How to Make a Career Change Profile

Lack of company security has resulted in a more mobile work force.

Career changes are becoming more and more common. It is not rare to talk with relatively young adults who have had more than one career change already, and are not averse to another, should the opportunity present itself. Restlessness and the desire to feel fulfilled in a career combine to drive increasing numbers to change careers. Such changes are made easier if you take the time to think through and write out a career change profile. Follow and apply a few guidelines to evaluate your career change profile.

Instructions

1. Think carefully about why you are considering a career change. Write down the advantages and disadvantages of your current career. Name three or more things you like most about your job you have now. Write down three or more things you dislike.

2. 

   Dislikes should be extreme and real before considering a career change.

   Weigh your likes and dislikes. Take your time and evaluate each. Determine if the dislikes are real or attitudinal on your part. Do not make your decision based on emotion and personality alone. Ask yourself about the likelihood that these dislikes will be a part of your new career choice.

3. Explore new careers. Try to align your search to your education and work experience accumulated to date. Look for similar careers first to eliminate the expense of more schooling and training. Deduct the expense for additional education from any salary increase expected in your new career choice.

4. 

   Skills inventories give you a snapshot of your marketability.

   Do a skills inventory. Name and write down the skill set you have developed in your current career. Think about every skill you are currently using, and make your list as long as possible without duplicating any skills.

5. Examine your list carefully and fully. This list represents all you have to navigate your next career and negotiate your best position within that field. Ask yourself, if you were the employer in that field, would you hire you, and why. Be prepared to give more than one reason. Consider your answer carefully, as this may give you better insight and judgment about your choice.

6. Evaluate your skills list from the crossover perspective. Try to determine which skills are transferable. Build your career change profile around these. If the majority of your present skills are not transferable, think long and hard before entering the career you are considering.

7. Research thoroughly the new career path you are contemplating. Pay special attention to any required degrees and all other specialized training. Study the required new skills and be honest with yourself about your abilities, learning curve and educational budget.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact people you may know in the particular field you are considering to gain additional perspective.

• Be on guard about having too many career changes in your resume.

References

• Search ResultsCareer change advice to help you change careers easily
• Career Tests Guide - Midlife Career Change Test and Advice
• Career Profiles | Career Search, Information, Descriptions & Education

Resources

• Career Change Resume | Updating Your Old Career Resume for ...