Has COVID Inspired You To Make A Career Change? Here Are Your Next Steps

Has COVID Inspired You To Make A Career Change? Here Are Your Next Steps

First, congratulations to you! Making the decision to change careers is not an easy one for so many reasons. You’re leaving what you know to dare for something better.

There are many reasons behind wanting a career change. You might be looking for a way to fatten your wallet or reduce your stress. Maybe you’ve been stuck in a job that you hate. Possibly, you’ve felt bored or just plain frustrated from years of laboring in the same profession and crave a new calling.

The Covid-19 pandemic and its related remote working complications seem to have stoked people’s “Is this really what I want to do with my life?” despair.  If you’ve been toying with the idea of a career change this past year, you are not alone.

According to a findcourses.co.uk survey, 35% of people are actively looking to change careers. (That’s more than one-third!) Interestingly, this itch for a change seems to have affected even those who are happy in their current roles with a remarkable 89% also contemplating a career change.

It’s an incredibly brave path you’re embarking on. To make the most of your qualifications and professional accomplishments, you’ll want to do some research and get your ducks in a row to maximize your chances of landing that new dream job.

 

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1 | Do Your Research

As a career changer, you should consider having a very targeted approach to your job search. Browsing job sites like LinkedIn or monster.com can help you hone in on companies, industries, and especially job skills. A read-through of posted job requirements can make any career changer’s heart sink and imposter syndrome take over.

Try not to despair. Carefully read through the lines of what they’re looking for and focus on transferable skills and relevant experience. You’re probably much more qualified than you realize. A good tip is to rewrite and even reorganize your resume in such a way so as to really make your transferable skills stand out.

At the very least, reading job descriptions is a good exercise for uncovering the skills you need to work on. In fact, the vast majority of survey respondents (83%) acknowledged that they need to learn something new in order to make a career change.

You may find yourself more marketable if you take a course specifically related to the skills employers are looking for in your chosen position. Even a refresher in basic communication training or spreadsheet software can work wonders for making you stand out from other candidates.

 

2 | Look Into Funding

In response to the pandemic, many governments have set up opportunities for training subsidies. In the United States, programs can be found at both the state and federal levels, so be sure to investigate all your options.

It’s worth taking some time to check out what might be available to you to help make the transition as smooth as possible. For example, there are funds for training in high-need sectors, assistance for child care, starting your own business, and scholarships and grants for continuing your education.

Some organizations may even offer opportunities for on-the-job training in an apprenticeship or internship position. If you’re coming from outside your target industry, these positions are a great way to get precious, job-relevant experience. You’ll also be able to study the industry, learn best practices and lingo, train on special software or tools, and create industry-specific contacts—all as an insider.

 

3 | Network, Network, Network

Networking is all about marketing yourself. Think about all the people you know—past work colleagues, suppliers, school friends, your kids’ friends’ parents, clients, and their friends—each one of them might be the source of a job lead for you. You’ll never know if you don’t ask them or inform them of your new path.

Your network is always important but in the case of a career change, your contact is also vouching for you and your continued success in a new career. Recruiters and hiring managers tend to prefer the least risky option. Your application will carry more weight if coming from a trusted source, regardless if you check all the qualification boxes.

Using your contacts to find or recommend you to a job is one of the most important activities you can do as part of your career change journey. If you’re not comfortable with approaching people and asking for help, maybe a course in interpersonal skills can give you the confidence boost you need and put yourself out there.

 

4 | Believe

Believe it is possible. It may take time for you to make the shift you’re after. There will be plenty of ups and downs along the way. Finding a mentor figure—someone who’s already made a career change—can help remind you it can happen. You absorb the positivity of their success and gain a valuable source for tips and inspiration. 

You’re at the beginning of the pathway to a new career. It’s an incredibly courageous and satisfying pursuit you're embarking on! With some research, networking effort, and a lot of positivity, you can set yourself up for career change success.


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