8 savvy tips to CHANGE YOUR CAREER
LOOKING TO SWITCH UP YOUR JOB? HERE ARE SOME PIVOTING IDEAS
As we shake off 2021 and look towards a new year with the hope of brighter days, now is the perfect time to take stock and shift careers. According to workplace expert, Michelle Gibbings, when it comes to career planning, doing it right doesn’t mean there is only one path for you to follow.
1 GET PLANNING
Set aside time to reflect on your career goals and to work out what you want. It’s easy to be influenced by others, but this is your career (and your life) so make choices that work for you. Consider where you are now and where you would like to be.
2 BE READY TO ADAPT
As the world of work changes, so too do the roles that are in demand. Find out how your role, profession, industry and sector is changing. The nature of work and the type of jobs available will continue to be affected by economic demand and technological change. You should position yourself to take advantage of the changes.
3 KNOW YOUR VALUE
Everyone brings specific skills and ways of operating to their work. You can think of it as your unique selling proposition (USP). It’s the value you deliver through your work and what makes you stand out from everyone else. However, what employers value changes over time, so make sure your USP is meaningful, current and targeted.
4 DO A SKILLS AUDIT
To keep your USP updated, consider what new skills you need to land a new job. These should cover technical and behavioural skills. Look at the gap that exists between the skills you have and the skills you need. Next, work out how you can close the gap through formal or informal learning, on-the-job training or coaching. Learning is crucial to future career success. So always be alert to new ideas and find ways to stretch yourself.
5 GET CONNECTED
Build a profile where you are known for something, are respected and have a network of people willing to back you and advocate for you. Think more about what you can do for others than what they can do for you. The more you proactively help others, the more they will want to help you. As well, network, network, network! The power of networking can’t be underestimated when you’re shifting jobs. Many jobs are unadvertised, so networking is crucial.
6 FIND TIME FOR YOU
Shifting careers takes energy, and it can be stressful. Making time to exercise, ensuring you eat well, manage stress and get enough sleep are crucial to the process. You don’t want to turn up to job interviews stressed, tired and hungry.
7 TAKE A RISK
Pursuing your purpose and dream job often comes with a ‘risk’ tag attached. Taking a path that others around you haven’t taken means you need to get comfortable with ambiguity, often make some tough choices and back yourself. There will be people around you who question your choices and challenge your thinking. Don’t let their fears inhibit your thinking or throw you off course.
8 BACK YOURSELF
I’ve left the hardest to last. There’s a balance in not underselling yourself, nor overselling yourself. You have to be able to sell the work you do and what you’ve achieved in your previous roles. But don’t claim credit for work that isn’t yours. If it was a team effort, appreciate the group effort and detail your contribution. Also, never moan about your previous boss in a job interview.