Transitioning can be an exciting event. Remember the thrill of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood? How about graduating high school, getting that first car, going to college, and buying your first house? These are all examples of transitions most people look forward to. There is one transition that most of us shy away from because it can seem frightening. Since people are creatures of habit, most of us get so comfortable in our field that we seldom consider transitioning between industries. Given the rapid pace of technological progress in today’s world, we are all at risk of becoming obsolete if we don’t have a plan to transition away from a career field that is no longer in demand.
One of the factors that makes an industry transition onerous is the need to understand the fundamentals of a new industry. This includes learning a new career language, understanding how different stakeholders relate to one another, and knowing why revenue models work as they do, among other challenges. Furthermore, employers expect you to hit the ground running. Unless you understand the nuances of the new industry, you will have a steeper learning curve. This translates to higher costs for potential employers to train you to the same level of proficiency as your colleagues.
You don’t have to be afraid of a career transition if you are well prepared. Consider the following to make your transition successful while giving yourself an advantage over the competition.
1. Educate Yourself – Knowledge is Power
- Network within the target industry. Find associates (from alumni networks, clubs, etc.) and learn from them. Ask them tough questions.
- Take online courses and certifications to bolster your industry knowledge
- Read trade publications and study industry blogs
2. Reframe Your Narrative to Align to Industry Needs
- Review and analyze the job descriptions to understand the hiring needs of the organization
- Update your Resume – focus on translating your technical capabilities to reflect industry jargon
- Draft a cover letter that explains your transition and how your previous experience combined with the industry knowledge you’ve picked up can help your target employer achieve their goals
You may find the following resources helpful when considering a career transition:
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/blog/how-to-change-careers/
https://fairygodboss.com/articles/how-to-get-a-job
All of us here at Total Rebrand wish you the best in your future endeavors. Please remember to periodically check our websites for updates, new tools, and advice in helping you find the best job that will maximize both your wealth as well as your health. Happy job hunting!