Ace Your Dream Job Using These 6 Tips

People pivot careers at different stages in their careers. Pivoting is polishing your current skills while having a successful transition. Some switch early on, while others do so at the tail end of their careers.

With 52% of Gen Z and Millennials considering a job switch, according to the Microsoft Work Trend Index, pivoting careers has become a norm. The drive for better pay, job satisfaction, benefits, and work-life balance has led many to seek new opportunities.

But how do you make a successful career transition? It starts with writing down your desired career path. Studies show that the job search process can take up to 6 months, so it’s essential to be prepared.

To make a successful pivot, start by writing down your desired career path. Then, do your research on companies and organizations that align with your goals. 

Get to know their culture, values, and business model to better equip yourself for a successful transition. Use these six strategies to help you on your career change journey!

6 steps to a successful career transition 

Use your networks

The famous saying, your network is your net worth, holds true when it comes to job searching. Networking is a crucial step in the job search process. Networking is a crucial aspect of the job search process, with a study finding that 85% of employers fill positions through their network. Not only does this lower the cost of hiring because of access to prequalified candidates, but it also makes it easier for the role to be tailored to the candidate’s past experience, track record, and potential. 

So, how do you take advantage of this trend and enhance your own job search process? By constantly expanding and nourishing your networks. Your network can encompass a variety of sources, such as social media, peers, former classmates, friends, professional organizations, and more. Reach out to these connections through informational interviews, LinkedIn, or industry events.

It’s important to let your networks know of your career aspirations and that you’re open to opportunities. Stay proactive and continue to build your relationships, and you’ll increase your chances of a successful career transition.

Take a class

Whether you are transitioning into a different role or a similar one but in a different industry, taking a class goes a long way. It will make you more marketable and demonstrate to potential employers that you are willing to learn new things and are proactive about your career.  

Many institutions of higher learning and adult education programs offer reasonably priced classes. You can also take online courses or find free resources like podcasts, webinars, and Youtube videos.

Going through an educational program has been proven to help with job search, salary, and benefits negotiation. According to research, the higher the levels of education, the more money you’re likely to earn. You stand to earn up to 9% more per hour for every year spent in school. Through the class, you acquire the necessary skills for your next job and expand your network (your classmates).

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to successfully transition into a new career. You gain valuable experience in your chosen field, network with people in the industry, and make connections that can help you find employment. It can also help you gain confidence in your skills and abilities, which are invaluable assets when making a career transition. 

Furthermore, the volunteer experience allows you to learn more about the job market and gain insight into the type of job you may be interested in pursuing. Most organizations accept volunteers through ways such as; fellowships and sitting on boards or committees. Therefore, volunteering may be a great way to kick-start your career transition.

Shadow A Professional

In history, apprenticeship dates as far back as medieval times. Formalized through the Statute of Artificers 1562 (an Act of Parliament of England), master craftsmen gained access to labour for seven years. Through this period, the apprentice would learn all the trade secrets before starting their own business. 

In modern times apprenticeship is an excellent way for individuals to make a successful career transition into a new field. By taking advantage of an apprenticeship program, individuals can gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to transition into a new career. 

In modern times apprenticeship is an excellent way for individuals to make a successful career transition into a new field. By taking advantage of an apprenticeship program, individuals can gain the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to transition successfully into a new career. 

Find a professional who’ll let you be their apprentice and learn about your future industry. 

Join An Incubator

Incubators are a great way to make a successful career transition. Incubators draw participants from different industries. And since they are for a certain period, they can act as a crash course into your preferred industry. 

Incubators provide resources and a supportive environment that can help you develop the skills and networks you need to move into a new field. Incubators often offer mentorship programs and workshops that can help you build your skills and knowledge while giving you access to potential employers and investors. They also provide access to cutting-edge technology and resources, enabling you to get ahead of the competition. With a successful career transition, incubators can open up a world of opportunities, allowing you to explore new ideas and reach your goals.

Polish Your CV And Cover Letter 

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so it’s best to put your best foot forward. A polished CV and cover letter make you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting the job you want. Approximately 75% of hiring managers use applicant tracking software. Make sure that your CV and cover letter get past the machine-based screening process and into the hands of a human being. 

Hire a professional resume writer or consult with a career coach to ensure that your resume is error-free and highlights your strengths and accomplishments. With enough preparation, you’ll have a successful career transition.

Take The Leap

If you follow these six steps, you will be well on your way to having a successful job search and career transition. Reach out to us on skills@joinaccelerated.com and consult a career coach on how to pivot, master the job search process, and have a successful career transition.