Looking to make a switch? We’ve got the best tips for making the pivot.
What To Include On Your Resume:
- Detailed job history including dates of employment and at least 4-5 bullet points per job explaining your role
- Summary of your key skills (tailored to the specific role you are applying for)
- Professional summary at the top and/or cover letter
- Completed educational degrees, certifications, and trainings
10 Ways To Make Every Career Move Matter
We don’t believe in missteps! Every work experience equals opportunities for growing and reflecting. These 10 prompts will help you make meaning of your previous position—and propel you further towards your career goals.
1. Start A “Job Thoughts” Journal.
Write down how you feel about your current job, and note any patterns. Be mindful of what you like about your work and which aspects can take a hike. Do the dislikes connect to the type of work you’re doing? Your coworkers?
Company culture in general?
2. Reflect Some More.
Think on where you’ve shined in the past—positions, projects, and even volunteer work. Does your present role align with your best skills, top values, and areas of interest? If not, it’s time to enter the wide world of online resources. A lot of which are free!
3.Stay Open Minded.
Research alternative job possibilities. Have family, friends, and your network share where they think your main values and skills would fit and thrive. If the struggle’s feeling too real, reach out to a career counselor for more direction.
4.Compare, And Contrast.
Pour a strong cup of coffee, and open your laptop. Do some surface-level evaluating of different job fields. Bookmark areas you’ll want to revisit more thoroughly later.
5.Reach Out.
Dive deeper into your “bookmarked fields” research. Then, contact your personal connections within those fields for informational interviews. Tap your college alumni career network, and use LinkedIn to form (and follow up on) more connections.
6.Become Someone’s Shadow.
Following a professional during their typical day allows you to get a direct feel for the work. But without the pressure! Contact your college’s career office to get matched with alumni volunteers in your areas of interest.
7.Put Your Interest To The Test.
Locate volunteer or freelance opportunities within your goal field. If you’re thinking of entering education, start a book club or offer to teach youth classes at your community center. Want to work with animals? Donate your time to a nearby zoo or shelter.
8.Keep On Educating Yourself.
Track down educational outlets to close the gap between your background and your desired industry. Sign up for an in-person or online class or seminar. Ask around your network for recommendations.
9.Level Up Your Skill Set.
Find ways to grow fresh skills in your present role that would benefit your desired career pivot. Interested in moving into marketing? See if you can help organize and promote company events. Take advantage of any training your workplace provides too.
10. Look Within (Yourself And Your Current Industry).
There might be an ideal position for you hiding in plain sight. In other words, consider sidestepping into a different role within the same field! Your industry background will make the transition easier.
