Author: Lavie Margolin, Career Coach
Try to pick a focus for your career change. If you believe your skills are transferable to many different industries, concentrate on no more than three fields. Learn all you can about those industries. If you try to be everywhere, it can be hard to get anywhere:
- Examine occupational handbooks and review official descriptions for industries of interest
- Look at job descriptions within that industry and determine where you may fit. Would you enjoy performing those responsibilities? What would be more satisfying within a new role than what you are doing now?
- Read industry news and attend industry conventions. Is the industry anticipating an upswing? Will there be an opportunity to transition into the industry or will it be flush with experienced professionals trying to obtain employment?
- Speak to people who work (or have worked in that industry). Find someone who has worked in that role of interest. He/she is most likely to give you the ‘inside scoop’ on what working in this industry entails.
Determine by hearing about the day to day responsibilities, industry demands and room for growth, whether this field could be of interest to you. Begin applying for work and keep an open mind on interviews when making a final determination.
About the Author: Lavie Margolin is a New York-based Career Coach and the author of Lion Cub Job Search: Practical Job Search Assistance for Practical Job Seekers. To learn more, go to Lavie’s website, Lion Cub Job Search:www.Lioncubjobsearch.com