Have you got aspirations to get into a specific industry, or have you decided that it’s time for a change of scenery? Have you fallen out of love with your current job, or does a new challenge sound too exciting to ignore? If you’re looking to take your career in a new direction, it’s a great idea to explore opportunities. Here are some practical steps to take today.
Learning and training
Studying, learning and training can take you in all kinds of different directions. If you’re open to training, or you’re willing to go back to school or university or take an online course, you can open doors and discover a broad spectrum of jobs. If you have a specific role in mind, conduct research to establish what kinds of qualifications or training you need and find suitable courses, workshops or programs. If you’re considering different positions or sectors, you can enhance your employability by expanding your skillset without focusing on one job or industry. Skills like leadership and problem-solving are transferable while practical skills like coding, accounting, public speaking and digital literacy are sought-after across sectors.
Gaining experience
One of the best ways to get a foot in the door and gain skills is to get as much professional experience as possible. If you know which sector you want to go into, start looking for entry-level or junior roles and find out about work placements and internships. Internships and placements are a brilliant way to learn the ropes and get a sense of what your career could look like if you climb the ladder. Working in a corporate setting or getting a placement at an organization, such as a school or a charity, can also give you an accurate idea of what the world of work is like. You may find that you absolutely love it, or that the path you were considering isn’t for you. Subscribe to websites and apps that advertise vacancies and opportunities and contact employers within the relevant industry to ask about openings.
It’s hugely beneficial to have work experience on your CV or resume. You’ll gain skills, but you can also show prospective employers that you’re passionate about the role and you’re willing to learn and work your way up.
Consider your passions and interests
Some people have a very clear idea about what job they want, but for others, it’s not always obvious. If you don’t like your current job, or you’ve lost interest and you’re wondering what to do next, it’s helpful to consider your passions and interests. How do you like to spend your time, what are your hobbies and what interests you the most? Perhaps you love art or theater, or you’re passionate about sports or literature. Maybe you’re very active and you love to be outdoors, or perhaps you’re an enthusiastic amateur chef. Use your interests to inspire your next move. Even if you don’t have practical talents or skills, you can choose a path that will enable you to get a job you love. You could work in a gallery, an art store, a theater or a museum, or start blogging about sports or reviewing local restaurants for a newspaper or magazine, for example.
Revamp your resume
If you’re applying for jobs, it’s critical to review and revamp your resume. Ensure that your resume is succinct but detailed, and include information that is relevant to the role. Tailor your application to each job and highlight your skills, talents and strengths. Use cover letters to provide a brief introduction to who you are and what you can offer and take the time to check your grammar and spelling before you submit an application.
If you get an interview for a job, it’s crucial to spend time preparing. Research the organization, go through any questions or tasks the panel has set for you thoroughly and plan your route. Arrive in plenty of time, dress smartly and have a list of questions ready in case the interviewer asks if you have questions at the end. Try to form model answers and tackle tricky questions that may come up beforehand and let your personality shine through. Take your time to respond to questions, speak clearly and have confidence in your abilities. Practicing can help to build confidence if you get nervous or you find interviews difficult.
Are you thinking about changing jobs, or do you want a new challenge or a change of scenery? If you’re considering taking your career in a new direction, it’s important to give yourself the best shot at success. Explore training and learning opportunities, look for internships and entry-level roles and take inspiration from your hobbies and passions. Look for vacancies, sign up for websites that advertise jobs, and review and update your resume.
