How to Navigate a Career Change with Confidence

Whether you’ve been in the same job for decades or you’re used to switching things up every few years, career changes can always bring challenges, both anticipated and unexpected. You know that you’ll be interacting with different people and perhaps a new industry or setting, but it’s often the unknowns that can be troubling. You could find yourself challenged to your core–your very identity, stability, and confidence at stake. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Technical Search Consultants knows a thing or two about helping to connect job seekers and employers, and in this article, we’ll share what we know about how to navigate a career change with confidence.

Steps To Streamline Career Change

Career change can be uncomfortable, but when you take care to be intentional about the process, you can mitigate or lessen some of the inevitable negatives.

1. Self-Assessment and Goal Setting: Instead of frantically searching for an identical position to what you're leaving behind, take time to truly evaluate where you are right now. Identify and understand your “why”–the interests, values, and strengths unique to you. These can help you to identify what you want from your next career. Identify your transferable skills–the skills and experiences you gained from past roles that you can apply to a new position. Knowing what you have to offer helps to build your confidence. Once you’re ready to move forward, be sure to set realistic goals for yourself while traveling along this journey from one career to another. Keep track of even small or manageable milestones, and celebrate your successes in order to build momentum and keep motivation high.

2. Research and Skill Development: Now that you know what sorts of work align with who you are and what you care about, it’s time to explore. Put in some time and effort into researching new career options and industries, such as engineering, manufacturing, or information technology, then invest in gaining new skills and experiences. Search out personal and professional development opportunities, whether in the form of online courses, industry events, volunteering, or freelancing. As you go, connect with other professionals who are established in your target industry, whether through available internews, conferences, or on professional social sites like LinkedIn. View every next step as an opportunity to learn and grow, preparing yourself for what’s next. This outlook will help you to gain the needed experience for your upcoming position in a new field.

3. Cultivating Confidence and Resilience: Confidence doesn’t come naturally to everyone; in fact, self-deprecation is the most common denominator when it comes to career transition. But that approach will only set you back and prevent forward momentum. Instead, learn to practice self-compassion and try to treat yourself as you would someone you love. Were your spouse, child or friend in the same situation, you’d likely try to help them remember that uncertainty and setbacks are normal parts of change, encouraging them to be kind to themselves. It’s time to follow your own advice! Instead of letting the fear of mistakes hold you back, set your sights on steady progress. When one goal is met, keep moving forward, focusing on the journey. Visualize success to make it a reality, and always reach out to loved ones or professionals if you need support, advice, encouragement, or a listening ear.

4. Strategic Planning and Action: You’ve done the hard work, and you know who you are, what you want, and what you have to offer. Now it’s time to chart a course to your next career goal. At the same time, be sure to stay flexible and adaptable, as opportunities can come from unexpected sources or directions, and you wouldn’t want to miss out. That way, you’ll be able to take advantage of unexpected circumstances that could lean in your favor. Take some concrete steps, like crafting your personal brand by identifying unique strengths and articulating key accomplishments in a compelling resume and LinkedIn profile. Position your experience as a career story, and craft a meaningful personal summary that you can share with others in your network.

All together, this hard work of self-discovery, assessment, goal setting, research, skill development, and planning has led you to the point of readiness for interviewing for new positions and embracing new opportunities. By keeping a positive outlook and attitude, and practicing self-care and patience, you will be in the best position possible to react effectively when a new chance presents itself. Instead of stagnating professionally or wallowing in self-pity and shame, you’ve worked hard to elevate yourself and develop your skills–it shows! You are the kind of person employers are looking for. Now you need a partner to help you get to the finish line!

Work With A Job Search Consultant

Changing careers, at any stage of life, can be a daunting endeavor. But you don’t have to go it alone! Technical Search Consultants is a staffing agency in Cleveland and Pittsburgh that specializes in helping job seekers and employers to find that just-right person or company they’re searching for. Working with agency search consultants enables your job search to widen, exposing you to new and varied opportunities across industries. Our dedicated team of seasoned professionals works hard to fulfill client staffing needs while simultaneously empowering candidates to secure the positions they desire and deserve. 

Beyond assisting candidates to find employment, we also work with you to continue your learning journey, focusing on assisting with career advancement and the achievement of professional aspirations. It is our mission to help job seekers connect with ideal employers in a future where individuals can realize their full professional potential. If this aligns with your goals, contact us today to learn more about our services, submit your resume, and get started on your employment journey.