“Change is inevitable, growth is optional.” ~John C. Maxwell
The average person changes careers between five to seven times in their life. How much and how often your career path changes is uncertain. A question you might ask yourself as you consider a more significant change is, “Would it pay off to try something new or should I stick with what I know?” Let’s say you decide to take a leap of faith and follow your dreams of pursing a new career. How can you successfully make the change? How can you prove to potential employers that you can transition seamlessly into your new role? Here are a few things you can do to prepare.
Your story
It is critical to change your story when changing careers. You must adapt your experience to resonate with whom you are interviewing. Consider highlighting your best skills, expertise and qualifications for the interview. When discussing your qualifications, remember the same language you used in your previous career might not be used in your new career. Be sure to speak the language of the industry you are seeking to enter.
Transferable Skills
Before an interview, be sure to write down what you bring to the table; these skills are known as transferable skills. Your transferable skills most likely will not be the same ones you had for your previous career, but they have prepared you for your new career. Identify 3-5 skills you believe will make you successful in the new position. Then recall specific times that show your ability to take on new challenges and to successfully adapt to a change in your environment.
Have Confidence
Now that you have adjusted your story and written down transferable skills, the next step will require you to overcome negative thoughts. It is understandable that you have doubts and may feel you are completely unqualified for your career change, but you have been learning and doing new things your entire playing career. How many times did you learn new plays, adjust to playing with new teammates? Remember what drove you to this change and have confidence that you will be successful!
Seek Advice
Talking to others who have successfully changed careers can be helpful. If you are struggling to find someone to speak with, consider utilizing LinkedIn. Search for people in your new career who have experience in your current field. Once you find someone whom you would like to speak with, reach out and ask if they would be willing to chat. Connecting with someone who has changed careers like you will help you stay motivated along with learning how to be achieve success in your transition.
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