Taking the leap of career change? Follow these 5 expert tips from IE Talent & Careers to successfully reach the other side

Planning your next professional step can be overwhelming, especially if it means making multiple changes all at once. With that in mind, we recently started an important series diving into the three most common career crossroads we see through our work as professional coaches: Career Explorers, Career Advancers and Career Changers. 

Let’s analyze the radical case of the Career Changers and provide some effective tips to initiate a successful career transition.

The central challenge for career changers

At various points in our careers, we often find ourselves pondering whether we're on the right path or if there are more challenging, intriguing, rewarding, or meaningful opportunities out there. This inner questioning can leave us wondering, 'Am I missing out on something? Should I make a change in my life?'

If the answer is YES, the first step is to be clear on what makes you tick, marking the readiness for change. Subsequently, it's time to equip yourself with patience and understand how to leverage your transferable skills. 

However, doing this is easier said than done. Making a career change is no walk in the park, particularly if you’ve established a long-standing professional track record.

“Why is it challenging? The answer is simple: you’ll have to compete with individuals who aren’t making career changes. In a way, you may feel like you’re losing your competitive edge.”

Recruiters often seek candidates with a clear advantage. When they examine your resume, they may not see a seamless transition, which could lead them to dismiss your application.

5 tips for career change

So, if your resume won’t help you secure a new job, what can you do? 

Let’s explore five strategies that can help you navigate this career transition successfully:

1. Rethink traditional job search methods. Sending your resume to online job boards might not yield the results you desire. Recruiters often filter out candidates who lack relevant experience. Applying for a role without the necessary background may give them a reason to reject your application.
2. Avoid reliance on headhunters. Headhunters and recruiting firms primarily serve their clients, who are typically HR departments following the process we’ve mentioned above. Reaching out to headhunters directly may not always be fruitful.
3. Invest in training. Demonstrate your commitment to your desired field by acquiring relevant skills and knowledge. You don't necessarily have to make a substantial financial investment; instead, you can utilize MOOC platforms like Coursera or EDX to gain valuable expertise.
4. Network with industry professionals. Networking is crucial, so start engaging with people already working in your target field. Ask questions, empathize with their challenges and immerse yourself in their networks. Connecting with individuals in your desired industry allows you to understand their pain points better, potentially leading to innovative solutions.
5. Rebrand yourself. Once you've identified your transferable skills, craft a compelling and persuasive narrative about yourself. Start writing and curating content to increase your visibility. The goal is to integrate into the new industry's community, speak their language and become recognized as one of them. This may require time and effort, but embrace it as a worthwhile journey filled with opportunities to meet new people and explore fresh ideas.

In essence, the key to a successful career change is to fully immerse yourself in your desired field. Understand the challenges and concerns of industry professionals, connect your existing experience with theirs and discover novel ways to address their issues. However, remember that this transition also involves a shift in mindset—approach it with enthusiasm, energy and a positive attitude.

Complex made simple

By following these tips, we believe you can confidently navigate the complex process of changing careers, increasing your chances of finding a fulfilling new path. Embrace the opportunity for personal and professional growth as you embark on this exciting journey of change. We're here for you every step of the way and encourage you to share your career change experiences with us!

Are you part of the IE Alumni community? Discover an array of career services and resources designed for you by joining our Careers For Alumni group on IE Connects. Engage in our popular courses, schedule a call with our career advisor, and stay informed with all the latest updates through our newsletter.

by Ana Herranz. Director of Career Service for Alumni. IE Talent & Careers