A topic that has been on my mind lately: how to change careers. I hear it from clients, friends, people around me. That feeling that you need to change something in your career. Let’s uncover this:
Maybe you want to earn more money, have more free time, work in a different country, in a new industry or finally go after that lifelong dream.
Whatever it is: it’s important to listen to this as it’s guiding you into your new direction in life.
I know this comes with fears. Our mind telling us why it’s not possible.
Understand that the ego is there to keep us safe – in the same place. The ego doesn’t like change and will make a lot of noise if you step into this new version of yourself.
This doesn’t mean you should listen to this!
Here’s my thoughts on how to navigate career change:
1. It’s okay to feel fear
..but don’t let this stop you. There’s a reason why you have the feeling of changing careers. That there’s more out there for you.
I like the expression ‘you choose your hard’. Changing careers is hard. Staying stuck in your current career or situation is hard. Choose your hard. Which hard do you want to work towards? Which hard aligns with the vision you have for yourself and your life?
2. Make a decision
I worked for more than 7+ year in recruitment and it’s oh so easy to start identifying with your career! When I made the change to career coaching I had to let go of my old identity and start seeing myself as a career coach.
Coincidence or not..I started getting my first coaching clients only when I made the decision to be a career coach.
3. Branding
Now on to some practical tips. Making a career change is all about how you present yourself to your new potential clients or employer.
Have another look at your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile. Is it clear for people reading this what you’re looking for as a a next step in your career? And why you’re the most suitable person for this?
Career change resume tips
- Go over all your experiences and ask yourself the question: How does this experience relate to the career change I’m looking to make? Focus on transferable skills. Note: experience is more than work! Think about your studies, volunteer work and related side projects as well.
- Make a seperate section on your resume stating ‘Most Related Experience’ followed by ‘Work Experience’. You want the person reading this to see your most relevant experience first. This is not necessary your most recent experience.
- Add a short introduction with your most related work experience and what you’re looking for as a next step.
Career change cover letter tips
- Again, start by uncovering your most related work experience and transferable skills
- Now let’s make this into a story. What do you want the person reading this to know about you? How can you contribute to this company? Which problems can you solve for them?
Here you can get your free resume template and free cover letter template to help you with this!
If you don’t have a lot of experience yet, you can focus on creating this experience!
Let’s say you want to work in marketing. Start by creating you own blog, TikTok account, YouTube channel etc. On these platforms you can show what you can do and build your portfolio.
You can also make a short case study showing the company you want to work for how you will add value. There’s no experience that can beat this!
For a marketing role present the top 3 ideas you have how company X can increase their LinkedIn following by 10% over the course of 6 months.
Next, you’re being invited to interview!
It’s never too late to change careers!
You do need determination, focus and some courage!
Yes, it requires more work, but remember there’s nothing more rewarding than listening to the guidance of your soul 🙂