Has a new year new career attitude taken a hold of your soul?
The New Year produces resolution lists that make a difference in our lives for about two weeks after the big crystal ball descends in Times Square. Sure, we adhere to an improved diet and new workout regimen until Super Bowl Sunday. That is, if we have the discipline to follow our new lifestyles for an entire month. Most of us discard our New Year’s resolutions as about as fast as The Bachelor discards a new courtship.
However, one New Year resolution requires all of your attention. Making a career change to mark the New Year involves implementing several strategies.
The “Why” Matters
Before you prepare for a career change, you need to understand why you want to make a New Year, new career. Does your current job limit your earning potential? Are you not challenged enough at work? Would a move to another organization within the same business niche solve your career woes? You have to know why you want to leave your current job before you pound the pavement in search of a better professional life. New year, new career!
Make a List of Professional Strengths and Weaknesses
The first thing on your New Year, new career list is to write down your professional strengths and weaknesses. Maybe your professional strengths don’t match the career description of your current job. If you want to change your career, listing your professional weaknesses helps you eliminate numerous occupations. For example, if you constantly need stimulation, chances are you won’t make it as an accountant.
Research, Research, Research
A New Year, new career requires intensive research into other vocations, as well as the attributes of other companies. Although online resources provide plenty of information for you to make the right career change choice, you also should consider spending time asking questions to professionals that work in other occupations and for competing organizations.
Networking: It’s More than Schmoozing
After you complete your thorough research, make a list of neighbors, close friends, and family members that can help you get your foot in the door in another industry or organization. Your next-door neighbor might work as a human resources manager for a company that interests you. Maybe your brother knows someone who knows someone that works for a company that appeals to your professional aspirations. Take advantage of whom you know to bring in the New Year, new career.
Consult with a Career Counselor
Career counselors study and train to provide advice to job seekers. They understand how to analyze career assessment tests and ask the right questions during meetings with clients that want to usher in a New Year, new career. The price for consulting with a career counselor pales in comparison to the benefits of enriching your professional life. Career counselors guide you down the path towards matching your professional skills with a rewarding job.
New Year, New Career, New Resume
How to prepare for a career change involves at least tweaking your resume. You might have to adjust your list of professional accomplishments or modify your career objective. For changing organizations within the same professional sector, you must emphasize your professional accomplishments. Your resume acts as your professional business card. Make sure it sings your praises.
What to Cover in a Cover Letter
A well-written cover letter unlocks the door to career changes. You don’t have to explain why you seek a career change in a cover letter. Experienced interviewers find out why you want a New Year, new career during an interview. Tailor your cover letter not only to different business niches but also to different organizations. The most effective cover letters answers the question, “Why should we hire you.”
Dress Rehearsal for an Interview
So, you’ve followed all of the tips that help you ring in a New Year, new career. However, the final step in the process often derails that the best-prepared job candidates. Learn the most common questions asked during interviews, as well as the best ways to respond to the questions. A dress rehearsal for an interview involves role playing with someone that you trust to provide helpful feedback.
How to prepare for a new career requires you to prepare your family for a New Year, new career. Without your family behind you during your career change, you can expect several stalled attempts to reignite your professional life. A career change might not change your address, but in many cases, a New Year, new career involves long distance moves that disrupt the family.
Make informing your family a priority in how to prepare for a career change.
Leave a Reply