How to Make a Career Change With No Experience
If you’ve thought about making a career change, you probably have spent hours browsing job sites and alerts. You’ve probably spoken to recruitment consultants, sent your CV to dozens of fields, and hoped that you’d at least get an initial interview. But the truth is, the job market is not set up to accommodate career changers. You won’t stand out from the crowd of applicants with years of experience, and your lack of credentials will hurt your chances of landing an interview.
Making A Career Change
When you’re ready to make a career change, you need to be proactive and give yourself ample time. It won’t happen overnight, and it won’t last forever. Create an action plan containing concrete steps that will help you get where you want to be. You don’t have to follow the exact steps outlined in your action plan, but you must know what you want to accomplish, and then set goals accordingly. Don’t stress out if you can’t accomplish everything on your list right away.
Your career is not a silo, and it can affect your lifestyle and work/life balance. Make sure you consider your options carefully and ask yourself hard questions. A successful career pivot requires a clear plan. It’s also critical to optimize your current schedule. Ask people in your network about what they’re doing, and consider volunteering or job shadowing opportunities that may allow you to get a feel for the field. Then, you’ll be better equipped to make the right decision.
The reason for a career change is many-faceted. Changing jobs can mean gaining more flexibility, a better pay grade, or both. Career change is not always easy, and it will take some time. But the benefits will outweigh the costs. A recent study reported that 39% of people who changed careers did it for the pay hike, although that increase varies greatly between professions. However, you must prepare yourself for this transition by learning new skills and applying for new positions. And then you must wait for responses.
While making a career change may be a rewarding opportunity, it takes careful planning and consideration. It can increase your job satisfaction and enjoyment level, but it’s not always as straightforward as you think. You may end up with a lower salary or even a lower-level position. Therefore, you should be realistic about your expectations before you make the transition. There are many reasons why you’d want to make a career change.
Risks
One study published on EdX found that 39% of respondents changed careers for increased salaries. While this is a valid reason for a career change, you must also be sure to transfer your experience and skills to the new workplace. It’s estimated that 32% of workers in their 25s and 40s consider changing their careers, and 29% have made the switch. You’ll be happier and earn more money when you make a career change.
If you’re feeling uninspired or unmotivated in your current job, it’s possible you need a break. Maybe you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself, and need to take time off. In addition, if you’re constantly stressed out, it’s a sign that you need a career change. It’s unlikely that you’re just unmotivated; you’re likely simply feeling stressed and unhappy.
Another reason why people avoid making a career change is fear of the unknown. Whether you’re too old to start anew or are just too busy, meeting people in your industry is essential. But be sure to be open and friendly, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. The fear of failure is a major deterrent. If you’re afraid to try something new, it’s best to take small steps at a time.
If you’re over 50, you’ve probably worked for many years and gained plenty of experience. While you may not have the qualifications to pursue a new career, you can still get the training and experience you need to succeed. Career change over 50 is made easier with a guidebook, which walks you through the process from start to finish. You’ll learn where to obtain additional training, and what types of jobs are best suited to you. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t define what constitutes a career change, the reality is that many people are still in the workforce and may have up to 15 or 30 years of working life left.