Adam Weirich is a Senior Recruiter at J2T Recruiting Consultants and successfully helps Montana companies find the top talent in accounting, finance, and administration. Today he is sharing his wisdom on what it takes to make a successful career change.
Current Recruitment Trends to Consider for Your Career Pivot
As you consider making a career pivot, staying informed about the latest recruitment trends can give you a significant edge. By understanding how the job market is evolving, you can better position yourself and make more strategic decisions about your career change.
To shed light on these trends and help you navigate your next career move, we ask Adam Weirich, to get his insights on what’s shaping the recruitment landscape and how it impacts your career pivot.
Adam, what new trends do you see in recruiting?
Adam: I think hiring will be slightly slower than in 2022 for recruiters, but it won’t be too noticeable. The headlines you see about major tech companies laying people off are industry specific. Plus, most of those people will quickly be absorbed by smaller tech companies needing that talent.
Theresa: I agree that we will see hiring slowing to a more modest level in 2023, but despite the current economic uncertainty, we will continue to be in a job seekers market which is excellent news for anyone considering a career change.
Top Tips for a Successful Career Pivot: Networking and Personal Branding
Making a career pivot requires thoughtful planning and strategy. Understanding the right steps to take can set you up for success in your new field. Let’s dive into some key tips that can help you make a smooth and effective transition.
What tips do you have for someone wanting to make a career change?
Adam: Start networking more, but not just to ask people for jobs. Start reaching out to people in your industry (or the industry you want to move to) and build relationships. Most people will set up a call or meet for a coffee if you ask them.
Also, start writing about your industry more to establish yourself as a knowledgeable professional on places like LinkedIn, even if all you do is start sharing articles with a couple of comments.
Theresa: Yes, Adam, networking is key for a successful career change, and I always say: You never know what opportunities are just one conversation away. So, start one today.
Can Recruiters Help Job Seekers During their Career Pivot to Finance?
Adam: A recruiter can help you pivot careers to a point. If you are an accountant and want to move to a finance-oriented role, that’s something a recruiter can help with because there are some related skill sets. You can improve your chances by volunteering to work on more finance-related projects at your company to enhance your resume.
However, if you want to move from accounting to being a lawyer, recruiters most likely won’t be able to help you. Clients use recruiters to help them find specific talents or skills. If a person is new to this field, a recruiter’s clients likely won’t want to pay a fee for someone with no experience.
Theresa: Thanks for these insights, Adam. It’s important to remember that recruiters work for the employer, not the candidate. While many great recruiters like yourself are in this profession to help people, they can’t help everyone. This is where career coaches come in. They’re the ones who work for and with a candidate to guide and empower them through a career change. They will support you from identifying the best career for you all the way to getting a job offer.
Top Resume Tip for a Career Pivot to Finance
Adam: Instead of just listing your responsibilities on your resume, list your accomplishments. Saying you use Excel every day for reporting isn’t memorable, but if you say, ‘I rebuilt the reporting template by building a macro to automate the reporting process, which brought the time spent from 4 days to 1 day,’ that will stand out.
Theresa: What a great example of the difference it makes to share accomplishments instead of tasks and responsibilities!
Key Interview Question Answers for a Finance Career Change: What Recruiters Want to Know
Adam: I like to ask candidates how their boss or coworker would describe them. This always makes a candidate reflect on their contribution to their team. I’m looking for them to tell me things like ‘I’m the go-to resource for Excel’ or ‘People tell me I have strong attention to detail because I can tie out a financial model to the cent.’ It not only highlights their strengths in a new light but also shows me that they work well on a team.
Your Career Pivot: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Support
Making a career pivot is a journey of self-discovery, no matter the industry you're aiming for. I've seen many clients come to me feeling overwhelmed and doubtful about achieving their dream job. But time and time again, they've overcome these challenges by seeking support and applying effective job search strategies. Remember, you are not alone.
FAQs About Career Change
How long does it typically take to make a successful career pivot?
The time it takes to make a successful career pivot varies depending on your current skills, the industry you're moving into, and the effort you put into your job search. Generally, with a well-crafted strategy and consistent effort, many people see results within 3 to 6 months.
What should I focus on during a career pivot?
During a career pivot, focus on identifying and highlighting your transferable skills, understanding the new industry’s requirements, and building a network within that field. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to reflect your relevant experience and actively seeking advice and support can also greatly enhance your success.
About the author
I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Coach, Job Search Strategist, and President of Career Bloom. With a background in Recruiting, Human Resources, and Management
After struggling with career uncertainty and the fear of starting over, I finally discovered my true calling and found a job that makes me excited to wake up every day. This clarity transformed my career and filled me with joy, knowing I’m doing work that truly matters. How did I achieve this? By gaining crystal-clear insight into my purpose. It’s easier than you might think, and I’m passionate about guiding my clients through this discovery process to help them find their ideal career.
Connect with me on LinkedIn, listen to the Career Clarity Unlocked Podcast, or schedule your free 30-minute career clarity consultation.
Conclusion
Switching careers can seem scary, but with the right support and effort, you can do it. Simply reading this blog is a significant step toward landing your next role. If you need personalized guidance, I’m here to help. Take advantage of a free career clarity call today, and let's craft a job search strategy that works for you.
Resources
- 4 Steps to building your personal brand story for a successful career change
- How to actually land a job through networking
- 5 Ways to Land A Job Faster With a Focused Job Search
- Find the skills that energize and motivate you. The ones that make you say, "I want to do this every day!"
- Find the 3 steps to successfully change your career
- Secrets to Career Happiness
👉 Ready for career clarity in record time? Request a free consultation with me today.
