In today’s world there are an increasing number of people embarking on a change of career. Whether forced upon them or part of a plan to make their lives better, changing one’s career can be a daunting prospect. For many, one of the biggest hurdles is knowing where to start. That’s where a proven system to guide them through the process comes in handy.

What follows is the outline of such a system created by Maria Cordi, CIRCLE Career Coach. Keep in mind, however, that the steps listed are not as clear-cut as presented. Individual circumstances often call for a degree of tailoring for best results. Nonetheless, they do provide some direction that will ensure a better outcome than taking a haphazard approach. So, here goes:

Step 1 Know Yourself

This is an oft-overlooked yet crucial step. Unless you complete a full and candid assessment of your interests, skills, personality, values and the like, there is no guarantee that the new career you choose in Step 2 is the right fit for you.  Don’t leave this out!

Step 2 Explore Career Options

Once you know yourself and what you want, you are ready to explore the career possibilities open to you. At this point, many people limit themselves with their ideas. Allow yourself to dream up options and assess the fit in later steps.

Step 3 Prepare Training and Action Plan

Now you have what you need to develop a training and action plan to help you achieve your goal. This step should not be rushed. Your plan is the roadmap to your destination. A change of circumstances may cause a detour, so your plan must be able to be added to as needed. It is a boon if you can enlist the help of another person to keep you accountable and on track with your plan.

Step 4 Overcome Obstacles with a Positive Mindset

Invariably, a shift in direction is accompanied by real and perceived obstacles that need to be overcome before you realise your goal. If this is an area you struggle with, I can offer strategies you can implement to rise above such challenges.

Step 5 Tailor Resumes & Cover Letters

One of the secrets to a successful career change is to create a resume and cover letter that grabs the attention of the employer. That is, something that is specific to the position being filled but engendered with your personality. Some jobs attract literally hundreds of applications, so yours needs to stand out from the crowd.

Step 6 Establish Networks

This is the place where most attempts to change career stumble. No longer are you limited to traditional methods of networking. In fact, it’s important that you embrace every method available to you to maximise your chances of making your quest for a new career a success.

Step 7 Prepare for the Interview and After

Once you reach the interview stage of the hiring process, take time to pat yourself on the back. Especially in a highly contested job, you can be proud of the fact that you’ve made the final cut. However, it’s not time to rest on your laurels. Meeting with the employer face-to-face is an ideal opportunity to create a positive lasting impression. If you need help to prepare for an interview or would like to practise with a mock interview, you can contact Maria Cordi, CIRCLE|Recruitment & HR Career Coach on 1300 923 000.

Assuming you perform well at your interview, you can find yourself having to evaluate an offer. My advice here is to make sure that the offer meets your criteria. Accepting one that doesn’t, can have detrimental consequences for your future. This is also the point where you need to think about salary negotiations. These can be tricky, though factors like research and correct timing can make a difference.

A successful career change – it’s all about the system

A smooth career transition takes some effort, but half the work is in the planning and researching of how to go about it. That’s where having a good system puts you at an advantage. You want a system that that is proven and flexible enough to adapt to your particular circumstances.

I know switching careers isn’t an easy process, and your doubt-filled head may even rule it out as an option for you. It really doesn’t have to be this way; with the right guidance, a successful career change is within the reach of everyone who wants it. To get the support and guidance you need, contact Maria Cordi CIRCLE|Recruitment & HR Career Coach on 1300 923 000.

Don’t procrastinate. You deserve to be happy in your career. Making a change can be scary, but don’t let that fear hold you back from investigating your options. Maria is only a phone call away.

Maria Cordi BSc MASc

Important Note: These articles have been prepared for general circulation and are circulated for general informational purposes only; these articles should not be regarded as business or investment advice. The articles represent the views of the writers and are subject to change without notice. Additionally, while every care has been taken in the preparation of the articles no representation or warranty as to accuracy or completeness of any statement is given. An individual or organisation should, before any business or investment decision is made, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and seek professional advice, having regard to objectives, situation and needs. This document is solely for the use of the party to whom it is provided.