Making the decision to leave your current job to pursue something totally different, or to move to a different geographic location, can be daunting. The process, however, is a lot like when you searched for your first position. Below are some pointers for changing careers effectively.
1. Self Exploration
The first step in your career change campaign is knowing yourself:
What are your skills, interests and values and how have they been applied in work situations?What have you learned from your past experiences (including academic, and/or volunteer) about your own work preferences in terms of "culture" or "environment"?Where do you wish to live?What are your financial requirements?
If you experience difficulty answering these questions, you may want to consult with one of our Career Counselors (see Ask the Counselor), view our assessment resources or explore some of the resources in our Virtual Career Library. Our relocation and salary pages may also be helpful in your research.
2. Career Exploration
Knowledge of the job market in general, and specifically the industry in which you seek employment, will help determine how you target the efforts of your search.
Which positions and industries match your skills, interests and values?Which offer the best opportunity for the present and growth for the future?What service needs are being projected for a rising and/or changing population?Where are the pockets of specific industries located?
The following sites provide excellent information about positions and industries: WetFeet.com, and Monster.com. Also, be sure to browse our Virtual Career Library for Industry-Specific resources.
3. Career Action Plan
Once you have identified an industry or industries that match your career profile, you must develop an action plan for uncovering opportunities.
Consult with one of our Career Counselors for assistance with a resume, interview practice, and job search advice. Career changers will need to look for ways to communicate their transferable skills on their resume; see our resume guidelines and some of the samples at MonsterTrak for help with developing a targeted resume. Also, our Interviewing page has pointers for professional interview etiquette and dress.Utilize MiddNet Online, family members, former professors and friends to establish a network of professionals working within your target industry. See our networking page for suggestions on the best way to approach networking contacts.Visit sites like WetFeet.com and Vault.com to research specific companies.
4. Career Implementation
Much attention is paid to identifying employers and applying for positions. Unfortunately, little thought is given to the process of evaluating potential employers and actual job offers. The following are important considerations for the job hunter involved in the final decision-making step.
When one offer is made:
Accept the offer, in writing and/or over the phone, and send brief note to other potential employers, withdrawing your candidacy; orDelay acceptance for no more than two weeks and politely request time to consider offer; orDecline the offer over the phone, follow up with a brief thank you to the employer for extending the offer
When multiple offers are made:
Accept one offer and send a brief note to other employers, thanking them and politely declining; orDelay acceptance for no more than two weeksand politely request time to consider offer
Use our Salary/Compensation page to evaluate your offer.
When no offers are made:
Don't take it personally; consider it practice for the next interview and think about what, if anything, you would do differently next timeSend a brief note to the individual(s) who interviewed you, thanking you for their time and asking them to keep you in mind should other opportunities arise
Other resources
For more information on job search strategies, visit our Career Resource Library for a list of books and Web sites.
WetFeet.com has a special section just for career changers.
Overwhelmed? Ask the Counselor for assistance, or contact CSO to set up a phone or in-person appointment with one of our counselors.