San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Facing a dilemma in your career can be a game changer
At some point in your career, you are likely to experience a catch-22 dilemma. The dilemma of remaining at the crossroads of going in a new direction with the skills you now possess or throw in the towel and let your career dreams drift away.
A catch 22 dilemma can often be described as a situation in which you realize you need a certain amount of experience to start a new career path but lack the experience needed to get started.
Regardless of your work history, you can experience this type of dilemma, whether you are a new grad or someone deciding to change careers. The prevailing question that stands in the way is “How do you start down a new career path without the necessary experience and how do you get the experience without working in the new career path?” 12 Steps To Make a Career Change With No Experience| Indeed.com
Career dilemmas can be frustrating in knowing that you have the interest and skills to do the job you are interested in pursuing but have no way to actually prove this to a hiring decision maker who is searching for a candidate to hit the ground running.
In lieu of lacking the necessary experience, it helps to go back to the basics. Start with a good attitude and a willingness to do what it takes to get your foot in the door. Here are five ideas to help you make it through a catch 22 dilemma:
1. Avoid just focusing on the job title only.
Look for ways to gain more credibility by gaining experience rather than the job title. A lower job title may be what you need to build experience be open to where it may lead you in the future. Sometimes you need to go backward in order to move forward.
2. Acquiring certifications has never been easier with the help of online training.
Certifications can bridge the gap of experience and increase your chances of being a viable candidate. You can start building experience with a little creativity and an open mind towards leveraging your present skills. Take for example the computer science field, while you may have an interest in technology and have some skills you may need to center your efforts on obtaining a certification toward specific software or cybersecurity skills that are in demand by employers. Does Certification Help You Get a Better Job? (theundercoverrecruiter.com)
3. Spend some time reviewing your resume.
Look for areas that cause concerns for hiring decision makers. Start by highlighting your transferable skills that are relevant to the employer’s needs. Use your resume accomplishments to show the employer how you can solve problems and relate to their needs by using results.
4. Include relevant skills and experiences even though they might not be listed in the job posting.
You have more to offer an employer than what you might perceive as your liabilities.
Avoid letting job descriptions damper your career goals. The wish list for candidate experience can often be modified if the hiring decision maker clearly understands your prior experience. List all your skills and identify
the ones most pertinent to the job. No Experience? 3 Ways to Show You’re Right for the Job…| The Muse
5. Spend time on understanding the industry lingo, terms and acronyms associated with the new career field.
The more you sound like an insider in talking with employers the greater your chances of generating attention. Networking is a powerful way to connect with those working in your career field of interest. It helps you bridge the knowledge gap and gives you more credibility as someone who is serious about changing directions.
Even though it can be discouraging when encountering a catch 22 dilemma, the point is not to give up on your career goals. There is always a chance you can break into a new field if you listen to what employers need and keep an open mind in being persistent. You might be surprised at how many employers will give you a chance if you stay motivated. Plan on using a good strategy to gain credibility and demonstrate potential. ____________________________