Are you thinking about making a career change? Are you already in between jobs and want to transition to a new industry or career? Do you need some help figuring out which way to go or how to make the switch? Read on for some tips by our guest blogger, Michaela Partridge.
Here are some suggestions for making a start with your next career move. Undertake an inventory of your skills, knowledge, interests, experiences and job preferences. Consider these questions:
- Who are you?
- What have you done?
- What are you good at?
- What do you like to do?
- What do you want to do next?
- What do you want to avoid?
- What can you offer hiring managers and organizations?
Take advantage of the self-assessment products [available through Radiant Resume Career Services and Posey Salem in the U.S. or Works A Dream and Michaela Partridge in the U.K.]. The internet is a good source for career change information as are many self-development books.
Put your last job and organization behind you. Resentments about the past sap your energy and do not help your efforts to create the future you want. Avoid being perceived by others as a complainer. After losing a job, answer the questions below:
- What did your employer tell you? (the official version)
- What do you believe? (what you really think happened)
- What are you going to tell people? (anyone you speak with, but in particular, potential interviewers)
Forget your answers to 1 & 2 above and concentrate on your direct and concise answer to question 3 – which, if possible, includes a positive statement about your former company and manager.
Devise a reasonable response to “why are you on the job market?” question. Next, devise and write-up a plan of action that will kick-start your job search. Whatever else you do, the most important thing is to take massive action!
If you live in the U.S., are in career transition and are still feeling stuck – not knowing which direction to go next, perhaps our Career Insight Planning Assessment and one-on-one coaching sessions will help you to identify potential career paths that are uniquely suited to who you are. Radiant Resume Career Services is ready to help you identify, plan for and make the switch to a new career. Our office is conveniently located near Raleigh, NC but thanks to technology we work virtually with clients all over the United States. For more information about the assessment, and coaching sessions or a highly targeted resume and LinkedIn profile, contact Posey today!
“This blog post was written by my UK colleague, Michaela Partridge. She is a Careers Mentor from Kent, the fabulous Garden of Eden in the UK. When she isn’t there you can catch her in Mallorca, Spain, chilling out with a glass of wine and good company. Thankfully, technology allows her to carry on supporting her clients! Getting ahead of the competition is essential in your job search and Michaela’s well positioned to help you on your journey. Pop over to her site and check out her weekly Careers Clinic and regular webinars and whilst you’re there download her gift “getting ahead of the competition in your job search”. Have fun! www.WorksADream.com”
