Changing your career is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. However, thanks to the sweeping impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people than ever are seriously considering the option of switching their professional goals.
Millions have lost their jobs, and many business owners have started outsourcing to freelancers for jobs that were once done in-house, like small business IT support and marketing. Amid all this turmoil, a change of economic pace can seem appealing. If you’re considering pursuing new opportunities post-coronavirus, here are five tips to help you on your way:
- Set Your Priorities
Before you even think about polishing up your resume or browsing the job boards, take a moment to reflect on your biggest priorities. What do you want to achieve with a career switch? Do you want to win that elusive pay rise you know you deserve? Are you searching for more fulfilling duties that align with your passions? Whatever the case may be, ensure that you have a clear picture of what you hope to gain with a new profession.
- Be Creative
Applying to jobs sounds so simple on paper: you list out all your accomplishments and qualifications in your resume, send that to a recruiter in your field, and then you wait to get invited to an interview. In reality, though, it doesn’t always work that way. If you want to get the best results, you need to get creative.
Focus on writing attention-grabbing cover letters, and develop clean yet attractive resumes that are easy for busy recruiters to scan. Additionally, consider applying for jobs outside your comfort zone: if you’re a marketer who’s always worked for global conglomerates, consider applying to a small business. Such creative touches will maximize your chances of getting a positive outcome.
- Know Your Skills
This isn’t your first time around the professional block. You’ve likely gained countless new skills in your current career, so as you’re getting ready to shift to new employment opportunities, don’t forget to make the most of those experiences.
As you rework your resume and cover letters, be sure to consider every achievement and growth experience you’ve gained in your previous positions. Even if the jobs you held aren’t relevant to the new career you’re targeting, you probably have many transferable skills you can apply to any opportunity. Make the most of every achievement you’ve made in your career thus far.
- Be Persistent
Ready for the understatement of the year? Applying for jobs isn’t easy. It wasn’t fun when you started, and it likely won’t get any easier. That’s why persistence is key if you’re hoping to land a new position in another field.
Whenever you see a promising job opening appear, don’t hesitate to apply. It’s not uncommon for even the most seasoned professionals to submit hundreds of applications before even getting invited to an interview. If you keep your head down and treat the job hunt like a job in its own right, you’ll be on the right track.
- Stay Hopeful
Trying to land a job can be a stressful ordeal. Even if it takes you hundreds of tries, however, it’s essential for you to keep hope alive as you’re searching for your perfect new career. Never forget: your dream job is out there. Maintaining a sense of hope is what will allow you to keep applying, improving, and learning from every submission. Do this, and it’s only a matter of time before you find your new dream job.
The pandemic has radically changed the job market, but following the tips above will help you stand out from the crowd.
