Quick Tips for a Career Change. 5 Things to do Before you Make the Switch

1.  Think Before You Leap.  Make sure you think long and hard before you make the leap especially if it is a career that requires a totally new skillset.  Also, keep in mind that many experienced professionals who leave their job for a new career often find they will initially make less money. 

2. Do Your Research.  The best source for career information in the US is the Occupational Handbook.  Outside of the US consult with a local librarian to get information specific to your country.  In addition, check to make sure that the numbers stack up.  Although guide books such as the Occupational Handbook are great the numbers may not always hold up, so do a search on monster.com or indeed.com for jobs you are interested in pursuing and see how many show up and at what salary range. 

3. Create a Career Profile.  After you research the career and it is a go now you need to take the next step and create a profile of the types of skills and experiences you need to succeed in that job.  The best way to do this is to go to your favorite job search engine like monster.com or indeed.com and find five to ten positions that you would likely apply and then read each with a particular focus on the type of skills, experiences and education/certifications employers are looking for in a candidate. 

4. Identify Skill or Experience Gap.  Once you know what employers want review your current skills and experience and see where there is a significant gap and close it.  This process will ensure you can get your foot in the door.

5. Network Before You Make the Change.  As the saying goes “it is all about who you know”.  Figure you who in your network might be able to connect you to the right people in order to get into a new career.  Also, find specific networking groups that are related to the career you want to get into and become active in them right away. 

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recruiterMikeC

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