4 Strategies for Those Looking for a Career Transition

4 Strategies for Those Looking for a Career Transition Each year, millions of people make the decision to leave their current employer or even their current job field altogether in pursuit of a more lucrative and exciting opportunity. For some, this transition is easy, hassle-free and comes with almost no added training or guidance needed. However, this isn’t always the case, and many find that starting a new job or career path to be challenging to say the least. But no matter the reason for the change of pace in your professional life, there are certain strategies you should know and follow to prevent obstacles as much as possible. Consider these tips as you take a major step toward bettering yourself and your pursuit of a successful career. Assess Your Current Situation Before making any decisions about what type of career transition you would like to make, it’s crucial that you stop and analyze where you are and the path you took to get there in your current role. Understanding the position you have and what you can translate to a new job can be a tremendous advantage for you in your search and interview process. Additionally, you should assess the reasons why you are looking to transition. What don’t you like about your job title or responsibilities? What’s holding you back from thriving in this arena? Sometimes it can be something as simple as disagreements in management style or the hierarchy of a business. While at other times, it can be much more complex and psychological. A recent survey done by Workplace Health found that 77% of those who participated feel that they/their co-workers don’t receive proper recognition. This lack of fulfillment felt by many employees can dramatically affect work ethic and mentality in the workplace. Why work hard when you aren’t rewarded or recognized for major accomplishments? On the other hand, you may be overwhelmed with your workload and can no longer deal with the health effects of constant stress. Whatever the reason, coming to the realization that it’s time for a change is the first step of the process and will give you the motivation to find something better. Evaluate Your Skills and Long-Term Goals Another important factor to consider is what you can bring to the table when transitioning to a new role or a new company. Sometimes it’s worth sitting down and making a list of the traits and skills you already have or have obtained in your current position. These adjectives and skill sets can be utilized when crafting a revised resume, in an interview, or when projects arise that fit your expertise. Don’t be afraid to be outspoken and boastful about yourself. The more potential employers know you’re capable of, the better chances you have of standing out from the pack. Similarly, taking the time to plan out what your long-term professional goals are important to what path you choose to take moving forward. Having goals and milestones you would like to reach sets the tone for how you go about your work each and every day and gives your work meaning. When considering applying to a new place of work, keep these goals in mind and think about whether you can see yourself reaching them if you were to fill the posted position. Research Extensively For many, the process of actively looking for new employment can be painstaking and tedious. But in reality, this is the time where you can sort through positions and find postings with qualifications that best suits you and your strengths. Not only should you fit the description of the candidate they are looking for, but you should also spend time researching the background of the company and ratings to ensure the work environment is sustainable. And for those who are looking to shift their career path to a new sector or industry, it may be beneficial to search for a field’s potential trends for the future. Many positions may be obsolete within the next 5 to 10 years or supplemented with A.I. technology. Don’t be afraid to ask during an interview if a company utilizes any type of process automation software to complete back-end tasks and office work. These types of questions can give you a perspective on where the industry is moving and how quickly advanced technology will be adopted into day-to-day work. Spending just a few hours doing research on your potential employers can dramatically improve your career planning efforts. Consider Continuing Your Education If you don’t feel that you have the proper qualifications for a job field, or you are looking to meet the standards of a higher-ranking position, you should consider going back to school and acquiring an advanced degree. There are many advantages to taking online classes. They allow you to work when you have time and around your work schedule. Many institutions offer night classes as an option as well. Don’t settle for a job that is beneath you when you are capable of reaching your full potential. Many companies now even offer help supplement your continued learning after a given amount of time as an employee. Once completed, you can look to be promoted internally, as you have earned the skills necessary to move vertically in that corporate structure. Don’t be timid when it comes to your career, because you are the one in the driver’s seat. Anything you can do to be a stand out will be beneficial moving forward.