Three Steps to a Successful Mid-Career Transition

Let’s talk about your career. I don’t mean your current job that’s so unrewarding that it feels like a prison sentence, or the one that you’ve been told is being eliminated in a few months. No, I mean the career you dream about, the one that you really want, that you know you were meant to have. Let’s talk about THAT career.Mid-Career Transition is Possible

Changing careers can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’ve already devoted a long time to your present career path. I know how it feels – I left a high burn-out job and successfully reinvented myself several years ago. I had heard (and told myself) all of the reasons why career change is impossible and bound to fail. “Competition for good jobs is fierce,” and “I’m too old to change careers now.”

Sound familiar? It doesn’t have to be so scary. 

I can tell you from personal experience that career transition is achievable. Because most people are pushing back retirement and working longer, you have plenty of time to find a new field that is a better fit. Furthermore, with proper preparation, you will soon be on your way to the job you have always imagined for yourself.

For starters, every successful career transition begins with a plan, and that plan includes the three steps outlined below.

Step 1 – Identify Your Strengths, Skills and Interests

This first step is really important. Before you can move into the next chapter in your life, you need to take a fresh, honest look at yourself and answer these questions:

What are your strengths? These are the things you can do with ease. For example, you might be very comfortable talking to people, or maybe you are not a great communicator but are naturally strong in math.

What are your skills? Thinking back over your career, what expertise or skills have you developed? This could be intimate knowledge of a particular industry or business process to mastery of a specific software program, or anything in between.

What are your interests? Take a good look at what you really like to do. What are your hobbies? How do you spend your free time? Now think about your dream career. What is it about that career that appeals to you? Look for overlap between your personal and professional interests.

Step 2 – Clarify Your Career Goals

Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 15 years?

This question has been asked at countless job interviews and it goes right to the heart of your long-term career vision. Once you have identified this, you can define any short-term goals that will help you reach your ultimate objective.

Not only should your career goals be built on your strengths, skills and interests identified in Step 1, but you must also be sure that you target the right jobs. For example, if you see yourself in a leadership role in a software company in a few years, then your career goal might be a management position at a computer programming environment.

Step 3 – Create a Strong Resume

The modern resume has made it easier than ever to reinvent yourself in a new direction. Resumes have evolved from simple career summaries into forward-facing marketing documents that position you for your next role.

Your resume is your sales pitch to a prospective employer. A strong, effective resume should target the specific job you want. To pique their interest, you must clearly communicate how your current skills can readily transfer to the job you want.

Summary

Your career transition does not have to be an intimidating experience. If you start with the three steps outlined here, you will be well on your way to realizing your career goal, and like me, happily working your dream job.

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I reinvented myself mid-career and have never been happier! My successful transition inspires me to help others find the same fulfillment. As your Career Coach, I can help you identify your ideal role while providing guidance, structure and support to make the process less overwhelming. To position you for success I will help you throughout your journey, from discovering your transferrable skills and identifying compatible occupations to establishing a realistic career goal and creating a strong resume.

What would you like to do next? Contact me today to see how I can help you gain the competitive EDGE and build the career you deserve. Email me at trish.thomas@edgecareersolutions.com or call (860) 658-6480.

 Trish

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