Feeling it's time for a big change? Changing careers can be a daunting process, and it's hugely difficult to know where to start. Luckily, there are resources out there for you. Check out three helpful steps below that will help make the start of your job search completely manageable:
do your research
Whether you have a general idea of what career change you want to make or you simply know you want a change but have no idea what direction to go, job boards or LinkedIn groups are a fantastic first stop on your journey. Spend a few hours scrolling through the jobs available in certain sectors that interest you. You'll not only discover what they pay and where they're located, but also what areas are most in demand. Don't forget to research what it’s like to work for a specific company. What is the culture like? Do people enjoy working there? Neither do you want to skip checking where that career leads in the future. Is there room to progress through the career? What is the ultimate position or goal?
make connections
You might already know someone who is working in your preferred career area - reach out to them. Speak to any friends or colleagues who might have some overlap (even if not exactly the right career) with the area you're looking to move into. They don't have to be perfect, but maybe they can put you in touch with someone who is.
Find a mentor. There are resources out there to connect with mentors in certain sector areas. Search your social networks for sector specific groups and become engaged in discussions. Take someone to lunch and pick their brain. Get a first-hand account of what it's really like to work in this career so you know what you're getting into.
study
If you've identified that new career you'd like to break into, start to learn everything you can about that new area. Are there any new qualifications you might need? Will you have to study for any length of time? Is there any self-study you can complete before applying for jobs? Become an amateur expert in your new career area so that you know exactly the type of work you'll be doing in the future. Get a taste for the day-to-day and see if it's something that interests you. If you realize it doesn't, no problem. You can simply begin your research again in another career area with little time and effort lost.
ready for a new job?