Sometimes we can find ourselves at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to our career paths. At the time, the job or career you have now may have been the ideal choice. But things change, don’t they? You gain more experience in life and in the workplace.
You have passions for different things and you develop new skills. Many people find they get to a point where it is time to change and your career could be the one thing holding you back. So what do you do about it? With that question in mind, here are some of the ways you can make that career change you most definitely need.
Image source – Pixabay – CC0 License
Start with a killer resume
If you are trying to change your job then one of the first ports of call would be your resume. You need to ensure that you make some changes to it to incorporate the new focus of career you want in your life. It might be a good idea to start looking at templates online to help you put yours together. Make sure it has all of your relevant experience and most previous job responsibilities before sending out to prospective employers.
Maybe developing skills could help
It might be a good idea to start thinking about your current skills and knowledge and looking at options to advance them in some way. It could be worth it to look at studying options and taking on courses and degrees from home. Maybe you want to take on a course that allows you to change the field of career or industry you work in. This could be anything from an aviation degree to looking at a career in healthcare or something very specific. The options are endless and the only way to decipher what is best is to consider what you want to do.
Besides pursuing a degree or taking courses, gaining certifications is another way to improve your skills and knowledge. Certifications demonstrate to employers that you have acquired specific skills and knowledge in a particular area and can give you a competitive edge in the job market. Many types of certifications are available, ranging from technical certifications in fields like information technology or engineering to professional certifications in areas such as project management, human resources, or finance. For instance, If you’re interested in pursuing a career in finance or investment, gaining certifications like the Series 7 can be particularly beneficial. By practicing with Series 7 practice questions by Career Employer, you can familiarize yourself with the types of questions you may encounter on the exam and build your confidence in your knowledge and abilities.
First impressions count
There is no hiding from the fact that first impressions count for so much these days, so are you ready to make the sort of first impression that will land you the new job? The best advice is to look at the way you present yourself, and also take the time to practice your interview techniques. From preparing answers to obvious questions to thinking about what you may be asked.
Show initiative and seek out opportunities
You may also want to think about seeking out opportunities yourself. Not all vacancies are advertised, and in today’s competitive market, once they are you may be up against stiff competition. Seeking out opportunities may allow you to be the first in the know for when jobs are available. Contact employers, send your resume out, and head to networking events.
Could you work for yourself?
Finally, is there an option where you could work for yourself? Sometimes taking that plunge and actually going for it could be the best decision you make. It may take guts at first, but it could allow you to find the home and work life balance that you crave in your day to day life.
Let’s hope that these tips help you when it comes to changing your career for the better.
