Career Change: Success Tips

Successful career change is based on first making an honest assessment of your skills and experiences. Then you match them against the current market conditions. Finally you set realistic goals. Here are five strategies to keep in mind when changing careers:

  • Plan for a longer job search.
    Changing industries requires research, which requires time. Assess your financial situation and make realistic decisions. You may have to consider an interim position or part-time work or even volunteering to bridge to your new career and gain valuable experience.

  • Learn the business.
    Read every article you can find on the industry, so that you can leverage your skills in offering solutions to industry challenges and demonstrate the value you would add to an organization.

  • Find a coach.
    Coaches can provide you with insights into your new career field. They can also introduce you to key people and give you success advice. Treat them well for they are valuable resources.

  • Forget about ads and search firms.
    With the exception of entry-level positions, companies run ads to recruit prospects with specific experience. This is also true of search firms, who are paid to find highly experienced talent that matches the job description exactly.

  • Network, network, network.
    Networking is the key to any successful job search, especially in the case of a career change. The most effective way to transfer skills to a new field or new career is by using your contacts. Companies are more willing to take risks on people who are referred to them by individuals who can account for the candidates' abilities and potential.

    Marcia Zidle, the 'people smarts' coach, works with business leaders to quickly solve their people management headaches so they can concentrate on their #1 job ­ to grow and increase profits. She offers free help through Leadership Briefing, a weekly e-newsletter with practical tips on leadership style, employee motivation, recruitment and retention and relationship management. Subscribe by going to http://leadershiphooks.com/ and get the bonus report "61 Leadership Time Savers and Life Savers". Marcia is the author of the What Really Works Handbooks ­ resources for managers on the front line and the Power-by-the-Hour programs ­ fast, convenient, real life, affordable courses for leadership and staff development. She is available for media interviews, conference presentations and panel discussions on the hottest issues affecting the workplace today. Contact Marcia at 800-971-7619.

    In The News:

    • pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Interview Preparation Made Easy: Create An Interview Preparation List

    Here's a quick way to compare your own job experience... Read More

    Dissatisfied With Your Job? Stop Putting Your Attention on What You Dont Want!

    If I were to ask you the percentage of time... Read More

    Answering The What Are Your Weaknesses? Interview Question

    One of the trickier questions an interviewer might put to... Read More

    A Career In Medical Assisting

    My name is Danni R, and I am a certified... Read More

    10 Steps to Escape the Job World and Create the Life You Really Want

    1. GET THE POINT ? OF LIFE, THAT IS.... Read More

    Business & Career: Know Your Ruling Star!

    "Know your Ruling Star. One man is better received by... Read More

    I Quit!

    More and more people are calling it quits to successful... Read More

    CVs And Resumes Sometimes Just Get In The Way

    As a head-hunter and Career Coach I see so many... Read More

    7 Tips for Writing Winning Resume Cover Letters

    Writing a good resume cover letter is something you should... Read More

    The Hidden Job Market: Real or Imagined?

    The hidden job market has been touted as the place... Read More

    3 Cover Letter Secrets Revealed

    Writing a cover letter can be like cleaning your garage... Read More

    Mystery Shopping for Fun and Profit

    How would you like to get paid to go shopping?... Read More

    Thank-You Notes: An Integral Part of Your Career Design

    There is one little practice that is vital to generating... Read More

    Writing A Great Resume, Part 2

    TIP: Update your resume often. Be sure to add details... Read More

    Writing a Must-Read Cover Letter

    If you want to land an interview, you'll need more... Read More

    10 Steps to Getting the Most Out of Job Fairs

    Many job seekers tend to overlook job fairs. They can... Read More

    Giving Notice: 6 Things to Do To Prepare to Leave

    After days, weeks, months or longer of interviewing, you have... Read More

    5 Things Every New Caterer Should Know

    It has been over twenty five years since I started... Read More

    Finding Success In Todays Job Market

    This year we are experiencing the most dynamic and rapidly... Read More

    Write And Get Hired

    Want to get hired faster than up to 97% of... Read More

    Three Ways to Transition to a New Career

    As a Certified Personnel Consultant working for Find Great People... Read More

    Reading the Want Ads--Not for Jobs--For Information

    What? Want ads are where job announcements are, not information!Wait!... Read More

    What is Experience Anyway?

    I learned in first grade that one plus... Read More

    Work Is A Four-Letter Word

    I can hear the jokes already and most of them... Read More

    How To REALLY Look For A Job

    Are you looking for a job -- really looking? Or... Read More

    College Labor is Available in Ohio

    Ohio has always been big on education and that means... Read More

    Find Free Resumes Online

    Have you been spending money on countless job boards, only... Read More

    Have You Given Up On Yourself?

    Have you given up on yourself? Have you decided to... Read More

    History Reports: When Your Resume Equals, I Did This, I Did This, I Did This

    Do these sound familiar?"I worked for?" "My responsibilities were?"... Read More

    Career Advice: Are Resumes Obsolete As A Primary Job Search Tool?

    In a day of background checks, pre-employment drug screening and... Read More

    Aptitude Tests Reveal the Difference Between Your Aptitude & Ability

    Aptitude tests measure your skills, abilities, values, interests and personality... Read More

    Kill the Hype

    She was waiting for me when I returned from a... Read More

    Ideal Job and Handling Criticism

    How many times have you been asked, "What is your... Read More