Career Change: Success Tips

Successful career change is based on first making an honest assessment of your skills and experiences. Then you match them against the current market conditions. Finally you set realistic goals. Here are five strategies to keep in mind when changing careers:

  • Plan for a longer job search.
    Changing industries requires research, which requires time. Assess your financial situation and make realistic decisions. You may have to consider an interim position or part-time work or even volunteering to bridge to your new career and gain valuable experience.

  • Learn the business.
    Read every article you can find on the industry, so that you can leverage your skills in offering solutions to industry challenges and demonstrate the value you would add to an organization.

  • Find a coach.
    Coaches can provide you with insights into your new career field. They can also introduce you to key people and give you success advice. Treat them well for they are valuable resources.

  • Forget about ads and search firms.
    With the exception of entry-level positions, companies run ads to recruit prospects with specific experience. This is also true of search firms, who are paid to find highly experienced talent that matches the job description exactly.

  • Network, network, network.
    Networking is the key to any successful job search, especially in the case of a career change. The most effective way to transfer skills to a new field or new career is by using your contacts. Companies are more willing to take risks on people who are referred to them by individuals who can account for the candidates' abilities and potential.

    Marcia Zidle, the 'people smarts' coach, works with business leaders to quickly solve their people management headaches so they can concentrate on their #1 job ­ to grow and increase profits. She offers free help through Leadership Briefing, a weekly e-newsletter with practical tips on leadership style, employee motivation, recruitment and retention and relationship management. Subscribe by going to http://leadershiphooks.com/ and get the bonus report "61 Leadership Time Savers and Life Savers". Marcia is the author of the What Really Works Handbooks ­ resources for managers on the front line and the Power-by-the-Hour programs ­ fast, convenient, real life, affordable courses for leadership and staff development. She is available for media interviews, conference presentations and panel discussions on the hottest issues affecting the workplace today. Contact Marcia at 800-971-7619.

    In The News:


    Recession-proof your career - Employment expert offers job ...
    MyWebTimes.com, IL - Nov 23, 2008
    ... understandable to be concerned about employment, there are steps workers can take to help them be more indispensable and “recession-proof” their career. ...

    Nonprofit Career Paths
    California Job Journal, CA - 2 hours ago
    By Commongood Careers Today’s nonprofit sector is growing faster than ever. In fact, Independent Sector.org reports that nonprofit employment has doubled to ...

    IT survivor: 8 signs it's time for new employment
    InfoWorld, CA - 11 hours ago
    "When decisions that used to take a few days now take one or two weeks, that's a strong sign things are going bad," says Simon Stapleton, a tech careers ...

    Career Overhaul or a simple tune-up
    Java Journal, Missouri - 14 hours ago
    Galan: Do you have employment assistance services after graduation such as resume building and job placement? Peterman: Yes, we offer these services. ...

    Second Career options for laid-off workers
    Metro Canada - Toronto, Canada - 21 hours ago
    For more information on how to apply to Second Career visit an Employment Ontario assessment centre, or call 1-800-387-5656 or visit the website: ...

    Flexpipe Systems Announces Employment Opportunities
    Nickle's Energy Group, Canada - 3 hours ago
    Field Sales & Service Representative (Grand Prairie and area) These are ideal opportunities for anyone looking to develop their skills and career and be ...

    US Department of Labor announces $5 million grant to help Texas ...
    MarketWatch - 1 hour ago
    ... skills training and other re-employment services to help them get started in new careers," said US Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. ...

    Firms can achieve a flexible workforce through staff incentives ...
    Irish Times, Ireland - 21 hours ago
    "Where you announce a redundancy programme, you run the risk that the most talented people - the ones who can more easily secure alternative employment ...

    Examiner.com

    Looking for a Headhunter? Tips on How to Boost Your Search
    Examiner.com - 9 hours ago
    Let the headhunter find you- Most executives have been approached in their careers by a headhunter. Now that you are actively looking, make yourself visible ...

    Job market squeezes elderly needing to work
    Ocala, FL - 18 hours ago
    "There is a wealth of knowledge because our more senior associates have had previous careers," Stevens said. "Their interaction with our customers and ...
    careers employment - Google News
  • Dynamic Pre-Hiring Practices

    The pre-hiring process can be a challenge. Much time and... Read More

    Risk-taking - Get Your Feet Wet!

    We often use the phrase, "Get Your Feet Wet" when... Read More

    How to Change Careers and Still Pay the Bills - 5 Key Steps

    Studies show that more than 50% of people are unhappy... Read More

    Fact or Opinion?

    "You ain't going nowhere, son. You ought to go back... Read More

    5 Simple Rules for A Great Job Interview

    Many years ago, when I was a young job-searching greenhorn,... Read More

    Giving Notice: 6 Things to Do To Prepare to Leave

    After days, weeks, months or longer of interviewing, you have... Read More

    Creating a Feng Shui Power Office: 6 Easy Tips to More Successful Surroundings

    More and more people are looking to gain an edge... Read More

    Advantages of Mobile Oil Changes; A Potential Small Business for You?

    Mobile oil change and mobile lubes are great for fleet... Read More

    Behaviour To Climb The Stepping Stones To Career Success

    The heading of this article could just as well have... Read More

    War Time Hiring: 5 Steps to Attract Top Talent

    A recent report, titled "The War for Talent" stated that... Read More

    Why You Need To Be An Intrapreneur

    When a client asks me if I think he or... Read More

    Ten Great Careers For Single Parents

    The challenges of raising a child by yourself, whether you're... Read More

    A Job is Not a Job

    It only happened on Mondays. Sometimes I escaped... Read More

    Ten Things To Do When You Really, Really Hate Your Job

    1. Begin focusing on what you want instead of how... Read More

    Five Fabulous Resume Tips for College Grads (or Anybody)

    Fluffy clouds. Chirping birds. Green trees. Colorful flowers. It's springtime!... Read More

    Career Success Through Self-Marketing

    Marketing shouldn't be limited to advertising companies. Finding a job... Read More

    Discuss Your Accomplishments During the Interview

    When preparing for your interview, you need to be ready... Read More

    Career Tips: How To Start A New Career

    These days most people accept that jobs are not for... Read More

    What to Ask During the Interview

    Don't just sit there and bob your head, waiting to... Read More

    Benefits of Maintaining a Career Portfolio

    Have you ever tried to contact a past employer only... Read More

    The Group Interview

    Sometimes, when going on job interviews, you might end up... Read More

    Retiring in Paradise

    I have to admit that I'm starting to slow down... Read More

    Wake Up and Learn Something New

    The US Government has just released last month's job creation... Read More

    Interview Quicksand

    How will you respond when you're asked the following two... Read More

    Your Job Search Is A Marketing Campaign (Part 2)

    Here's a continuation of my article from a few months... Read More