Sometimes, the times come when you start to look forward to changing your career. This happens because you may feel like you’re in a rut in your current job. Additionally, you may desire additional flexibility or a pay raise from a position.
Other reasons are that you might also be working with a fading or evolving economy sector. For example, you may prevent future layoffs by creating a backup plan right now. In this blog, we are going to share some tips for pursuing a second career.
6 Tips for Pursuing a Second Career
Making a career change is difficult. But with a bit of gut, willpower, and preparation, you can make it. To start, follow these six tips to make your goal a reality.
- Find what you want from your second career
No doubt that income and perks are important for everyone but don’t put them as a priority when deciding where to relocate next. Instead, examine whether the career aligns with your values, interests, skill set, and lifestyle. To identify which the second career is ideal for you, consider completing a career test.
- Step outside of your comfort zone
Going to a new one can be difficult if you work for several years in the same profession. But don’t let this thing stop you. Instead, come out of your comfort zone by considering the following steps:
- Analysis of a career that interests you, so you know what to expect.
- Take small steps instead of making sudden big changes.
- Socialize with people in your chosen field to get help.
- List your transferrable skills
Initiating a second career will be easier than beginning the first one, as you can take advantage of your work history and industry-relevant transferrable capabilities.
Think about how your current work has helped you develop the skills and traits you can use in a second career. Moreover, you may already have connections in the sector and an understanding of the field if you decide to pursue a new job. Some common skills required by every industry are soft skills, including adaptation, leadership, organization, and teamwork.
- Research which credentials you’ll need
Your strong work history and cross-industry skills will be enough to land your second job field. However, some enterprises require very detailed credentials. So, take some time to learn which credentials you’ll need in your career.
- College/Post-secondary education: Many jobs demand a degree in some specific fields from a college, university, or career institute.
- Certification: Some jobs require certification from industry organizations. This will increase your skill set and your chances of getting hired.
- Licensure: Some careers require licensure from a state or federal agency, like trades.
- Update your resume
Once you know all the skills and certifications required for a career shift, start to update your resume with your job experience and education. Make sure your credentials, skills, and career objectives match your new field.
If you’re going into a new career, be aware that there will probably be competitive. A cover letter will help in getting you an interview. Briefly introduce yourself, show excitement for your new career, and end your cover letter with conceivable next steps.
- Prepare for an interview
If you own strong work history, you have probably gone through the interview process several times. To brush up, it’s a good idea to check out frequently requested interview questions. Then, give yourself time to prepare your responses and build a connection with the interviewer.
