Changing Careers in 2023

Changing Careers in 2023

Changing careers often feels exciting, but it’s also pretty daunting. When you switch careers, you’re taking a step into the unknown. Plus, you’re potentially leaving behind a job that’s allowing you to handle a range of needs, which is inherently intimidating.

Fortunately, it’s possible to change careers with relative ease. If you want to take your career in a new direction in 2023, here’s how to make the process as seamless as possible.

Understand Your Motivation

Before you embark on a career change, understand what’s motivating you to make a switch. It’s critical to know what you’re trying to get away from and what you want to move toward. Without getting a grip on both, you could find yourself moving into a new field that doesn’t give you the results you’re after.

Spend time reflecting on your career and current job. Know what is and isn’t working for you, and determine whether it’s your field or your specific role that’s not a great fit. Then, take an honest look at the career you’re considering, examining the pros and cons to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.

Honestly Assess Your Skills

Changing careers often means needing skills you don’t currently possess. Begin this process by honestly assessing your current capabilities. Identify your transferable hard and soft skills and compare that to what’s required to enter the new field. If you fall short in any areas, note the capabilities you need to hone before transitioning.

This process lets you form a plan to learn what you need before beginning the transition. Then, if you need to take some time to enhance your capabilities, you know precisely what to target to land a job in a new field.

Spend Time Exploring

In some cases, it’s better to test out the waters before you leave your current career behind entirely. Consider taking on a side project or a volunteer role in the field you want to pursue, as that lets you get firsthand experience that helps you determine if it’s genuinely a match. Plus, you can add that experience to your resume, which could simplify your transition.

Scheduling informational interviews with professionals currently working in roles similar to what you want is also beneficial. You can learn about the pros and cons from those in that career, and it’s often an enlightening experience.

Update Your Resume and Pursue a New Job

Once you are reasonably certain that the new career is a fit, it’s time to update your resume. Retarget the information to the role you want to land, adjusting the accomplishments you discuss and your skills section to reflect capabilities that are relevant in that field.

After that, it’s time to pursue a new position. One great way to begin is with a temporary job in the new field. Often, the requirements aren’t as strict for temp positions, and companies are more willing to take a chance on someone who’s changing careers. Plus, they can help you gain experience that you can add to your resume, and the job may turn into a permanent position.

If you’re ready for a career change and want help finding your next role, Hamilton-Ryker wants to hear from you. Check out our job listings today.