The idea of changing careers can be equal parts exciting and daunting. Often, people consider different paths when their current one no longer feels like a great fit, leading them to explore new opportunities that seem like a better match. This can ignite a professional’s passion, leaving them enthusiastic about the future.
However, transitioning into a new field or industry does come with challenges. Your job search may be more difficult, especially if you are competing against other candidates who do have experience in that arena. Additionally, you might need to take extra steps to ensure you can land your target position.
If you are thinking about switching careers, here’s what you need to know.
Make Sure You Really Want a New Career
Sometimes, professionals are dissatisfied in their current role but not necessarily with their field or industry. Before you make a switch, consider if you actually need a new career or if a new job in your current field could also do the trick.
Certain job-oriented issues, like poor company culture or boredom with your duties, can affect your engagement and satisfaction dramatically. However, if you still enjoy using your professional skills, simply finding a new employer could remedy these problems, allowing you to move on to something better without making a career switch.
If you genuinely dislike your field or specialty and will feel the same way regardless of where you work, then aiming for a career switch might be the best option.
Assess Your Skills Based on the Target Role
Before you quit your current job, it is wise to examine your skill set to see what is transferable based on your ideal position. Research opportunities in your new career field and see what employers want to find when they are hiring. Then, compare what you have to offer with what they want.
This approach allows you to determine if your existing skill set is enough to make a career switch or if you need additional experience or training to land your target position. If you find your skills are lacking, you now know what you need to pursue to make the transition possible, giving you actionable steps that can move you closer to your goal.
Be Ready to Take a Step Backward
When you switch careers, you might not be able to aim at the same position level as you are in previously. Unless your skills and experience are highly transferable, don’t be surprised if you have to take a step backward to get yourself on a new career path.
Not only could this include a lower job title, but it may also mean accepting a salary that is below what you currently receive. Often, compensation and position levels are related to experience. When you are starting in a new field, you may not have enough to demand compensation that aligns with what you received in your last role.
However, if you are truly passionate about your new career, this is often a sacrifice that is worth making. Plus, if you are diligent and engaged going forward, you can usually make up for lost ground fairly quickly.
If you would like to know more about making a career switch, the team at TempStaff can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruiters today and see how our career transition expertise can benefit you.
