In the wake of the current global health crisis, are you rethinking your career trajectory? Does your field of expertise make you uncomfortable now that we have all become acutely aware that travel, large group gatherings, and other formally “normal” activities are no longer deemed safe behavior? Making a career change during this time is not an unusual action given the seriousness of the pandemic.
In fact, similar career shifts occurred en masse in the weeks and months following September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. According to MarketWatch online, many Americans over 50 launched encore careers including new business ventures and nonprofit work in the aftermath of 9/11.
Major life events have a tendency to have us questioning our personal and work choices, from where we live, to what we do for a living. It makes sense that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that many workers would rethink their employment choices. Some may be looking for more fulfilling work helping others, while others may be looking for work that takes them out of the danger zones. Still others may be looking for employment that makes them essential and employable.
No matter what your reasoning, if you are considering a career shift there are a few things you will want to do to make the transition easier.
Evaluate Your Skills
If your career change means leaving a profession that is very specific in skills and talent, then you will need to dig deep to figure out what skills can be transferred to a different career. It may be leadership training, organizational abilities, technical skills, or even the ability to work with a wide variety of people that are your top strengths. Whatever they are, you will want to highlight them on your résumé and in your cover letter.
Update Your Résumé and Professional Profiles
After you have evaluated your skills, experience, and what areas can be transferable to a new career, you will want to update your résumé and cover letter to reflect these items. Be sure to also update your professional profiles on your job search, including your social media sites such as LinkedIn. Use LinkedIn to help your contact potential acquaintances who are in the field you want to move toward. The contact may be able to help you with key words and phrases you will want to use in your interviews as well as potentially help you get your résumé in the hands of the right people.
Seek Training
If you are planning a career change, chances are you will need some specific training whether it is a certification or possibly a degree in the area of your choice. Whatever you need to start your new career, check out the resources we have on our site that could help in your training and future employment.
For more resources on companies that are currently hiring and skill development, check out our resources pages at North Shore Career Center and MassHire North Shore.
