Many people at different points in their life decide that they wish to pursue a different career. Sometimes it is just a passing interest or repressed childhood dream and this article is not suggesting that your should resign from your account manager position to become a rodeo clown, however more and more people are retraining and pursuing different career paths.
Perhaps you are looking for something with more satisfaction, maybe you have bested all the challenges that your industry has to offer or perhaps you are looking for that golden pay check. Whatever the reason this article breaks down the overwhelming concept of changing your career path into ten simple steps.
1. Decide what job you really want. The importance of this part of the process depends on the circumstances of the individual job seeker however for most people with existing financial responsibilities it is crucial. The secret is finding a balance between what you really want to do and what is realistically achievable. It is essential to seek career advice and industry knowledge from impartial advisers preferably from within the industry you are examining.
2. Obtain the relevant training or qualifications. Use online resources and job search websites to look at the current market and at what level you can afford to enter the industry. It will not be financially viable for many people to accept entry level positions so you will have to keep working in your current role and study part-time. This is a good way to meet people training at similar levels from within the industry and employers will respect this as it shows you really want it.
3. Gain work experience in that field. Another great way to impress future employers is to do work shadows or work experience. This is more applicable to certain industries but it will build up your industry contacts, allow for networking and give you valuable practical knowledge you can apply in your courses.
4. Update your CV catering to the industry and specific position. Start building your CV as early as possible using this experience. Seek advice from industry professionals and your tutors about structure and content. Use online job searches and CV wizards to get ahead of the game.
5. Monitor trade magazines, websites and job search websites. Knowledge of the job market is essential because timing is everything in job searching. The trade magazines of the industry provide crucial information about the main players, legislative changes and trade organisations that will prove invaluable in job searches and interviews.
6. Register with Job Search sites. This resource is fantastic as you can float your CV then wait for responses, judging the effectiveness of your CV in the process. This site will be used by many specialist recruitment consultancies within the industry so keep a note of which agencies are handling the jobs you are interested in.
7. Listen To The Recruitment Consultants. When it comes to specialist recruitment, always listen to the consultants. They know what is going on in the industry and can give invaluable advice about CV, potential employers and where the money is.
8. Be pro-active and send CVs, request applications for positions and follow up when you say you will. This is imperative as you need to manage the consultants to a certain extent, build relationships and instil confidence by meeting deadlines and commitments to contact.
9. Get the interview and attend as many interviews as you can. The consultants are only there to get you an interview so have that objective with them. Attend as many as possible as they are valuable learning experiences and you might come back to that company in five years time with more experience. Even bad interviews are learning experiences.
10. Do not listen to interview techniques. They are crude, false and employers can generally see through them. You must be yourself, even if that means being nervous. If you have done your preparation then there should be no nerves, both you and the interviewer want you to be the right person for the job so enjoy it and use it as a networking opportunity. Each interviewer is another industry contact.
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