Career change tips
Whether you’ve faced redundancy, your field has changed, or 2020 allowed you to re-evaluate your line of work, you’re not alone in considering a different job. “A lot more people are coming my way because, without the usual distractions, they’ve realised they hate their jobs,” says Rikke Hansen, career change advisor and entrepreneur. “This latest lockdown needn’t put you off; people are still changing jobs and careers all the time. There is no such thing as a perfect time to make the change. Learning to be adaptable when you need to is how to futureproof yourself – no matter what’s going on in the world.”
FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU WANT FROM WORK
Rikke says there is a difference between simply needing a new job and desiring a complete change of direction. “Think about what makes you unhappy – is it the nature of the work itself, or is it just because you’ve stayed in the same company doing the same thing for too long and feel understimulated?” she says. “Differentiate between whether you need to leave your profession entirely or whether you just need a different kind of job.” Rikke also says that, for some people, all that needs changing is their set-up. “You could consider going part-time or freelance. But be very clear about whether it’s time to start something completely different or if you just need a shift so work better fits your lifestyle.” Think in detail about what you don’t like – do you hate the commute or feel like a small fish in a big pond, for example? Would a smaller company suit you better, or one closer to home? It may not be the job that needs changing, but the company.
IDENTIFY SKILLS YOU CAN TRANSFER
“I used to work in HR, so I know that one of the best ways to find out what you’re good at – and to identify your next move – is to look at where you’ve had results in the past,” Rikke explains. “Look at the past five or ten years and identify where you’ve done your best work and what skills you reverted to. It can be anything – writing, meeting deadlines, problem solving or great communication. Then think about how you can sell those things and what would be in it for someone else – a future employer or client.”
A VARIED CV IS GOOD!
Think you can’t change because you have no relevant experience? Rikke says having a background in something completely different is often an asset. “Think of your career history as a bonus, rather than a hindrance. It can be an interesting story that makes you even more valuable, bringing lots of different skills to the table,” she explains.
RETRAINING IS NOT YOUR ONLY OPTION
Starting a new career or business doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune and many years retraining. “Unless you want to be something like a neurosurgeon or to go into a field that is regulated, you probably don’t need to go back to full-time study,” says Rikke. “I’ve worked with thousands of people and only a handful had to get a new degree.”
Rikke recommends looking for affordable online courses in your field, and getting hands-on experience when starting out in a new industry. “Online and short-term courses can be great, but what’s more important is to start ‘doing’ your new thing. Think like an entrepreneur – don’t wait for someone to pick you, put yourself out there.
Even if you start with your friends, family and volunteers, you will get some experience, some testimonials, and discover whether you like it. For example, I have a client who is training to be a counsellor and she has started a podcast on therapy. If you’re still able to during lockdown, you might like to volunteer in your new industry to get experience, too.”
UPDATE ONLINE
Rikke suggests updating your social media and online presence to reflect the area you want to work in. “I call it ‘leaving a virtual breadcrumb trail,’” she explains. “If an employer Googles you, make sure you’ve updated your social media and LinkedIn profile to reflect your new identity. If it’s relevant to your field, do things like start a podcast or a vlog to make you stand out and to add extra strings to your bow.”
MAKE FRIENDS IN YOUR CHOSEN INDUSTRY
“Your network is so important. A lot of people actually find or create their new job or business
through a network of people,” Rikke explains. “Start following and connecting with people on social media – join Facebook groups or online communities and go to virtual events. You need to make friends who work in the industry you want to get into. Humans are wired to connect and people want to make friends. Make it a habit throughout your working life, expand your circle of friends and network constantly.”
CONTACT START-UPS
Rikke advises targeting a range of companies when looking for your first foot in the door. “Don’t just apply to the biggest companies. Often, start-ups are a lot more interested in career-changers, because you have a large skill set and startups need people who aren’t just one-trick ponies,” she explains. “Often with start-ups you can contact them and speak to them directly, too, as they won’t have an HR department who are frantically busy and set up to push you away.” Applying for jobs and having interviews in this climate might be different, too. Rikke says, “With a huge number of us working from home, contact with recruiters and companies is more likely to be over video call. Treat it like a face-to-face interview with another human just like you, and bear in mind the connection lag before you reply to questions.”
START ON THE SIDE
If you’re launching your own business or turning your passion into a career, Rikke suggests starting small.
“Begin by doing it on the side. A business doesn’t happen overnight, and you want to make sure that you can get results, that you enjoy it, and that it makes money before you quit your main job. Lockdown is actually a good time to start something like this, as you may have more time to dedicate to it. If you’re wanting to turn a hobby or passion into a business, use this time to really hone your skills.”
Rikke also advises considering your prices or fees carefully. “A lot of people, especially women, end up undercharging for their work, partly because they look at what other women – who may also be underselling themselves – are charging. You should set your fees based on your results – if you’re really good at what you do, then you’re worth it.”
Finally, Rikke recommends ensuring you understand the financial side of selfemployment. “When you’re employed by someone else, that side of things is sorted for you. Take time to understand your tax return and pensions – and, most importantly, your profits – it’s not difficult, but will be well worth it.”
● Find out more about Rikke and listen to The Career Change Podcast at Rikke.me