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#BestofFSCBlog : 10 Steps To Change Your Career Path At Any Age. Wondering To Make a Job or Career Change? Take a Free 60-Second Career Quiz and Find Out!

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The pandemic has changed workers’ professional expectations for the foreseeable future. According to Randstad’s latest Workmonitor Survey, employees feel empowered in new ways as they reassess their careers and the role of work in their lives. A stunning 81% of those surveyed say they have gained more clarity around their personal and professional goals over the last 12 to 18 months. As a result, they desire more training, work-life balance and, in many cases, a different career.

The thought of changing your career path may seem scary, especially if you are over 40. But it is not uncommon or impossible. In fact, the average American worker has 12 jobs in their lifetime with an average tenure of around four years with a single employer. Given the current hectic environment, flexibility, fulfillment, and work-life balance are taking center stage. That means more people are thinking about pivoting professionally.

The good news—the majority of older career changers are successful, based on a study from the American Institute for Economic Research. Changing your career path doesn’t have to be as overwhelming or difficult as you might think. These ten steps will give you the framework you need to come out on top.

1.      Upgrade your mindset

Ultimately, what you think, you become. Altering your career path means being open to the possibilities. Change your self-talk so that you can move forward despite your fears. Even simple mantras like “I can do this” or “I am fearless” really work.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

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2.      Take money off the table

One of the most common excuses for not changing career paths is money. Some common phrases are, “I can’t afford to change careers,” “I’m the main breadwinner, so I can’t take the risk,” or “What if I fail?” Of course, there are no guarantees in life. But who’s to say that you can’t earn a higher salary in your new career? It may not happen overnight, but it’s possible. Think of changing jobs as a calculated risk. If you plan for it, it will come.

3.      Focus on transferrable skills

Another common misconception is that changing career paths means starting from the bottom. Wrong! You already have an enormous number of transferrable skills. For example, if you are a lawyer, you have writing, speaking and research skills. As a marketer, you understand customer lifecycles and personas. Or maybe you are an accountant who is great with numbers and reporting. All of these are assets that can be valuable in almost any profession.

4.      Consider your why

Think about why you want to change your career path. Don’t change careers because you were passed over for a promotion or hate your boss. Make sure you are running towards something instead of running away from something. Let faith, not fear, drive your decision-making process.

5.      Identify the sweet spot

Find the intersection of the things that you enjoy and are good at. That’s the sweet spot. This exercise will help guide you towards career possibilities that align with your values and interests.

6.      Brainstorm new career paths

Make an exhaustive list of potential career paths. Keep an open mind! Defer judgment and try to have fun with this exercise. You can even throw an “idea party” where you invite friends to brainstorm different options.

7.      Research your new career path

Find people in the career you are interested in and ask them for their advice. That way, you can learn first-hand what it’s like to work in that field. You can also do research online and join professional organizations that will allow you to expand your network.

8.      Acquire new skills

Find out whether your new career path requires additional education or certifications. You could consider taking online courses or even find webinars, books and podcasts to hone your skillset. Think about how you learn best, and then set specific training and development goals.

9.      Test the waters

Try shadowing someone in your chosen profession. Create a side hustle that you can focus on in your spare time. You may even consider volunteering or working part-time to understand whether this new path may be the right fit.

10.  Develop an action plan

Once you’ve decided on a chosen career path, create an action plan. Your plan should include short and long-term goals along with specific milestones to hold you accountable. Think about how long it will take you to transition from where you are now to the new life you want to lead.

It’s never too late to change your career path. Whether you are in your 40’s or your 60’s, you can do it. The key is to have a plan and stick to it. Be fearless. Making a career change can be scary. But you know what’s even scarier? Regret.

Wondering if it’s finally time to make a job or career change? Take my free 60-second career quiz and find out!

 

Forbes.com | February 16, 2022 | Caroline Castrillon

How to Change Careers. 5 Steps to a Successful Career Change.

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You went to college to become, let’s say, an accountant, but after five years in the business, crunching numbers all day for a corporation isn’t doing it for you. Instead, you think you’d like to have a career in the arts—a 180-degree change from your previous nine to five job.

You’re nervous. Is it even possible to make such a big career change, you wonder. We’re here to tell you not only is it possible, but it’s probable—if you’re willing to take the correct steps to achieve your career dreams. Here’s how you can change careers and get a new job.

Follow Your Gut

You’re unhappy in your current field or you wouldn’t want to make this change. But instead of wallowing in your misery, recommends Aurora Meneghello, founder of Repurpose Your Purpose, you should take the risk and apply for something new. “It may be disappointing to hear, but you probably won’t know what to do and how to be successful at it until you do it,” she says. “You will have to follow that hunch that you should be doing something else and then try to do something different, fail, pivot and try again until you find your calling.”

She continues, “You might not experience an epiphany before quitting your current job, but when you finally find the right career, you will know for sure.” The point, she says, is to try.

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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Focus Your Job Search

Now that you know you’re ready to change careers—and you’re ready to follow your gut—it’s time to start a job search. But you don’t want to apply to any ol’ job in your new chosen field, or you could end up back where you started—unhappy and looking for yet another change. So, when you launch your job search, “be clear on what you want, why you want it and what qualifies you,” even if this is a brand-new field for you, advises career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide Roy Cohen. Because, “without clarity from the very start, virtually every stage that follows will be based on little more than a hunch—and that is an extremely fragile foundation for navigating a dynamic job search.”

Cohen says your job search should include some form of self-assessment. “It could involve taking a standardized assessment instrument, keeping a journal, or talking with people whose advice and feedback you value—friends, family, or a career coach,” he says. “The goal is to achieve self-awareness in the form of a career target.” After that, “the next—and equally important step—is a reality check,” Cohen says. “Here is where you determine that the goal you selected makes sense. Is it appropriate for you and is it attainable?”

Whip Your Resume Into Shape

While you may not have experience in the field you’d like to enter everyone has what are called transferable skills—skills any manager would want their employees to have. These skills are very important to highlight when you’re making a career change, according to career coach and resume writer Anish Majumdar. In fact, Majumdar insists, after a certain number of years as a worker, your training and education take a backseat to skills such as:

  • Managing change, i.e. can you handle change well?
  • Communication, i.e., can you build relationships, manage conflict, and influence people in positive ways?
  • Leadership, i.e., can you coalesce people around a vision for the future?
  • Complex problem solving, i.e., can you find the opportunity in adversity?

Take a look at the new job and career field you’d like to enter and identify which of these transferable skills will be the most valuable. Then, make them stand out on your resume.

Majumdar recommends you show—rather than tell—your transferable skills on your resume. Think: hard numbers and facts. For example, if you’ve managed change well in the past, she suggests writing something like, “mitigated the effects of a $42 million revenue shortfall as a result of new policy affecting direct marketing efforts [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][and] led a digital marketing campaign that cut a $42 million loss into a $5 million loss in eight months.”

Network, Network, Network

Much like dating, scoring a job — in your current industry or in another one — is about getting out there. Putting yourself in networking situations will help you, one, speak to people in the industry about trends, companies hiring and current happenings. It will also allow you the opportunity to vocalize your intent to change careers.

It’s not enough to simply apply to jobs in a new industry, you must speak up for yourself and let your network know that you are actively looking for a new job and that you are taking the steps (i.e. Taking classes, learning new skills, rebranding yourself, etc) to position yourself for the change.

A big no-no when networking is coming right out and asking someone you’ve just met for a job. Sure you may be eager, but nurture the relationship a bit before launching into asks. While speaking directly is important in business, being this direct is downright presumptuous and rude. When networking, it’s risky to ask for a job from a new acquaintance. It’s just as risky to request a reference, especially if you’ve just met the person. Networking should yield a mutually beneficial relationship, not an Aladdin and the genie arrangement. Your wish is not their command.

Lastly, remember to think beyond your intended industry. Industries and careers are more fluid than ever, so having a network beyond your immediate skill set may give you a leg up when you plan your next career move.

Instead of looking specifically to cultivate your network, try to find ways to meet more people organically through your interests outside of work. Join a running group or start talking to the regulars at your yoga class. Volunteer or attend a fundraising event in your community. The point isn’t to talk work — it’s just to expand the group of people you know.

Consider Informational Interviews

As you’re choosing your new career—and applying for new jobs in your chosen field—consider setting up a few informational interviews with people who are doing what you’d one day like to do. They can give you solid advice on how to enter the field and impress in an interview, which is invaluable information to someone completely new to the industry.

“The best way to get a meeting with decision makers is to ask for informational meetings with them,” says April Klimkiewicz, career coach and owner of bliss evolution. “Rather than the ‘hard sell’ of ‘I’m looking for a job, do you know of anything,’ this informational meeting takes the ‘soft-sell’ approach of asking for information and for them to share their story so you gain advice for your job search and career journey.” Don’t be nervous to ask for a face-to-face, Klimkiewicz encourages. “People who are happy in their work generally love to talk about what made them successful,” she says, “so if you reach out to decision makers and ask for informational meetings, it’s only a matter of time” before someone says they’ll meet.

Don’t Be Afraid to Apply

You’ve found your dream job. You’ve whipped your resume into shape. You’ve talked with people in your new career field. And yet, you’re still afraid to apply because you could get rejected. Apply anyway, encourages Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter, MRW. “If you feel stuck in toxicity at work, then do something that feels tangible,” she says. “For example, if you want a job at a specific company, send a resume there. Even getting a rejection letter—or in some cases, no response—is better than doing nothing. In other words, the energy vibe you will feel—the palpable traction—will be invigorating.. The act of composing a cover letter and focusing yourself on an action that may resolve your work discord is empowering.”

     GlassDoor.com 

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#CareerAdvice : #CareerChange -10 Obstacles That Keep You From #ChangingCareers — and How to Overcome Them.

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Raise your hand if you are thinking of changing careers! Or maybe you are in the midst of it, but something is holding you back. Whatever the case, you are not alone. Many people who want to change careers get stuck along the way.

Let’s look at some of the most common obstacles career changers face, whether before or during their career transition, and how you can overcome each one of them.

1. Focusing on What You Lack

This has to be mentioned right at the top — almost everyone I talk to who is thinking of changing careers but feels stuck is focusing on all the things they do not know how to do, or on all the resources they don’t have. This is completely backward — no one hires you based on what you do not know or have. The only things that matter are what you do know, what you have already accomplished and what you are interested in learning. Focus on what you can alreadycontribute to any profession and you’ll find yourself much more empowered in your career journey.

Imposter Syndrome: You are Not a Fraud

2. Not Knowing What You Want

Do you feel confident you can get whatever you want… except you don’t know what that is? If this sounds familiar when it comes to your career transition, dig deep: is it really true that you don’t know what you want? In my experience most people know what they want, but might not know what it looks like in a job. For example, you might know you would be happy working from home and writing, but you are not sure what kind of job would pay you to do just that. If this is you, stop saying you don’t know what you want and instead address the real question, which is that you are not sure what career could give you what you want. Or it might be that you know what you want, but are so afraid you wouldn’t succeed that you don’t let yourself admit that’s what you want. In that case your issue is fear, not lack of clarity.

If you really don’t know what you want, take this moment in time as an opportunity to try anything that feels interesting. Have fun exploring, and you’ll discover in the process what feels best. (Hint: you will not find the answer in your head — you need to get out and in action!)

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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3. Lack of Information

In my work helping people change careers I often hear about different jobs… and sometimes encounter professions I didn’t even know existed! The truth is that you were probably exposed to only a few possible career options while growing up, and don’t know much about a wide variety of professions. Add the fact that technological innovation is creating many more opportunities that didn’t even exist just a few years ago, and chances are there are at least a few options that could be a good match for you, but you’ve never heard of. Most career changers don’t have enough information to make an informed decision — this is why you need to research and test possible professions and business ideas to gain real knowledge of what they are really like before committing to a new career.

4. Money Worries

We all know the drill: you should have at least 6 months of savings, no debt, a full-time job or at least a steady part-time income… in other words, you should be in a strong financial position before embarking on a career change. If you are, and you still feel stressed over money, keep reading for more tips on how to overcome fear. Focus on doing the work, and as long as you keep your financial acumen you’ll be fine.

If you are one of the 65 percent of Americans without significant savings, or one of the 48 percent of Americans who carry credit card debt or belong to the estimated 33 percent of college graduates who are underemployed, this is for you: I get it. I know it’s scary, and I know changing careers for you comes with added obstacles. Here’s the deal, though — you can’t afford more of the same exactly because it’s not working financially. Feeling worried or anxious about your finances will not help you — in fact, it will probably make it harder for you to make good decisions. Only your actions matter: learn to negotiate, say No to extra work that is underpaid or, if you are unemployed, volunteer and take on any type of work you are interested in rather than staying at home (it will also help you with your resume). Meet people, network, apply to jobs, start a side business. If you are already working like crazy and still struggling, commit to just a few hours each week to dedicate to your career transition. Do not let the lack of money stop you — instead, use it as powerful fire to light up your search for a new career. You can’t afford not to.

5. Unhealed Trauma

I personally think this is the big elephant in the room — the one thing we don’t talk about when discussing career-related issues. And we should. Our past, if not properly dealt with, can have an immense impact on how we relate to others. So how does unhealed trauma affect your career change? When you embark on any transition, including a career change, you are very likely to face rejection and failure — and these can be tough for everyone, but if you carry a lot of weight from the past, a negative experience can feel much worse once unhealed trauma is triggered. This is why it is so important to deal with your past. Treat your career change as part of a wider process of healing and start working with a therapist or healing professional of your choice right away. Your deep healing will help you better weather the ups and downs of your career change, and will expand your life beyond what you think is possible. Your desire to change careers could be part of a deeper calling to finally let go of what has been holding you back — so you can finally soar.

6. Lack of Role Models

Some of us are lucky enough to have knowledgeable and supportive family members, or maybe we had a cool teacher in the past or a boss who believed in us. Sometimes, though, that doesn’t happen, or the people who cheer us have no knowledge of the field we want to enter. If that’s the case, you need to go out and expand your network. This can mean finding someone who “officially” becomes your mentor (check out SCORE) or meeting people who are further ahead in your chosen career and learning from them through your interactions, deep conversations and rapport. I also recommend joining a group that is all about empowering its members. For example, there are many groups that support women in technology: by joining one, attending events and networking, you can find a lot of helpful information and resources to help you enter a new field. And through those interactions, you might also end up meeting a wonderful mentor or role model in a more traditional sense of the word.

5 Ways to Grow Your Network From Scratch In a New Industry

7. Analysis Paralysis

This has got to be my favorite one, as I used to be a chronic sufferer from the condition! Some of us tend to get stuck trying to figure out every single step from now until we retire in our head. And of course, as each step comes with imaginary catastrophes, a lack of real information and often fear, we never feel we can make a decision, let alone know enough to take action. Argh!  Here’s the good news: this approach doesn’t work. Once you realize that it’s impossible to plan your entire career change in your head, you will finally give yourself permission to take one step at a time. What is the next thing you know you need to do in order to move forward? Focus on that. And trust that as you take that one step, you will be able to see the next, and then the next and so forth until you can reach your destination.

8. You Think the Past Is a Preview of What’s to Come

Just because every boss you had so far was unsupportive, it doesn’t mean that your next boss will be; just because you have always made little money, it doesn’t mean you will always be underpaid. We don’t know what the future has in store for us, but the good news is you can always work towards a different outcome. Bad bosses? I bet you can now spot the early signs! Underpaid? Use that as motivation to say ‘No’ to positions that pay too little and to move into a career or industry that pays what you need, learn to negotiate, update your skills, etc. Acknowledge what happened in the past, learn from it and then focus on what you want moving forward. Give the future a chance!

9. Trying to fit in

“I should be more open, I should go to more networking events, I am too much of an introvert, people like me don’t usually…” Stop right there! I am all for self-improvement, but there is a difference between wanting to grow as a person and imagining everyone else is better than you. Chances are, you already have all if not most of what you need to succeed: embrace who you are. Love yourself, focus on what you enjoy doing and are naturally good at, have fun learning new skills and getting out of your comfort zone, but do not think you need to be like someone else in order to be fulfilled in your career. You will be able to live a fulfilled life, including in your career, when you accept yourself as you are. From that place, you will become more open to new opportunities, flexible on the things you can be flexible about and someone people will want to be around. Trust me: Once you stop trying to fit in, you will find a career that is a good fit for you.

What to Do if You Don’t Fit in at Work

10. Don’t Make It All About Yourself

Last, but not least, it’s not just about you. In fact, the more you make it about you, the more insecure and stressed you will feel. Who do you want to serve? What lights you up? What difference do you want to make? These questions don’t have to have world-changing answers to motivate you: You can choose a career to provide your family with a stable environment, or you can commit to creating a business that offers employees great health insurance from day one because you believe in providing such benefits. There is no “small” purpose: Focus on the why, and you will find you have in you more courage and resilience than you ever thought possible.

Author: Aurora Meneghello is a Los Angeles-based career coach and the founder ofRepurpose Your Purpose. She works with groups and individuals who want to change careers.

 

GlassDoor.com | March 7, 2019

#CareerAdvice : #HateMyJob – 5 Ways to Overcome a Career Slump. Great Two(2) Min Read!

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There’s something to be said for getting into a groove at work and coming in each day knowing exactly what tasks you need to tackle and how you’ll get them done. But there does come a point when too much routine on the job turns into a negative thing.

If you can’t remember the last time you were excited about a project, or got to branch out and do something different, then chances are, you’re headed for or are already experiencing a career slump. This especially holds true if you’re in a role where opportunities for upward mobility are limited.

If you’re in the midst of a career slump or creeping in that direction, don’t despair. There are a few things you can do to breathe new life into your job and make your experience more fulfilling.

1. Volunteer for New Projects

It’s natural to get bored with doing the same old things over and over again. So if your manager doesn’t think to assign you something new, seek out opportunities yourself and volunteer for them. This might mean approaching other teams and asking to get involved in what they’re doing or suggesting valuable projects of your own and taking charge. Heading up a new initiative at work is a good way to not only bust out of a rut, but get your boss’ attention — and that could open the door to a promotion down the line.

Switching Jobs Internally — How to Apply & How to Manage the Transition

2. Interact With Different People

When we think about networking, we often imagine ourselves hobnobbing with outside associates at conferences or industry events. But there’s no reason you shouldn’t do your fair share of networking in your own office as well. And the more people you aim to interact with, the more opportunities that are likely to come your way, whether it’s joining a different team or getting invited to share your input at different meetings.

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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3. Take a Class

The more well-rounded an employee you are, the better you’re apt to feel about your career. So if things don’t seem to be going anywhere at your current job, furthering your skills could bring about new opportunities. One of the best ways to bust out of a slump is to take a class or pursue a certification that gives you more options if not immediately, then down the line. If anything, learning new things might also help you approach your current role differently, thus improving your outlook.

4. Make a Lateral Move

Maybe a promotion just isn’t available at your company, or you’re lacking a few key skills to move up to a higher level. But even if that’s the case, there’s no reason you can’t try dabbling in a new area of the business. A lateral move, in fact, might be just the welcome change your career is begging for. If you’re able to switch to another position, you’ll get to meet new people, do different things and grow your skills so that you are eventually able to climb that ladder, whether internally or elsewhere.

How to Make Your Career Change Dream Into Reality

5. Take a Brief Sabbatical

If you’re really struggling to get past your career slump and have seemingly exhausted all other options, you might consider taking some time off to refresh and recharge. Of course, most companies won’t pay for sabbaticals, so if you’re not in good shape financially, this won’t be an option. Similarly, not every company will agree to it. But if you have a healthy amount of savings and your employer is willing to be flexible, consider taking some time to pursue hobbies, travel or reconnect with family and friends. Then, when the time comes to return to your job, you’ll be in a better place mentally.

Your job should serve not just as a source of income but as a means of personal satisfaction. If that’s no longer the case, then it pays to work on breaking out of that slump. The sooner you do, the happier you’ll be on the whole.

 

GlassDoor.com |   Posted by 

#CareerAdvice : #CareerDirection – How to use #EmotionalIntelligence to Find a Job that’s Right for You.

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“Good job fit” is one of those overused phrases that has lost some of its meaning. What is it? What happens when the job you thought was your dream job, or the job that would catapult you to great success makes you feel anxious, out of step, scrambling to keep your balance?

When we talk about good job fit, we overlook the thing that is most important, And to get to that stage, we can’t take shortcuts–we have to deploy a kind of emotional intelligence that I call EQ Fitness.

THE THREE STEPS TO EQ FITNESS

There are three steps to EQ Fitness: (1) the willingness to become self-aware (2) the openness to build trust, and the steadiness to lead, and live, guided by inner principles. Step one is the most crucial, because it’s the foundation on which you build the next two steps.

I see examples of those who get it right, and those who don’t in a lot of the keynotes and consulting I do. In many cities today, start-up accelerators and incubators offer stipends and grants to enterprising young adults, who, in turn, grow their business there. One evening, after I gave remarks at an event in Detroit, a young woman, no more than twenty-two years old, raised her hand and asked me, “I’m really good at new ideas and working to get them off the ground,” she said. “But I’m not great at process. How do I get to be a complete CEO?”

My knee-jerk reaction was to say, who’d want to be in charge of process? Get someone else to do that! After all, I was just like her–I’ve hated process my whole career. But I took a mindful moment and instead offered encouragement and praise for her self-awareness. I then explained that we generally fall into categories of builder-entrepreneur or process-systems person. Our job in developing ourselves is first to identify which one we are, then to work on improving the other skill-sets–especially if we want a leadership position, because great leaders need both.

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WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

Before you identify which label best fits you, start with a simple question: What makes you smile after you’ve done it? Use that as a gauge of possibilities. It could be taking your eye for detail and becoming an architect or city planner. It could be using your curiosity about people’s lives and becoming a journalist or joining a human resources department.

Consider, too, the kind of role that you want to play in an organization. I have a talented friend Angela, who has chosen not to manage people. That decision was born from self-awareness. Another friend, Babs, works at an enormous aerospace company, and she describes how her boss will walk toward her cube with a certain look every year or so. She knows what’s coming. The boss is looking for someone to fill a newly vacant management position. Babs said she and her colleagues all put their heads down, pretending to be engrossed in some project. None of them want to manage anyone.

HOW TO TELL IF YOU’RE ON THE RIGHT PATH

My HGTV boss, Ken Lowe, and I were working side by side as CEO and COO. He got a corporate nod to take over the parent company, E.W. Scripps, and wanted to know if I wanted his job as CEO. I slept on it and surprised him by telling him no. But the answer didn’t surprise me. I knew myself well enough to know that his job wouldn’t be a good fit. Being CEO is all-consuming, with a responsibility to shareholders and employees alike. I needed some work-life balance for myself and my family, and I knew I had to stop at number two–even if it meant diminished opportunities at HGTV or another company in the future.

Fully Human: 3 Steps to Grow Your Emotional Fitness in Work, Leadership, and Life by Susan Packard

Some people might see this choice as limiting, but for me, it opened up other opportunities and interests that were more important to explore. By staying on as the COO, I was able to grow a variety of business areas at Scripps Networks Interactive (the home of HGTV) and had the time and bandwidth to train and prep for the New York City Marathon.

To determine whether or not you’re on the right path, you need to figure out the following: where your natural strengths lie, what interests and stimulates you, and what kind of company culture allows you to thrive. It’s also essential for you to realize that you need to make decisions that will enable you to live your ideal life, not someone else’s version of it.

Throughout our working lives, we’ll come to many crossroads, as our professional identities unfold and unpredictable opportunities arise. It takes courage and integrity to absorb the big picture when it comes to job fit. Emotionally fit people see job fit in its broadest sense because it means taking ownership and accountability over choosing wisely, and taking into account where your heart is guiding you. This means going beyond considering what you can do, to what you love to do, so that “can do” doesn’t become a life sentence.

This article is adapted from Fully Human: 3 Steps To Grow Your Emotional Fitness In Work, Leadership, and Life. It is reprinted with permission from TarcherPerigee, an imprint of Penguin Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2019 by Susan Packard.

 

FastCompany.com | February 6, 2019 | BY SUSAN PACKARD 

4 MINUTE READ

#CareerAdvice : #ChangeJobs – Job Switchers Wring Career Wins From Tight Labor Market.

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About a year ago, Brittany Atkinson made a pledge to herself: By her 30th birthday, which falls later this month, she would no longer be working as a waitress and bartender.

 

Restaurants had been her life since 14, when Ms. Atkinson’s mother drove her to the local health department to get a work permit for her first job at a burger chain. Since then, the North Carolinian has worked at a Logan’s Roadhouse, a Ruby Tuesday and a Buffalo Wild Wings, growing accustomed to 2 a.m. closing times and erratic tips.

Ms. Atkinson said that many customers took it upon themselves to tell her she would never do anything else because of her tattoo-covered arms, even though she wanted an office job with stable hours and a chance to learn new skills, such as managing spreadsheets.

In November, she got that job. As an office manager at the corporate headquarters of Hwy 55 Burgers Shakes & Fries, a 133-location restaurant franchise based in Mount Olive, N.C., she earns 30% more than before and, for the first time in her adult life, she has every weekend off.

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RELATED

“It’s so much easier to kind of weasel your way in and get your foot in the door than it has been in the past,” said Ms. Atkinson, a single mother to a 3-year-old, of the current job market. In previous server positions, “I had the mind-set this is all I’m going to do because jobs were so hard to come by.”

In the strongest job market in decades, many American workers are getting promoted, asking for raises and switching careers, recruiters and employers say. The country has added jobs for 99 straight months, the longest streak on record, and wages posted their biggest full-year increase in a decade, the Labor Department said earlier this month.

The rate of workers voluntarily quitting their jobs hit a 17-year-high in 2018, federal data show—a trend that illustrates American job seekers’ high level of confidence in this economy, said Jed Kolko, chief economist at job site Indeed. “Often the biggest wage gains come to people who switch jobs rather than stay put,” he said, alluding to how some find it easier to earn higher compensation from new employers than by negotiating raises in their existing positions.

Cassidy Williams, a 27-year-old senior software engineer in Seattle, has held five jobs in the past five years, each offering greater responsibilities and often higher stock-based compensation, she said.

Her path illustrates the advantage that comes with changing positions rapidly in the tech world. Ms. Williams, who has a bachelor’s degree in computer science and is pursuing her master’s, started her career in New York in 2014 as a software engineer and developer evangelist at Venmo, the digital payments company that is part of PayPal HoldingsInc. Less than a year in, at 23, she told her boss she wanted to manage people, but a PayPal executive later called her too junior, she recalled.

“I remember thinking, you know what, I don’t need to work at this place if people are going to laugh at me for my career aspirations,” she said.

A PayPal spokesman says the company has a commitment to the long-term growth of its employees. “We take this commitment seriously and are dedicated to setting our colleagues up for success every day with personal and professional development opportunities,” he said.

Ms. Williams left Venmo in 2015 for a job with artificial-intelligence company Clarifai, where she managed two people. In 2016, she moved to Seattle for a senior engineering and development role at L4 Digital, where she oversaw a team of six. L4 Digital is now part of digital marketing-software maker Globant. About a year later, Ms. Williams jumped to Amazon.com Inc.to work on its Alexa project. But after about six months at the online giant, she decided she wanted to work at a smaller company, and hopped again to become a senior software engineer at CodePen, a tool used by designers and developers.

“Because I’ve been given different opportunities at every switch, I’ve grown a lot faster,” Ms. Williams said. “It’s a win-win situation because my new company gets whatever they need, and I get to flex my muscles in different ways.”

The tight job market has accelerated the careers of many others. Dorit Baxter, a marketing executive in Rhode Island, spent close to 10 years at International Business Machines Corp. early in her career, then opted out of the workforce to raise a child in 2010. She expected it would take years to climb back to a senior position, but since 2015 Ms. Baxter has worked in senior marketing roles at three different health-care companies.

“It’s taken less time and I’m further than I thought I would be,” she said, adding that what she thought would take five years took only two.

Ms. Baxter now has her dream job: senior vice president at TransMed Systems, a company working to improve the process of developing, identifying and matching eligible patients to clinical trials. A booming economy can reward workers’ efforts in ways that tougher job market generally don’t, she said. “You can kill yourself working 12 hours a day and, if the conditions aren’t right, you’re not going to get where you want to be,” Ms. Baxter said.

Historically, some employers have hesitated to hire people with many stops on their résumés, but in this tight labor market job hopping is losing the stigma it once had, recruiters and career experts say. In the race for qualified talent, some companies are also rethinking job requirements and considering unconventional applicants, says Dawn Fay, senior district president at staffing firm Robert Half. Farmers Insurance, for example, recently began looking beyond candidates with industry experience to fill call-center positions, instead searching for problem-solvers in unrelated fields, said Scott Atkins, an HR business partner at the company.

Still, even workers who have used the hot job market to advance their careers note that things could shift if the economy stalls. In November, Monique Mahler, 37, joined Meeting Tomorrow, a Chicago-based provider of audiovisual services and technology, as a vice president of marketing, after quickly rising at previous employers.

While in-demand job candidates can have their pick between multiple top-tier offers right now, “I wonder if it’s just an arc,” Ms. Mahler said. “I can guarantee in three or four years, that won’t be the case.”

Write to Chip Cutter at chip.cutter@wsj.com

 

WSJ.com | January 11, 2019 |  Chip Cutter

#CareerAdvice : #ChangeJobs – 9 Perfect #Jobs for #CareerChangers …We Spoke with a Handful of Career Experts to Identify the Best of the Best Jobs for #CareerChangers — Here’s What Made the Cut.

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Whether you aren’t being challenged enough, don’t see potential for growth or can’t stop thinking the grass might be greener on the other side, it’s natural to feel restless in your career at some point or another. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you should jump ship immediately, but if your frustration drags on for months (or even years), it could be a sign that it’s time to start looking for a more fulfilling career.

But of course, transitioning careers isn’t always simple. In many fields, career changers encounter high barriers to entry, from required degrees and certifications to minimum years of experience. The good news? There are plenty of jobs out there where those without direct experience are welcomed and celebrated.

We spoke with a handful of career experts to identify the best of the best jobs for career changers — here’s what made the cut.

 

Project Coordinator

Number of Open Jobs: 51,617

Median Base Salary: $58,390

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Sometimes a position is listed as a project manager, but it’s actually more akin to a lower-stakes program coordinator role. This means focusing more on the administrative tasks involved and, because of that, makes a fantastic option for administrative or other professionals looking for a career stepping stone. A great candidate is someone who is organized, responsive, adaptable and a good communicator. Down the road, you can evolve to a higher-level Project Manager role. Or, because the position is so versatile and the skills are so valued, it may open doors in other industries.” —Beth Tucker, CEO of KNF&T Staffing Resources

See Open Jobs 

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Salesperson

Number of Open Jobs: 542,273

Median Base Salary: $52,000

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “As long as you have good listening skills and a willingness to learn, most anyone can succeed in sales as a career transition. For example, let’s say you love and have worked in construction. You could retool yourself as a real estate agent. If you love cars, consider selling classic cars or RVs. Even selling jobs that require licenses, like a financial plannerand insurance agent, are easy jobs to transition into with just a few months online training and certification.” —Laura Handrick, Career Analyst at FitSmallBusiness.com

See Open Jobs 

 

Developer

Number of Open Jobs: 90,047

Median Base Salary: $81,209

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “The tech industry is among the most open to career changers. And it generally values results above linear career paths or university degrees. Case in point: just recently Google, Apple, IBM and other top tech companies announced they won’t require a college degree anymore. There are many different career options available, so take some time to choose what is most appealing to you (and in demand!) and start learning; you can find several alternative ways to learn new skills and get your foot in the door, from programs that aim to increase diversity in STEM, to free or paid online courses.” —Aurora Meneghello, career coach and founder of Repurpose Your Purpose

See Open Jobs 

 

Data Analyst

Number of Open Jobs: 7,069

Median Base Salary: $83,878

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “The world is a data minefield. Leaders lean on insights from data to make business decisions. If you are analytical, love Excel, prefer to work with facts, logic and numbers and often alone, you might transfer into a Data Analyst role. There is demand for these skills, so it is a great choice for career changers.” —Ellie Eckhoff, Senior Vice President at career transition firm Clear Rock

See Open Jobs 

 

Social Media Manager

Number of Open Jobs: 16,818

Median Base Salary: $59,965

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Having a vibrant social media presence is essential for most businesses. Your success building across social media platforms for a non-profit where you volunteer could be transferable to many industries. If you built an Instagram account for foodies with a huge following or write blogs on your LinkedIn profile that [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][are] widely read, you have experience in Social Media.” —Terri Wein, CEO of career coaching firm Weil & Wein

See Open Jobs 

 

Recruiter

Number of Open Jobs: 12,819

Median Base Salary: $55,869

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Recruiting can be a great field. You will need to have or build a network, so this is a great career for someone who is a natural connector. You can work for yourself, for recruiting companies or in-house. Recruiters can specialize in specific roles (e.g. engineering, technical roles, etc.) or hire across different positions, fields and skill levels. If you are a people-person and love to take initiative, this can be a fun career that will challenge you to be your best.” —Aurora Meneghello

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Consultant

Number of Open Jobs: 73,545

Median Base Salary: $88,395

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Are you an expert in the financial, construction or healthcare industries? These are growing sectors in the economy and there are opportunities for people to insert themselves into a business temporarily. Clearly, you need to be a subject matter expert. On top of that, you must be willing to share your advice and recommendations and find comfort in working with some uncertainty about the work and ambiguity about what’s next. This is a great option because workers get to ‘try out’ companies before they commit, and they can build their own business.” —Ellie Eckhoff

See Open Jobs 

 

Digital Marketer

Number of Open Jobs: 27,644

Median Base Salary: $71,127

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “I find digital marketing to be a fantastic field for any career changer who loves storytelling, communication and business… Because marketing moves so fast, colleges and universities usually take a few years to catch up with it — this means most graduates with formal marketing degrees might not have learned what is just now starting to emerge. And many seasoned professionals do not always keep up with the latest trends. That’s your opportunity to enter the field.” —Aurora Meneghello

See Open Jobs 

 

Teacher

Number of Open Jobs: 46,242

Median Base Salary: $52,363

Why It’s Great for Career Changers: “Due to the current teacher shortage in many states, those with industry experience can often fast track into teaching roles. In fact, private schools aren’t required to abide by state certifications in many locations. If you like teaching others, whether kids or adults, teaching jobs are out there — and the requirements are not as restricting as you might think. Perhaps you’re an expert on WordPress? With as little as a bachelor’s degree, you could teach at the community college. Or maybe you love and played college softball? Consider teaching sports at the high school. There are lots of openings in STEM subjects. If you have experience in science, technology, engineering or math, transitioning to a role with summers off is not a bad option.” —Laura Handrick

See Open Jobs 

 

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#CareerAdvice : #JobSearch – 9 Important Things to Discuss With #HR Before Accepting a #NewJob …If you are Offered a #NewPosition, Here are Nine Important Things that you Need to Talk With HR about Before you Accept the Offer.

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At one time, many people had the mindset that jobs were hard to come by, so they should take whatever was offered to them with no questions asked. Today, people are becoming choosier about their career paths, and they know that they are deserving of more than the bare minimum.

In our job seeker-driven labor market, people aren’t content to take anything that is being offered, and they know that they need to ask certain questions to make sure that they are going to be treated like a valued employee and not just a number. 

If you are offered a new position, here are nine important things that you need to talk with HR about before you accept the offer.

1. Ask About Benefits 

It is important to know what is included in the benefits package. If the benefits are not appealing, this may not be the right company for you to work at. Find out about provider options, how much you have to pay into the health plan yourself, what is covered (including prescriptions and specialty services), if dental and vision care is covered, etc. These days, with the high cost of health care, it is important to know that you have excellent health care coverage through your employer.

9 Companies That Cover 100% of Healthcare Costs — Hiring Now

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2. Ask if the Salary Is Negotiable

Depending on the employer, and the job being offered, the salary may or may not be set in stone. Most employers aren’t going to come right out and tell you that salaries are negotiable because they want to pay as little as possible. This is information you are going to need to dig for, so you are just going to have to come right out and ask. You will never know unless you do, after all. Besides, you may be pleasantly surprised by the answer. In many cases, if the candidate has enough to offer an employer, the employer is going to be more than willing to negotiate the salary a little bit.

3. Ask About Other Perks

These days, it is not always enough for companies to offer competitive wages and benefits packages. The more perks a company offers, the more attractive the job offer is going to be. So, you need to find out what other perks might be available to you should you decide to accept the position being offered. Perks can be anything from flexible shifts and working hours to office parties to paid time off and more. Some of the best perks to ask about are advancement training and promotion opportunities.

4. Ask about Vacation Time

Now may not seem like the most appropriate time to ask about vacations, but it is as good a time as any. Plus, you need to know before you take the job if you are going to actually be able to take vacations at all. Some companies only let you take time off that is unpaid, while others offer paid vacations once you have worked for them for a certain amount of time. Don’t forget to ask if you can roll over any unused vacation days and use them in the following year.

6 Companies That Take Employees on Amazing Vacations

5. Ask What Other Employees Say About the Company

You can tell a lot about a company by listening to what current and past employees have to say about it. If it is a good company to work for, the HR person should have no problem telling you what employees are saying about the company, and even find people within the company for you to talk to. (Of course, you can always check Glassdoor reviews as well!) If you find out that the employees are happy in their jobs, chances are you will be as well, and that this is a company that you would like to work for.

6. Ask About Incentive Compensation 

Some companies will give bonuses to their employees as compensation for certain incentives, such as taking on additional responsibilities, pay raises based on performance, etc. Find out if monetary bonuses are offered, and if so, what the criteria are to be eligible for these bonuses. The more you know about how you will be compensated, the more you will strive to really earn those bonuses and be the very best that you can be when it comes to doing your job.

7. Ask About Relocation Expenses 

If you are going to have to relocate in order to take the position, you need to find out if the company is going to help with any of the relocating expenses. Obviously, they are not going to pay for everything, but if they expect you to move for them, they should be expected to help in some way. For instance, they may offer to pay a percentage of the actual moving expenses or put you up in a rental unit until you are able to find an appropriate and affordable place to live.

8. Ask About Education Opportunities

Many companies will offer incentives for employees to go back to school or receive additional training that is going to help them advance in their careers. In fact, this is one way that companies can ensure long-term employees, because these employees are grateful for the help, and want to give back. Some companies will pay for a portion of tuition, and some even allow you to take a leave of absence in order to get your degree. The more education you have, the more you will have to offer your employer, and they often recognize this and will help.

16 Companies Offering Tuition Assistance to Employees

9. Ask for Everything in Writing 

Ask if you can have the job offer, and everything that you have agreed on, in writing. This way, there is little chance that the employer is going to pull back on the offer. A written agreement is much more binding than an oral agreement, and if you have everything on paper, they can’t turn around later and say that something wasn’t part of the offer, add work that isn’t in the job description. If they don’t want to give you anything in writing, it is a good sign that this may not be the best company for you to work at.

GlassDoor.com |  | Posted by 

 

#CareerAdvice : #JobChange – How to #SwitchCareers in Six Months or Less…Use these Steps to Learn How to Gather the #Skills, Resources, and Connections to Make a Meaningful #CareerMove within Months

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While the popular adage is true, sometimes the time spend and money send can get in the way of truly following a new path.
With technology, making a career change (within reason) has never been easier. Using tools like LinkedIn, Udemy, and, yes even YouTube, you can learn the skills of a trade and connect with the masters within it.
Use these steps to learn how to gather the skills, resources, and connections to make a meaningful career move within months (without incurring another wave of student debt!)

ASSESS YOUR CURRENT JOB AND YOUR SKILLS

Maybe you hate your current job. Maybe you’re simply nonplussed with the day to day work and you want something more. Maybe you actually like the function of your job, but dislike your current company. Whatever it is, make sure to identify the why of your desired career move before you take action.
From there, asses your best skills along with your passions. Perhaps you’ve been drafting press releases or doing ad-hoc social media work for your current company. Maybe you’ve done a little graphic work as needed outside of your otherwise administrative roles. Assess your interests and relative experience in order to determine your desired career direction.

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ACTIVATE YOUR CONNECTIONS

So you want to be a graphic designer? Awesome! You know those LinkedIn connections you made in college; the friend of a friend of a former coworker?
Rifle through these connections. You might be surprised what you find hiding in your own LinkedIn connections of Facebook friends. Speaking of friends, speak to them too. More often than not, someone will know someone who is open to talk to you.
Reach out to see if they’d be willing to meet with you. While they might not have a job hot and ready, it’s a perfect opportunity to ask a few questions over a coffee.

TAKE A CLASS

Unless you’re looking to become an anesthesiologist or a trial attorney, you can likely build your skill set without applying to graduate school.
There are boundless opportunities to learn things on the internet (we rounded a ton of them up here). Resources like Udemy, Coursera, and Alison offer hundreds of free classes—you can learn anything from project management to web design.
Even if you’re not looking to change your career (why are you reading this?) you should take advantage of these free classes. Heck, we all should learn about Probabilistic Graphical Models because, why not?

SEND SOME COLD EMAILS

This is my personal favorite thing to do, so approach with wary pessimism if you must.
Once you have a clear idea of the position you want and type of company you’d like to work for, considering reaching out the employees there. A personalized, well-researched cold email can be the perfect way to garner a new relationship.
You don’t have to come in too hot, revealing that you went 80 weeks deep into a CEO’s Instagram, but you can express a knowledgeable, thoughtful sentence or two. In addition, lay out your interest in the company and inquire as to whether they will be hiring for *your role* in the near future. If you see a gap in the team roster, you might even suggest the need for *your role* and why.
Consider sending out a few cold emails to your dream companies that might hold your dream future job. You can even reach out to employees at your dream company using LinkedIn! At best, you will manifest a miraculous job opening in your field. At worst, you will receive no reply.

MOVE WITHIN YOUR COMPANY OR INDUSTRY

If you love the company you are currently with, you might consider this option. Speak to your HR manager about the moves you’re thinking of making.
Before reaching out to HR or your manager, have a good case ready. If you’re looking to move from Sales to Graphic Design, have a good plan in place. Does the graphic design department have an opening? Is there a particular project that you can participate in on a trial basis? Would you be willing to train your replacement? Is there a possibility of a hybrid role?
If your current company is not responsive to your ideas, then consider making the move within your industry. Having a working knowledge of the business landscape within your particular industry is key. When applying to this new position in a new company, make sure to explain your career transition. Use your working knowledge of the industry as a tool to set you apart from the other candidate.
It’s never too late to make a career change. However, it is important to weigh your expectations when doing so. Typically, when making a complete change in your career, you will in effect “lose” some of your experience. This can translate to a lower salary than you’re used to receiving. So before making any huge moves, make sure to reevaluate your salary expectations.
Ultimately, we want you to feel fulfilled in your career. And if you know that it’s time for a transition, we support you in that. These tips will help you to begin your pursuit of a new industry, position, or company—whatever you decide your next move is.
Careercontessa.com | BY CAILEEN KEHAYAS   | August 13, 2018

Your #Career : 7 Steps to Rebrand Yourself for a #CareerChange …Just Because you Don’t have Experience in a New Field Doesn’t Mean your #Skills aren’t Valuable in that Field. Here’s What to Do Before you Make a Move.

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Ready for a career change, but worried you don’t have the experience or skills to land a job in your desired field? Filling your resume with your previous work experience that has no similarity to the job you’re applying for is likely to land your resume in the trash can. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck in a career you hate forever.

Dawn Graham, PhD, career coach, psychologist, and author of the book Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Career–and Seize Success, says rebranding your professional experience is key to a successful career switch. “When you’re making a switch, you need to be a good fit for the role, and while some of your skills and experiences may be transferrable, many may not be,” she says. Here’s how you can prove that you’re worthy of the title, even when your resume shows no previous experience in the field.

1. CHANGE YOUR SOCIAL PRESENCE

Use social media to your advantage to rebrand yourself in your new career area. Follow thought leaders in your target industry and comment on their posts. Connect with relevant industry groups and associations, share relevant and interesting articles within your online network, comment on posts, attend the biggest industry conferences, and develop a network of contacts in the industry. “Technology makes it easier than ever to market yourself in a way that appeals to the audience you choose,” says Graham. The more you can demonstrate that you’re serious and invested in your new target industry, the more credible you will seem.

Related: Changing careers? Here’s exactly what to put on your resume

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What Skill Sets do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

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2. FIND YOUR TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS

Rebranding yourself takes time and introspection. Everyone has transferrable skills, even if you think you don’t. Graham gives the example of a recruiter who wants to move into social media marketing. “You can show off your customer research, analytics, and technical savvy skills,” she says. Demonstrating how you can reach new customers using the same skill set you used to uncover qualified candidates is a way to prove that your experience is relevant.

To determine your skills, Graham recommends breaking down achievements. “If you contributed to saving a large client, consider the steps that got you to that result–perhaps problem solving, diplomacy, creativity, and influencing.” Do the same with other accomplishments and you’ll soon notice a pattern of core strengths. Try going through this exercise with a colleague or manager who may be able to see strengths that you are overlooking.

3. DO YOUR RESEARCH

In order to find out what skills and experiences are most relevant to your new career choice, spend time learning as much as you can about your target position. Speak with professionals in your target industry, look for volunteer positions in the industry, take courses, and attend professional events to learn what experiences and skill sets are most valuable in the new industry.

Related: When to ignore the most common piece of career advice

4. DON’T LEAD WITH YOUR TITLE

While most of us use our job title when introducing ourselves, this can be an error when you’re switching careers. Many companies use language that doesn’t translate outside the industry. A title can cause confusion for someone in another industry, and biases their opinion toward your application. They may think right away that you’re not a good fit without reading further into your experiences. Instead of focusing on your title, place the emphasis on your value–the skills you developed in that position.

5. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

In order to highlight your value and position yourself as a good fit for the job, you need to know the challenges the hiring manager is trying to solve. “Many job seekers have incredible accomplishments, but without knowing what is important to your audience, you risk leading off with accomplishments that, while impressive, lead the hirer to think you’re not a fit for the role,” says Graham.

When in a job interview, make one of your first questions about the challenges the company or department is facing at this time. Once you find out the hiring company’s pain points, you can select the achievements from your background that best align with what the hiring manager is looking for in the role.

6. CHERRY-PICK EXPERIENCES

Some of your best accomplishments and achievements may not be impressive to the hiring manager if they have no relation to the job you’re applying for. To be most effective in rebranding yourself professionally, select the parts of your experience that align most closely with your target role. To make your application in this new field stronger, highlight these experiences in your LinkedIn profile. If hiring managers are reviewing your resume and then jump over to LinkedIn and see a whole different type of experience highlighted, they may be confused and cause them to put aside your resume. Rebranding your professional experience may mean dropping what you think are some of your best accomplishments, but by focusing on “fit” first, you will have a better chance of a recruiter recognizing you as a potential candidate for the position.

Related: What career changers wish they knew before making the switch

7. JUSTIFY THE SWITCH

“Every hiring manager wants to know why this job at this company at this time,” says Graham. Your answer to this question will be especially important if you’re a career switcher. Graham argues that switchers can have the upper hand in answering this question because they have most likely spent a great deal of time studying the industry, thinking about what they want in a job when making their career switch decision.

 

 

FastCompany.com | June 28, 2018 | BY LISA EVANS 4 MINUTE READ