How To Successfully Secure A Job After Making A Career Change

By Michelle Wanjiku
Changing careers is not such an easy thing to do. This is because finding a new job you have no experience in can be scary but not completely impossible.
But how do you go about ensuring that when you make a career change you are able to find your next job?
1. Understand your motives
One of the most important things to do before making a career change is to try and figure out why you are doing it. Knowing your motives will help you know which jobs to be on the lookout for.
It also helps you figure out if this is something you really want to do which would prevent you from making a rash decision you will regret.
2. Build up a network of contacts in the field
If you want to change industries all together then you need to start by finding contacts in the industry you want to move to. This will ensure that you have a good idea of what you are getting into and they will help you find a job faster.
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Networking is important to job search when you are not changing careers, but it is more important when you are switching jobs.
Networks will help you learn what the job you are looking to get into requires and will also mentor you on how to make a successful change.
3. Weigh up the pros and cons of unpaid work experience
Usually when you are switching jobs, you will be required to at least gain some experience. Not everyone gets the opportunity to get a paying job after switching careers. This means that you have to consider the possibility of taking on unpaid internships.
It’s therefore important to try and figure out whether unpaid work experience is something that will be beneficial to you.
4. Assess your transferable skills, then highlight them on your application
Because you don’t want to start from the bottom when you change careers, you need to figure out what your transferable skills are and ensure that you showcase them when making job applications.
This will help boost your chances of getting the job.
It will also ensure that you don’t have to start at an entry level position.
5. Over-prepare for interviews
You are obviously not as qualified for some of the positions you are applying for because you probably did not study for it and also don’t have a lot of experience. This means that everyone else applying for the job is more qualified than you.
Therefore, when it comes to interviews you need to bring your A game if you are to impress the interviewer. This means  properly planning for whatever questions you think will come up as well as ensuring you can show that you are a good fit for the job even though you dint have all the qualifications.
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6. Be persistent and give yourself time
Getting a new job will not happen overnight, it is something you must work on and continue being patient if you want to achieve.
So don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself and just do all you can to ensure you better your chances of getting the job. Don’t give up if it doesn’t happen right away after all good things come to those who wait.
In Conclusion,
Career change if done correctly can be seamless and very gratifying. All you need to ensure is that you have a clear idea of where you are heading and what your career goals are.  If you are still stuck on what to do and what career path to follow, you can consider seeing a professional career coaching.