We’ve all been there. Stuck and bored with an old job, wanting some way out. However, convincing yourself that this is the right time to begin your job search and move on is always a challenge. You never know whether you’re ready for a job change because you’ve settled down into your comfort zone and probably don’t realize that it’s time for some career advice from a professional. You can even talk to your peers to figure out your niche space which can further bolster your job search. However, one of the challenges you will face is to convince recruiters that you’re ready to take on other career options. Here are a few pointers on changing your career in a smooth fashion:
Identify why you’re moving
This is one of the main questions recruiters ask potential candidates looking for a career transition or a simple job change. By identifying a reason for leaving and justifying it, you’ll be able to show how much value you can bring. There might be different reasons behind your decision to leave your current company. These may range from a rapidly flattening learning curve to lower pay package. You can also attend a few career counseling sessions which can give you a different perspective. End of the day, it is crucial that you’re honest with the recruiters and informs them of the real reason behind your exit.
Recruiters have seen many candidates before and will know if you’re speaking the truth. It’s always better to be open and honest about your discussion rather than divert away from the actual reason.
Pick unique skills
One of the hallmarks of a good candidate is their ability to learn new skills which set them apart. This can be a software, people skills or anything that adds that extra bit of gloss to their resume. If you’re planning on quitting in a few months, it’s always good to brush up on certain skills or learn a new skill to add to your resume.
Recruiters are always looking for candidates who can add that extra bit to their company, and if you’ve unique skills, you never know who might be looking for the same. The best way to pick up exceptional skills is to evaluate various online courses and then choose one that suits you the best. See if this skill can be sustained over the long term and make a difference in the way you approach your work. If it does, waste no time in trying to learn the skill as it can make a big difference to you from a professional point of view.
Highlight your biggest achievements
A lot of candidates tend to add many achievements on their resume during their tenure in a company. While it’s always good to highlight the work and progress you’ve made in that particular job, a lot of it is just fillers to make up space. Try to whittle down your significant achievements into three or four so that recruiters know that’s what they’re looking for exactly.
Even when the interview time comes around, it becomes more straightforward for you to explain your most significant achievements and also put into perspective what you did. Companies are looking for three to four critical skills when they recruit, and this will help you do that in a much easier, concise manner. This way your job search can be quite smooth and recruiters will be easier to connect to.
Leadership qualities
When you’re moving from one role to another, leadership qualities should also be highlighted. Companies are always looking for leaders who can motivate others and get work done faster and better. If at any point, you were given an opportunity to showcase your leadership skill in a job, always make sure that stands at the top of your resume.
This will make it easier for companies to also understand how you’d work with a team and put you in charge of certain tasks which will benefit you. By doing so, you will also be able to delegate work better and focus on those projects which will aid you from a professional level and at the same time vindicate the recruiter’s decision to take you on board.
Speak the truth but know where to draw the line
A lot of people tend to lie on their resumes – whether its about a reason why they left a job or how they performed in certain tasks. It is always good to speak the truth about the core aspects of your resume but never divulge information which could make them doubt you. If a certain task wasn’t successful because of X reasons, it is always good to be open about it but not tell them the nitty-gritties of it.
By getting yourself a good reference, you’ll be able to boost your chances of landing a new job faster. Make sure you are on good terms with your workforce and always maintain a good professional and personal balance. Having hobbies on your resume reflects well and will pit you as someone who dedicates time to themselves, which will also help them from a professional standpoint. In a nutshell, all of the above-mentioned points need to work in tandem when you are thinking of how to change careers.
Tag: job change
10 Myths About Career Transitions That Stifle Your Professional Growth
Ever wondered what keeps you stuck in the job you are at, and avoiding transitioning your career? Some myths are just easy to relate to and accept. Like, it’s not my mistake. So, what can I do? Take a Big-Leap and don’t worry about small steps; Reason, plan and act and many more. That’s exactly why we need to debunk them and get cracking. Here are the most widely heard excuses we hide behind.
Myth 1:
Transitioning my career is too hard and I need this job:
A job is definitely essential, and dealing with responsibilities and earning money part of everyone’s career. Why make this excuse then? Failure and the fear it evokes, lack of planning and saving, and the missing vision for your career could be probable causes. Remember that in any career there’s plenty of hard work, new learning, change, and courage needed to accept faults, rework plans and move onwards.
Myth 2:
The times are not right:
Life is and will get busier with added responsibilities. There is just one right time and that is when you start. Do a search for job opportunities, ask and act for promotion and accept the challenges of a career change. If you haven’t saved or planned, then, do so now and make it a part of your daily plans.
Myth 3:
Career changes involve money:
This essential commodity called money is quintessential to all career changes. One needs to be able to sustain the period of transitioning, re-skilling costs and also be gainfully employed. Yes, it needs money. So plan and save for it. You are never going to fail when you invest in yourself.
Career changes depend on who you know!
This myth is not about looking to Steve Jobs for mentorship. All you need is to look around you and network well. Use social media and let the list inspire your choices and planning. Use your time in thinking about career options, re-juggling of your skill sets, hone the right ones, apply for jobs, intern if required and start planning early if you have plans to change careers.
Myth 5:
What will people think?
Their opinion doesn’t matter and you have no control over it. However, your career transition does depend on your opinion and how you think about yourself. You can never please people so don’t try and waste time here. They will sing your praise when you succeed.
Myth 6:
Be and follow your passions:
That’s great lip service especially when you have no clue about yourself or your passions. A Google search, blogs on topics that interest you, meeting successful people and great planning is required to cultivate a passion for anything. It is not a ready-made solution that you pursue.
Myth 7:
Find the right job:
Does it even exist? There are no rights, wrongs or mistakes. There are only job opportunities. What you do will count in your favor to find the most suitable and paying job. Personality development and skill attainment should be woven into the mix and are crucial for mentoring and watching your back.
Myth 8:
All will be right when I get this job:
No. The problems will start with you hitting the bottom of the new career ladder. This also means you may not get paid more and that you will have to slog and work your way to the top of the ladder. Everyone starts at the bottom. So don’t get discouraged.
Myth 9:
What can happen when I fail?
Don’t worry. If you succeed very few will complain. If you don’t, then spend some more time to see why you failed. Either way, you stand to gain if you open your mind to the possibilities of a job change.
Myth 10:
I don’t possess the job skills for a career change:
Okay! I haven’t heard of a swimmer who had the skills to swim before he entered the water. If you don’t possess the skills for new career options, then zero in on what is lacking and get onto honing your skill set.
In parting, let’s reiterate that you’ll get plenty of career tips. The ones that matter needs to be worked on. And if you need to clear the clutter about such myths research your choices and get some professional training at a reputed institution like Imarticus. Besides a wide variety of career-oriented courses, they do have assured placement services, a soft-skill development module and plenty of latest learning techniques to make learning skills easy.