How to Apply for a Job in a Different Occupation
Close to 18 percent of American workers planned to change jobs, according to the survey "2009 Job Forecast" by careerbuilder.com. Furthermore, 7 percent planned to enter into an entirely different career. Job satisfaction was based primarily upon pay, advancement opportunities, company culture and work schedule flexibility. Leaving another field to enter a new one is a risky bet. Finding a way to transition smoothly requires careful planning and skill.
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Instructions
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Plan a careful and gradual change. Career changes work best if you can transition slowly into a new occupation. Going from one field to another should build upon the skills, talents and experience you already have. Simply following your passions and expecting the financial rewards to magically materialize is a dangerous mistake, according to career coach and author Marty Nemko in kiplinger.com's article, "Do What You Love and Starve."
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Identify jobs that will give you satisfaction. There are multiple assessment tools available as you thoroughly assess your ambitions, aptitudes and the job market itself. Career centers at local community colleges and universities are helpful sources for researching and mapping career pathways. Most job market data can be found online through the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau websites. Keep in mind the information on these sites are derived from the prior labor market. Even though these agencies try their best to reflect current conditions, all job projections reflect past trends.
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Think twice before going back to school. Increasing your level of education and credentials only makes sense if you are able to obtain a job you feel satisfied with; future employers approve of the type of training you received; and the occupation you end with up lasts long enough to pay for the cost of your education, according to Marylandcareers.org's article "Changing Occupations: What Works, What Doesn't." The authors further recommend you consider acquiring volunteer or apprenticeship experience before investing in any expensive training program.
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Make networking a priority. This has become standard advice for good reason. Job seekers' success in a new area largely hinges upon social skills. From friends, acquaintances and colleagues you can learn of the latest: tips, pointers, warnings, leads, resources, advice, job openings, industry news, as well as support to prepare you for interviews, resume writing and salary negotiations. Find at least one group or organization focused on the specific occupation you want to enter. Join a professional networking website such as LinkedIn.
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Look locally. Search for opportunities within your own company whenever possible. Your employer already knows you and your talents. Pitching a series of lateral transfers to him might be the smartest play you can make. On the same vein, applying for jobs within your own community can keep you and your talent within your own community. This is particularly effective if you can show employers concrete examples of how you be an asset to their bottom line. Nick Corcodilos of asktheheadhunter.com explains that "wherever you are working, your job will be a profit center and your future will depend on whether you run it like a healthy business."
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Tips & Warnings
Read and follow advice from different sources. There are many career coaches who promote their own approach. Don't assume what works for one person will work for you. Try them all out and keep trying.
