Many people want to change their career path, however this can sometimes seem like a daunting task. This article outlines how to decide on your new career direction and rebrand yourself, so you can secure a role in your chosen field.

Decide on your target role

Your first step is to decide what you want to do in your next role. This may be a complete career change, a similar role in another industry or sector, or a fresh challenge in a similar role at a new company.

Consider what you have enjoyed most and disliked about your previous roles, which skills you enjoy using, and when you have felt most satisfied at work. Take some time to research potential opportunities by reviewing job descriptions, identifying whether you have the required skills and experience and talking to people working in these roles. Plan how you can develop your skills and experience via training courses, further study, taking on additional responsibilities in your current role, or undertaking voluntary or short-term roles. Whilst you are never too old to change your career direction, you may wish to consider whether you require any specific qualifications, and consider the cost and time commitment required to obtain these.

You may find it helpful to read this article how to find a career path you’ll love which explains how to find a role which combines your unique personality, skills, passions and core-values. If you are struggling to decide on a career direction, you may wish to consider career change coaching.

Rebrand yourself

Before you start applying for roles, consider your personal brand, how you can rebrand yourself on your CV, cover letter, LinkedIn and other social networking platforms, as well as through your interview answers. Without taking the time to consider your personal branding, your existing experience is unlikely to align closely enough with the role requirements. Most recruiters prefer candidates with a proven track record in a similar role, and therefore your CV needs to work much harder if you are seeking a career change.

You need to tailor your CV to emphasise how you can help the recruiter with the tasks listed in their job description, by emphasising the similarities in your experience and minimising the differences. Ensure you include all of your relevant experience on your CV.

Let’s say you are a Sales Manager planning to move from the automotive industry into a sales role in another industry. Your CV needs to emphasise your sales and account management experience and minimise the differences such as the products you are selling, different CRM systems etc.

• A Sales Manager with extensive experience within the automotive industry (ideal for the automotive industry)
• A Sales Manager with a strong track record of new business development and key account management (ideal for a different industry)
  

If you do not have direct experience, focus on your transferable skills. A skills based CV may sell your skills more effectively than a traditional CV format.

Many people find it more difficult to write a CV for a career change, than for a role in their current field. You may wish to consider having your CV professionally written, so this sells you as effectively as possible. I offer a CV writing service where I rewrite and tailor your CV to a career path of your choice. Alternatively, if you prefer to write this yourself, you may wish to read my blog articles about tailoring your CV.

As part of your personal branding, you should also consider whether you need to improve your interview skills. During interviews, focus on how you can help the recruiter with the issues listed in their job description. Think about which examples will be of most interest / relevance to each recruiter, which may not necessarily be the same examples which will interest a recruiter in your current field. Emphasise your passion for learning and interest in the new role or sector. You may wish to consider interview coaching to improve your interview skills. Alternatively, you may wish to read some of the blog articles about improving your interview skills

How challenging is it to change your career path?

It can be challenging to change your career path because most recruiters prefer candidates with a proven track record in a similar role. It may take longer to secure a career change than a role in your current field. You may need to undertake further study, or gain additional experience (and ensure this is on your CV!) to give yourself the best chance of securing a role. If you are applying for roles and not being invited to interviews, you may want to consider whether you need to improve your CV, or whether you are applying for the right roles. If you are gaining interviews but not receiving job offers, you may want to consider whether you need to improve your interview skills.

Next steps

Would you like career advice or professional help in choosing a new career direction, identifying your transferable skills and developing a plan which will help you to achieve your goal? As a Career Coach, I provide individual coaching, either as a one-off session or as part of a career coaching package. I also offer a CV writing service where I rewrite and tailor your CV to a career path of your choice as well as interview coaching sessions. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to have a quick chat about how I can help you to change your career path.