Reinventing Your Career: A Journey of Self-Discovery
A life-changing phone call in March 2017 marked the beginning of my journey to redefine my career path. I was all set to start a new job as an events manager at an exclusive Hollywood social club, but fate had other plans. The sudden termination of the person who had hired me led to a postponement of my start date, and I was left feeling unexpectedly relieved. It dawned on me that I didn’t truly desire a job in event production, despite my six years of dedication to building a career in that field.
Identifying Your Core Criteria
The first step towards making a 180-degree turn in my career was to determine what mattered most to me in my work life. I realized that I could be happy in various roles as long as they offered stability, opportunities for growth, and independence in my daily tasks. Take the time to reflect on your priorities and cross-reference them with your skill sets to find a new direction that aligns with your goals.
Repackaging Your Experience
You likely possess skills that can be applied to different industries. When rewriting my resume for copywriting work, I highlighted the writing aspects of my events role and downplayed irrelevant elements. Present your experience in a way that showcases your strengths, and tailor your resume to each job application. Don’t underestimate the value of your unique perspective – it can be a refreshing asset in a new field.
Researching the Competition
I took an unconventional approach to understanding the copywriting industry by creating a vague Craigslist post, which resulted in 50 resumes and websites from successful copywriters. I analyzed what worked and what didn’t, and used that knowledge to craft my own resume and website. A more ethical approach would be to utilize LinkedIn’s search bar to research your competition.
Declaring Your Intentions
Your network can’t support you in finding a new job if they’re unaware of your goals. Activate the “open to recruiters” setting on LinkedIn and inform your professional and personal contacts about your career shift. Ask for advice, introductions, and job leads, and be open about your transition.
Acquiring New Skills
If your desired role requires specific skills you don’t possess, enroll in an online or extension program to bridge the gap. Highlight your commitment to learning on your resume, and employers will take notice.
Gaining Practical Experience
Freelance work and volunteering can provide valuable experience in your new field. I wrote emails and social media posts for a non-profit to build my portfolio. Seek out opportunities to gain testimonials from clients and expand your resume.
Securing a Transition Job
If you can’t directly apply your experience to your desired role, consider a “foot in the door” job at a company you’re interested in. Be clear about your intentions to learn and grow, and you’ll be well-positioned for future opportunities.
Proving Yourself
Once you’ve secured a transition job, focus on delivering exceptional work and demonstrating your enthusiasm for learning. By showcasing your work ethic, efficiency, and positive attitude, you can overcome any perceived lack of traditional experience.
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