraging Past Experiences for Future Success
Second, when looking for a new role, you need to identify both your soft and hard transferable skills. Transferable skills are abilities that can be applied across different jobs and industries, making them invaluable in your job search.
One approach to help you identify these is to conduct a self-assessment. This involves reflecting on your past experiences, both professional and personal, to pinpoint the skills you have developed.
Consider your previous roles, volunteer work, or even hobbies. For example, if you have experience in project management, you likely possess great organisational skills, time management abilities, and a knack for problem-solving, which are all valuable transferable skills.
Another effective method is to seek 360 feedback from peers, mentors, or supervisors. Engaging in discussions with others who have observed your work can provide insights into your strengths and areas of expertise that you may not have recognised on your own.
You can also consider taking online assessments or quizzes, such as those on the National Careers Service website, to evaluate your skills and competencies.
3. Visibility: Building a Strong Professional Network
LinkedIn and networking are important parts of your search strategy. Seeking out and attending in-person and online events can help you connect with people who can provide insider knowledge, give you access to the hidden job market, and potentially connect you with decision-makers and hiring managers.
Networking is not just about exchanging contact information but about building relationships that can lead to potential job opportunities. By connecting with individuals, you can gain insights into the hiring processes of specific companies and receive advice on how to tailor your application materials to stand out.
Many companies prefer to fill positions through referrals or internal recommendations, so cultivating a strong network is essential. Engaging with your connections on LinkedIn, joining relevant groups, and participating in discussions can increase your visibility and make it more likely for you to be considered for opportunities that may arise.
4. Polish up Your Marketing Materials and Update Your CVs
When looking to pivot careers or find a new job in your current sector, it's important to have a LinkedIn profile that reflects your current career goals and a CV that acts as a sales pitch, showcasing your professional journey to hiring managers and landing you that all-important interview.
Here are a few CV creation tips to enhance your chances of making a positive impression:
Tailor Your CV to Each Job Application: Remember to customise your CV and cover letter for each position you apply for. Highlight the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the job description.
Utilise Keywords: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs. Incorporate industry-specific keywords and phrases found in the job listing to ensure your CV passes through these automated filters.
Focus on Achievements: Instead of listing job duties, focus on quantifiable achievements showcasing your contributions. Use metrics and specific examples to illustrate how you added value in your previous roles. For instance, instead of saying "managed a team," you could say "led a team of 10 to achieve a 20% increase in sales over six months."
Keep it Concise and Professional: Aim for a clean, professional layout that is easy to read. Use bullet points for clarity, and keep your CV to one or two pages. Avoid clutter and ensure that important information stands out.
Include a Strong Summary Statement: At the top of your CV, include a summary statement encapsulating your professional identity. This should be a brief paragraph that grabs attention and encourages the reader to delve deeper into your qualifications.
5. Lastly, Take a Deep Breathe and Relax
Embarking on a job search takes time and can often feel daunting, so taking breaks and stepping away is important to gain fresh perspectives.
Lean on your friends and family for support, and don't get discouraged if you don't receive immediate responses.
By following some of the steps mentioned above, remaining patient, and researching, you can help position yourself ahead of the competition.
Want to Communicate, Connect, or Collaborate?
I'm always looking for collaborative opportunities and people to network with. Make sure to reach out, subscribe, and say hi.👋🏻 Email me directly at: emily@reflectionscareercoaching.co.uk 😃
Book a discovery call with me to discuss your needs and goals and explore how I can help you achieve them. ☎️