|
|
|
| |
A career change can be an exciting time with the new "fresh grad" feeling. It can also be very anxious time, full of uncertainty and insecurities brought on by fear of the unknown. Suddenly, you're not the expert anymore! Leaving your comfort zone to peruse a better fitting industry can be tricky. To make a smooth change, keep these four important strategies in mind.
|
 |
| 1. |
Change That résumé! What worked for you five years ago may not work for you today. Not only has the economy and job market altered drastically, but résumés and job searching techniques have also changed. Current job-market trends create trends in résumés-or rather what you need on a résumé to get a recruiter's attention. In today's "employer's market," résumés tend to be shorter (one page for entry level) and are customized for a specific job. If you haven't written a résumé in several years, make sure you use the Internet, résumé books or, if you are an AIU Online student or alumni, you can contact the university's Career Services Department for examples and tips.
When writing your résumé for a career change, keep in mind that the economy isn't the only thing changing here; your career path is also different! And many industries have different expectations for résumés-industries like business, information technology, visual communication, and even teaching. It is important to do research on your target industry to see what is expected on a résumé.
Now is also a great time to revamp your résumé by taking out items that are outdated or are not relevant to your future position. It may be difficult to leave out every last detail of your job duties; however, someone in a different industry won't understand what you were doing and why it is relevant to them. You want to keep the focus on your new education and current skills or experiences that may be related to the job you are seeking. Cut the fluff, leaving only what's relevant to your new career.
|
 |
|
| 2. |
Stay Professional. Many people find it daunting to enter a new career path later in a professional life. But that doesn't have to be a roadblock to achieving your dreams. Remember to stay proud of your experiences and the goals you have already accomplished. Believe it or not, you most likely have many transferable skills. It is likely that skills or experiences you acquired in past positions can help you in your future ones. For example, management skills, customer service skills, business etiquette, and attention to detail are all important aspects of any job. It is important to carry them with you in every job in your future.
|
|
|
| 3. |
Don't Quit While You Are Ahead.
So you've decided on a new career path and you've updated your résumé. You may feel like you are on top of the world, ready to leave your old life behind and tackle the challenges ahead of you. Plus, looking for a full-time job can be a full-time job itself. Right? But wait! Don't quit while you're ahead. Staying in your current job while you search for a new one offers many advantages (including financial security), gives you an opportunity to gain new skills, and presents no hard-to-explain résumé gaps. Plus, it is a good rule never to burn bridges. You never know when an opportunity may arise in a different department if you have proven yourself as a valuable employee. |
| 4. |
Get the Experience You Need.
Just because you don't work in your chosen industry-yet-doesn't mean you can't get relevant experience. Look for creative ways to build your résumé and gain experience in your chosen field. Some useful strategies include becoming active in professional organizations, networking and making contacts in the field, volunteering your time, or working part time. You can register with temporary agencies or work with a recruiter to find job opportunities. In the long run, every little bit helps! If you are an AIU Online student or alumni, you can also contact the university's Career Services Department for more tips, advice, and suggestions.
|
|
 
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
How long has it been since you revised your résumé?
View our updated lists of working relationships with many of today's
leading companies, organizations, and military bases.
Top 10 Résumé Blunders: Don't let these mistakes derail your job-hunting efforts!
 Read More
|
No Problem!
