Transitioning from an old career to a new one can be a little scary, but definitely rewarding. It’s the start of a new life and an experience that will stay with you forever. It doesn’t matter where you work, it only matters if it’s a good fit that allows you to make a living and provide for your family. There are many steps to take before starting a new job, more than you might realize.
To make the transition a bit easier for you, we’ve assembled several quick tips that will greatly help when you decide to start a new career. Soon you could be on your way to a successful career. Take a look at these suggestions below!
1) Figure Out Your Ideal Lifestyle and Then Career
If you’ve decided to make a career change, there’s a reason why. Whatever the reason, you want to make sure your next job will help get you where you want to go and give you the lifestyle you want. Do you need to work from home? Or maybe you need to have weekends off to take care of your family? Just make sure you get into an industry that will allow you to reach your lifestyle goals and balance your family life at the same time.
2) Determine Your Career Goals
Once you’ve determined the job or industry you want to work in, you need to figure out how to get there. Do you need any training or certifications, or perhaps you might need to move to another city or state? It would help to research online and contact people in the industry to ask what the requirements are. Once you’ve figured out what qualifications are needed, then you can create a list of goals you need to accomplish so that the path ahead is clear.
3) Break Down Career Goals into Baby Steps
Break down your list of goals into baby steps that you can accomplish. For instance, if you want a new job and it requires an additional certification, break down the steps you’ll need to take to get that certification. Breaking your goals down into tangible steps will make the process seem less overwhelming.
4) Apply to Many Positions
Remember that for each job posting, there could potentially be plenty of other people applying for the same job. It would be wise to apply to many places to have a shot at getting called in for enough interviews to be offered a position. Also, if you’re able to, don’t be afraid to apply to jobs that are in a different city, state, or country! You never know where your dream job might take you.
5) Be Persistent
If you’re truly interested in a company or job, don’t let the fact that they didn’t get back to you the first time you applied stop you. Be pleasantly persistent, sending updates and checking in every so often to see if they are still hiring, or apply for some of their other open positions. The key is to be persistent without becoming bothersome.
6) Be Professional
When you’re lucky enough to get invited for interviews, make a professional impression as soon as you walk in the door. It’s OK to ask the interviewer what the dress code is in the office so you don’t show up overdressed or underdressed. Arrive ten minutes early so you can settle in and be comfortable.
7) Figure Out How You Can Solve the Employer’s Problem
During the interview, get a handle on what the employer needs. They’re hiring for a reason: they have a problem to be solved. Maybe they’re understaffed, are starting a new project, or need to replace someone who’s leaving. Determining what exactly the employer is looking for and how you can help solve their problems will put you ahead of the game when it comes to interviews.
8) Be Patient
It can take a long time of sending applications and going on interviews to be offered the kind of job you want. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get offered a job right away. Keep at it and you’ll surely succeed.
If you follow these tips, you’ll quickly be on the path to having the job and lifestyle you want. Have any other tips to add to the mix? Leave them in the comments below!
