How to be Ready for a Career Change

How to be Ready for a Career Change The idea of changing careers can invoke anxiety in some people, but it shouldn't. People switch careers every day. In fact, the average worker changes jobs after about 4.4 years. Millennials--those workers born between 1977 and 1997--change jobs after about three years, according to Forbes. Experts don't know how many of these new jobs are career changes rather than job changes. However, some career coaches believe the average person changes careers six or seven times. You can change careers, too! If you're unhappy in your current career, it's time to make a move to something better. Let's get you ready for a career change. Decide What You'd Like To Do Remember those career assessment tests you took in school? You know, the ones that asked you multiple choice questions about your personality and behavior? That test may come in handy now.A career assessment test helps pinpoint where you are in life and what you'd be happiest doing in the future. Maybe you're thinking, "I've already taken that test. What's the point in doing it again?" The answer is simple. You've changed since then. As you get older, and as you gained more experience, you changed. This could cause your career assessment test to yield completely different results. Take a test online to see what you'd be good at, then weigh your options. Plan With Goals in Mind What will it take to push you past the finish line when it comes to switching careers? A solid plan. This plan should include: Networking with industry leaders Researching the companies you'd like to apply to Gaining necessary certifications Becoming aware of industry trends Following thought leaders on social media Create a New Resume You may not have a work history in your new field, but you can still put together a great resume. Focus on certifications or education that relates to your new field. You can also make past work experience work for you. Take a serious look at your work history. What experience from your prior jobs would help you in a new job? For example, if you are an accountant and want to work as a chef, highlight how well you can budget and organize. First Steps Towards Your New Career Once you've created an action plan, it's time to put it in place. There are several things you can do to get moving in the right direction. Research careers online. Find out what education and qualifications are needed to get a job in your chosen career. If you need more education, begin researching and applying to programs. Look at your local community college if you need to earn a certificate; such colleges often offer certificate programs at reduced prices to local students. Get references. If you've done any work in your new area of interest, gather references. For example, if you want to be a chef and have cooked for your friend's dinner party, get a reference from her. References can demonstrate that you have the skills you need for your chosen career. Create job seeker profiles. Put your new resume online on job seeking sites such as Simply Hired. You should also create a LinkedIn profile. Ideally, that's the first thing recruiters see when they Google your name. Consider a career coach. Career coaches specialize in helping people gain the skills they need to successfully switch careers. Hiring a coach who is familiar with your target career can enable you to accelerate your progress. Your career coach can also provide encouragement and help you stick to your plan. If you're ready for a new career, think deeply about what you want. Consider what you have to offer. Then make a plan, and stick to it. You'll be thankful you did.