Making a career change can feel like a daunting task, but breaking it down into manageable steps can make all the difference. To provide expert insights, I spoke with Clark Glassford, an Interview Coach and founder of My Practice Interview. With over 25 years in Human Resources Management, Clark shares valuable advice on navigating a successful career transition.
What are the latest recruiting trends impacting career changers?
Staying updated on recruiting trends is essential for anyone looking to pivot careers. Clark shares his insights on how these trends can affect job seekers.
Clark, what new trends do you see happening in recruiting that we need to know about?
Clark: The change in recruiting that I am seeing is the speed at which companies and recruiters are targeting talent. Whether it is advanced applicant tracking systems, QR code applications, or AI interviews, it is all designed to find the right talent before someone else does. The term in the industry is the “war on talent.”
So the days of applying by sending in a resume and waiting for a couple of months for a response from the employer are long gone. Job seekers need to be prepared for the application/interview process from the moment they apply, as the next steps in the recruitment process could happen within days (if not hours). The better prepared the applicant is in advance, the better their success rate for landing the role.
Theresa: Yes, taking the time to research, practice, and prepare will set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing your dream job. As a former corporate Recruiter, I wish I had seen candidates be much more prepared to answer behavioral questions by sharing specific examples of how they’ve overcome challenges or achieved success in their previous roles.
Additional strategies to enhance your career transition with these trends
To successfully navigate these evolving recruiting trends and make the most of your career change, consider these additional strategies:
Leverage Emerging Tools: Embrace job-matching platforms and AI-driven career services. These tools can help you identify roles that align with your career goals and streamline your job search process.
Optimize Your Online Presence: Ensure your LinkedIn profile and other digital platforms reflect the latest industry trends. A well-crafted digital profile enhances your visibility and appeal to recruiters using advanced search techniques.
Prepare for Fast-Paced Recruitment: Be ready for quicker hiring processes by keeping your application materials organized and your responses prompt. Develop a system for efficiently managing job applications and interview scheduling.
How taking 15 minutes a day can help you successfully change careers
Embarking on a career change can feel like navigating a vast ocean with no clear map. The process can be daunting, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the big picture. However, breaking down the journey into manageable steps can make the transition smoother and less intimidating.
What tips do you have for someone wanting to change careers?
Clark: Just take that first step. Career changes are a huge consideration for many people. Just the thought of making that change can seem overwhelming, and many talk themselves out of making the shift.
The tip I like to give people is to think in 15-minute intervals. Find 15 minutes each day to take the small steps needed for a career change. This could be looking at various job sites for opportunities, growing your network on LinkedIn, updating your resume, preparing for interviews, connecting with career coaches, etc. All it takes is 15 minutes a day, and you will be amazed at how far you can come in a short period of time. Small steps. Huge impact.
Strategic steps to make the most of your 15 minutes for a successful career transition
To effectively utilize your daily 15-minute intervals, focus on targeted activities that will move the needle in your career change. Begin by identifying the most critical areas that need attention, such as enhancing your resume, expanding your professional network, or researching new industries.
Strategic Tips:
- Prioritize Tasks: Start with tasks that have the highest impact, like tailoring your resume for specific roles or reaching out to key contacts on LinkedIn.
- Set Clear Goals: Each 15-minute session should have a specific goal, whether it's finding and applying to one job, connecting with a career coach, or updating one section of your resume.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a simple log of your daily activities and achievements to stay motivated and see how incremental efforts lead to significant progress.
By following these strategic steps, you can ensure that your short daily efforts are consistently driving you toward your career goals. Now, let’s delve into a crucial element of your job search strategy: Resumes
How to build a resume for a career change?
When making a career change, your resume becomes your key tool for showcasing your new direction and potential. Unlike a standard job description, which simply lists duties, your resume should reflect your achievements and the impact you’ve made in past roles.
It’s essential to craft a resume that not only highlights your skills but also demonstrates your accomplishments in a compelling way. Here’s what Clarck recommends;
Clark: Your resume should not read like a job description. Job descriptions are boring and uninspiring. Your resume should be crafted to capture the reader’s attention. This is done by focusing on your accomplishments in each of your jobs.
Start each position by providing a brief summary of the role (2-3 sentences). Then focus (using bullet points) on what you accomplished in that position. “Increased sales by $1 m.”, “Delivered on integration of new software that reduced production time by 10%.”
Accomplishment statements have a significant impact on drawing the reader in and setting you apart from the majority of applicants who simply list job duties on their resumes. It’s a powerful way to capture the recruiter’s attention in the 10 seconds or less they take to make a decision on whether they want to proceed with your application or not.
Theresa: Incorporating specific, measurable examples of how you’ve made a positive impact in your previous roles is one of the best ways to showcase the value you bring. Here’s an easy tip for writing accomplishment statements:
Start with a simple formula: Action verb + specific result = accomplishment statement.
What is the best way for candidates to get in touch and network with recruiters and hiring managers?
In today’s job market, networking is more critical than ever, especially when making a career change. Establishing meaningful connections with recruiters and hiring managers can significantly enhance your job search and open doors to new opportunities.
Clark offers valuable advice on how to use LinkedIn to stand out:
Clark: LinkedIn. There is no better way than LinkedIn to reach out to recruiters and hiring managers and make connections. The best approach to making those connections is to do your research. Review their profiles and the companies they work for so that you know whom you are requesting a connection with.
Then when you ask for a connection and some of their time to discuss the job opportunity, you are sending them a tailored connection request. For example,
“Hi Mrs. Reid. I found your profile through ABC Inc. corporate page, and I wanted to reach out and discuss the opportunity of working together. I am a Senior Manager in XYZ with 10 years of experience and am currently looking for new opportunities. I would love to discuss if my background is a fit for any openings with your organization as ABC Inc. is an industry leader, and I would love to be part of the team. Do you have 5 minutes for a quick chat to discuss any possibilities?’ Looking forward to hearing from you!”
A personalized request such as this goes a long way in opening the door to making strong connections that can lead to incredible job opportunities. Always take this approach and avoid the automated “I’d like to join your network.” This doesn’t provide any context as to who you are or why you want to connect and may negatively impact how many connections you are able to make.
Additional networking strategies for career changers
To further enhance your networking efforts, consider these additional strategies:
- Engage in Relevant Groups and Discussions: Join LinkedIn groups related to your desired industry and actively participate in discussions. This can help you connect with industry professionals and show your enthusiasm and expertise.
- Follow Up Thoughtfully: After making a new connection, send a personalized follow-up message expressing your appreciation and interest in continuing the conversation. This helps to solidify the relationship and keep you on their radar.
- Leverage Mutual Connections: If you have any mutual connections with recruiters or hiring managers, ask for an introduction. A referral from a trusted contact can significantly increase your chances of making a positive impression.
- Attend Virtual and In-Person Networking Events: Look for industry webinars, conferences, and meetups where you can interact with professionals and expand your network.
These strategies can help you build meaningful relationships and improve your chances of landing the job you want during your career transition.
How do you explain you want a career change in an interview?
Clark: “Why did you apply for this role?” It can be worded differently and sounds very basic, but it is one that is typically asked at the beginning of every interview and makes an incredible first impression if answered correctly.
There are 3 key areas to prepare a response that all must demonstrate enthusiasm. Enthusiasm for the organization. Enthusiasm for the role. Enthusiasm for how this opportunity aligns with your career path. All employers want to know that you truly want to work with them and are excited about the opportunity.
Do your research on the company and the position, and be clear as to how this job meets your career objectives. Practice answering out loud so that you can perfect your response. By doing so, you will easily make a very favorable first impression.
Theresa: Enthusiasm, enthusiasm, enthusiasm – I love that. And as a recruiter, I was occasionally surprised by the lack of enthusiasm I saw in candidates. Often not because they were not excited about the opportunity, but because they were nervous, lacked preparation, or didn’t want to come across as too eager.
But it’s quite the opposite, when you talk about what excites you about the position and how you see yourself contributing to the company’s success, you demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for the role and position yourself as a top candidate.
The importance of direction and guidance on your career pivot
Successfully explaining your career change in an interview requires more than just a good answer; it demands a clear direction and strategic approach. This is where a career clarity coach can make a significant impact.
They provide the guidance you need to craft a compelling narrative, refine your job search strategy, and prepare thoroughly for interviews. With expert support, you’ll be able to confidently present your career shift in a way that resonates with potential employers and sets you up for success.
FAQ: How to Navigate a Career Change During Your Job Search
How to change your career when you have no idea?
If you're uncertain about your next career move, start by exploring your interests and strengths. Consider taking career assessments or working with a career clarity coach to identify your skills and passions. Networking with professionals in various fields, volunteering, or even pursuing freelance projects can provide insight into what might excite you. It’s also helpful to set short-term goals and experiment with different roles to gain clarity.
What to do when you can't figure out what career you want?
When you’re struggling to determine your ideal career, begin by reflecting on what you enjoy and what you’re good at. Look into different industries and job roles through informational interviews or shadowing opportunities. Setting up a meeting with a career counselor or coach can provide personalized guidance and help you map out potential career paths. Additionally, exploring educational or training opportunities in areas of interest can help clarify your direction.
How can I gain clarity on my career goals if I’m feeling lost?
Gaining clarity on your career goals starts with self-assessment. Reflect on past experiences, identify what you enjoyed or disliked, and consider your values and long-term aspirations. Engaging in career coaching can provide structured support in defining your goals and creating a strategic plan. Additionally, setting small, achievable steps and seeking feedback from mentors or peers can help you gradually uncover and pursue a career path that aligns with your passions and skills.
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
Making a career change is a bold and exciting step, but it can also be challenging. From understanding the latest recruiting trends to crafting an impactful resume and effectively explaining your transition in interviews, every part of the process requires careful planning and execution. By focusing on small, consistent steps and seeking expert guidance, you can navigate this transition smoothly and successfully.
Career Change 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
👉 Ready for career clarity in record time? Request a free consultation with me today.
