Thinking about changing careers can be scary. If you feel stuck or want more out of your current job, making a change could lead to a more meaningful career. While it’s never an easy decision, there is plenty of career switching advice that can really help. 

The biggest fear when changing careers is the idea of having to start over again. You’ve spent a lot of time getting to where you are. Naturally, you don’t want to have to climb all the way back up the ladder. That’s why it’s important to consider exactly why you want to pivot and how you’re going to accomplish it. 

Take Stock of Your Current Situation

It’s important to know what you don’t like about your job before you think about leaving. Is the work culture not strong enough? Are the benefits mediocre? Is the salary not meeting your expectations? Or is the work not satisfying?  All can be valid reasons. But you want to make sure you’re identified the issue so you can be sure it’s not something that could be fixed and so you don’t land in a job with similar issues.

Career switching is also about taking stock of yourself. What are your biggest strengths? Weaknesses? What are your values? Skill sets? Personality? These questions are the start of your roadmap to a new career. 

Consider taking an online self assessment like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or Motivational Appraisal Personal Potential (MAPP). They’re helpful in getting the ball rolling towards the types of new career that would be worth pursuing.

See What’s Out There

Once you’ve figured out the direction you want to go, it’s time to do research, research, research. Knowing what’s out there will unlock potential you might not have known existed. 

• Do extensive online research related to careers you’re interested in. 
• Follow industry professionals on social media, especially LinkedIn. 
• Attend in-person or online seminars, conferences, and meet-ups. 
• Read trade publications and journals to stay up-to-date on industry news. 

Research is a fun phase because it’s all about exploration. You don’t have to commit to anything yet. Instead, research gives you the chance to see which careers match up with your skills and personality. Plus, absorbing all this information will really come in handy when interviews come around. 

Check out our blog on must-ask interview questions to see the kinds of things hiring managers like to bring into the conversation.

Use and Expand Your Network

Your network is one of the best career switching tools you have. Whether you’re talking to a mentor or a trusted colleague, using your network can help you see which fields might be the best fit. However, you don’t want to rely just on the network you already have. 

Now is the time to expand your network even further to make new connections for a new career. For some, building new connections and getting out there can feel a bit uncomfortable. But it’s more important to surround yourself with people who are part of the career path you’d like to break into. Creating strong new additions to your network will bring you closer to other professionals who can help you make the switch. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you’ll be seen. 

Build an Action Plan

Think of this as your grand strategy. You’ve identified the career you want to pursue. Now it’s time to make it happen. This is a step-by-step plan to accomplish your career change. It should include things like: 

• Timeline of goals – when do you want to be in your new career? 
• Resume and cover letter preparation – make sure they’re tailored toward specific jobs 
• Job applications 
• Mock interviews 
• Follow-up

Setting small, actionable goals that can be completed in short windows builds confidence. It’s also important to realize that your plan may change along the way. Be open to new opportunities that require you to adjust. Increased flexibility creates an adaptable mindset, which is highly valued by employers. 

Trust Your Gut

Trusting your gut is the most important thing when it comes to a career change. Your instincts are important. If something is truly energizing to you, then there’s nothing anyone can do or say that will stop you. 

But there’s another side to this equation: knowing when to walk away. If your gut tells you something about the job you applied for or about the direction you’re heading isn’t the right fit, have the courage to walk away. Not every step you take is going to be in the right direction. 

Above all, go after the work that lights you up! If you find a career path that excites you, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. 

Bonus: Use a Staffing Service 

When it comes time to change careers, working with a trusted local staffing service can be a great asset—depending on the type of change you’re making.

Our team works closely with local employers in industries like Skilled Manufacturing and Office Administration, and we’re often the first to know about job openings before they’re posted publicly. That said, many of our clients come to us with specific candidate requirements based on industry experience and skills. If you’re dreaming of making a big leap into something completely new, we might not be the best fit for that part of your journey.

That said, if you’re exploring a new role that still taps into your existing skills and experience—or making a pivot within your current field—we may be just the resource you need. We’re happy to talk with you about your goals, provide advice and guidance, and help you figure out how your background might translate to certain roles.

We can also assist with resume writing, cover letter support, and interview preparation—tools that are useful no matter where your search leads you.

Working with a staffing service is a personalized job-hunting experience. It’s way better than just throwing your resume out there and seeing what sticks. If you’re thinking about a career move and want to explore your options, we’d love to chat! Call (603) 358-1000.

If you live in the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire, the Brattleboro area of Vermont, or near Greenfield, Massachusetts, we’re the staffing service for you. Can’t wait to meet you and support your next steps!