How to change careers: tips to landing your dream job
Have you been thinking about changing jobs? Most people change careers at least once or twice in their working lives.
It could be that you’re wanting more challenge, better pay, greater recognition, more flexibility, less stress, or a better work-life balance. Whatever the reason for wanting change, it’s worthwhile taking the time to reflect upon where you are in your career and where you’d like to be in some years from now.
Pivot or plunge
University of Newcastle postgraduate student, Jessey McGuire, was working as a teacher for some time before he decided to take a turn in direction. For him, he wanted to utilise the transferrable skills he’d gained as a teacher and viewed his change as more of a ‘pivot’ than a plunge into a whole new career.
Jessey offers some sound advice to those who are considering a career change but not sure which direction to take.
“Think about what can be made from the skills you’ve already learnt,” said Jessey. “Then consider your traits, your values and your innate skills.”
It was researching future career trends such as technology, artificial intelligence, and the fourth industrial revolution, which prompted Jessey to reflect on how he could future-proof himself for jobs that might not even exist yet.
As a people-person, his pivot into business and marketing was a comfortable choice. It was a happy junction between where his interests were heading, and his innate abilities in communication and leadership.
So, you’re ready to change careers: this is where to start
Whatever your reason is for wanting to change careers, there are a few factors to consider when thinking about taking a pivot or plunge in your career:
- Decide if you’re ready to learn
Learning new skills will take time, effort and, depending upon your propensity for study, could require a large amount of energy.
- Reflect upon what makes you, you
What do you enjoy doing? What makes you happy?What makes you, uniquely you? Take the time to do some soul-searching - and trust your instincts.
- Research your dream career
Find out the requirements of the position and find out the skills, experience, and qualifications that you may need to land that dream job. Jump on LinkedIn and peruse the profiles of people who are in similar roles to what you’re interested in. This is a great resource not just for networking but for getting an idea of what the next steps may look like.
Melissa Moore, Assistant Director of the University of Newcastle’s Office of Careers and Employability shares this golden piece of advice: Ask yourself, what is the market demanding? And what are your innate skills and personality? Finding that juncture between the two is the key.
- Network like your career depends on it
Do you know anyone who is doing the role you’d like to do? Or, who do you know, who knows a person doing the role you’d like to do. Ask them how they got their job. Find out the pros and cons of the role. Consider attending trade expos, volunteering, or joining networking groups to expand your network. Jobs don’t ordinarily land in laps. So, be proactive, network, and put yourself out there in front of the people who could potentially help you achieve your future career goals.
According to Emily Bowen, Chief Operation Officer of Forsythes Recruitment and HR and University of Newcastle alumnus, 80% of jobs are not advertised publicly. This is what’s referred to as the hidden job market. 80% is a staggering figure. But by broadening your network you could tap into the hidden job market and find your dream job without having to compete with as many people as a Seek-advertised job.
80% of jobs are not advertised publicly. This is what’s referred to as the hidden job market.
- Start conversations
Have conversations with people in your network. The wider your network, the more conversations you’re able to have. It can be scary being vulnerable, but it will pay off to take a proactive approach in meeting people in your area of interest. Now, it’s not even about asking for a job. Instead, ask them for advice. If you’re genuinely interested in a particular career, that passion will come through and you’ll be surprised how receptive people can be. Gaining a new perspective into your area of interest is the goal here.
- Upgrade your skills
By this stage you should have a clear idea of what the requirements and prerequisites are for your dream career. You may also now be more aware of a need to upskill in a particular area – this is all progress!
You should research different study options and find out which course or degree would put you in the best light to score your dream job. Short courses are readily accessible if you need to get up to speed fast, but postgraduate study offers more in-depth learning, and has the added benefit of developing your networks – remember what was said earlier about the hidden job market?
Upskilling demonstrates an enthusiasm for continual learning and is a great point of evidence to prospective employers that you’re taking control of your career trajectory.
- Volunteer or start a side hustle
A fantastic way to test out whether you are genuinely interested in a particular kind of work is to volunteer. You could offer to help out an organisation one day a week, join a community group, or start a side business to test out your appetite for that type of work.
Emily Bowen says it’s “all about the long game”. At a turning point in her career, she decided to join the board of a local networking group. She volunteered her time running networking events, and through this process, learnt new skills such as event management and social media - things that she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn in her day job.
“I’m a massive fan of experimenting in a new area,” Emily says. “The best way to figure out if it’s something that you enjoy is to have a go.”
- Know your value
Value proposition is a term often used in business and marketing. It refers to the unique offering or competitive advantage of a particular product or service. It can also be helpful to consider when changing careers. What is your value proposition as a job seeker? What makes you uniquely valuable to a prospective employer?
Knowing how to speak to your value requires an understanding of the skills you possess and how these can be applied in your future role. A great starting point when considering your value proposition is to identify both the hard and soft skills you possess.
Now is the time
Now is an excellent time to switch careers. We are in a recovering economy with low unemployment and so according to Emily Bowen, the conditions are favourable towards job seekers.
“Because the market is so tight, it’s actually driving up incomes,” she explained.
Changing careers can be challenging, so write yourself an action list. Jot down the small, immediate tasks that you can do today. Consider the medium-term goals that will get you to where you want to be in 3-6 months; and take the time to envision your longer-term goals of where you'd like to be in 4 or 5 years.
Lastly, remember to check in with people who can encourage you along the way and support you in your journey of change.
If you’re thinking about postgraduate study to help your career, now is the time to start. Start your search at newcastle.edu.au/postgrad.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.