Do you feel stuck or unfulfilled in your current career? Or are you looking for an exciting new challenge? The idea of switching to a new industry can seem daunting, but it’s entirely possible with the right strategies.
If you’re ready for a fresh challenge and a more fulfilling role, keep reading to learn how to make your transition successful. We’ll cover how to clarify your goals, identify transferable skills, tailor your resume, and build a network in your target field.
Determine Your “WHY” For Wanting to Change Industries
Before you start researching new industries, you should first figure out exactly WHY you want to make a change. For example, do you feel passionate about a certain industry and want to move in that direction? Or, have you spent years working in the same industry and are looking for a new challenge or a more flexible role?
Once you can clearly articulate why you’re transitioning, you’ll be better prepared for interviews and networking opportunities. You’ll also be able to write a stronger resume because you’ll be able to connect your past work experience with your desire to move into a new field. More than that, when your desire to change industries is strong enough, it will motivate you to do the research and network with the right people.
Additionally, don’t start the transition process until you can confidently say that you will succeed because if you go into it thinking it might not work out, it probably won’t! Switching industries is a lot of work, and your mindset needs to be in a good place. It’s important to always go back to your “WHY,” because, at the end of the day, you’re probably making this change because you want to feel more fulfilled in your work life.
Research the Challenges and Nuances of the New Industry
Once you’ve determined “WHY” you want to make a change, you can then start researching potential new industries. It’s important to research the challenges and nuances of a new industry before you make a switch, even if it’s something you’re passionate about.
You might think that you want to switch to a particular industry because of what you’ve seen on social media or because you’ve heard about the earning potential. But you might not be aware of some of the challenges you could face.
If you’re serious about changing industries, you need to learn as much as you can about the industry, including:
- What are the current challenges and opportunities?
- Who are the key players and industry leaders?
- What are some of the biggest differences between this and your current industry?
- What is the work culture typically like in this sector?
In addition to the above, you should also explore current news and developments so that you’re up to speed on the biggest issues and opportunities facing the industry. This research will help you determine whether your skills are a good fit for the industry too, and whether you’d actually enjoy working in that field.
Identify and Leverage Your Transferable Skills
One of the biggest challenges of switching industries is figuring out how your skills and experience will translate to a new field. Many executives underestimate their own skills and have a tendency to undervalue their daily work tasks.
If you take the time to really think about your everyday tasks, you might be surprised to discover that you already have many of the skills you need to succeed in a new industry.
These are called “transferable skills”, and they are any skills you’ve gained from previous work experience that you can apply to a new role or industry. Common transferable skills that employers look for include teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Here are a few things to think about when you’re identifying your transferable skills:
- Review job descriptions for roles that you’re interested in, and make a list of the skills that are mentioned most often.
- Think about your past work experiences, and identify times when you excelled. Then, consider how those abilities could be applied in a new context.
- Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. For example, if you’ve managed a team of people, you likely have strong leadership and communication skills that would be valuable in a variety of roles.
Update Your Resume
Now that you’ve identified your transferable skills, it’s time to revamp your resume. Your resume is your first impression, so make it count!
It needs to clearly show potential employers that you’re ready and capable of excelling in your new industry, even if your experience isn’t directly aligned. Focus on how your skills and accomplishments can benefit their company, and tailor your resume to each specific company and role.
Here’s some tips on how to update your resume:
- Start with a strong objective statement: This statement should be concise and tailored to each job you apply for. It should clearly communicate your career goals and how your skills and experience make you a great fit for the role.
- Emphasize your transferable skills: Don’t bury them in lengthy descriptions! Instead, create a dedicated “Skills” section where you can prominently list all your transferable skills using keywords from the job descriptions you’re targeting.
- Showcase your experience: For each role on your resume, highlight accomplishments demonstrating how your skills and experiences can be applied to this new industry.
- Quantify your achievements whenever possible: Instead of simply saying you “improved efficiency,” state that you “improved efficiency by 15%”. Use numbers and percentages to showcase the impact you made in your previous roles. This makes your accomplishments more tangible and demonstrates your ability to deliver results.
- Include any additional training or certifications you’ve completed: This shows your commitment to professional development and your willingness to invest in your future.
- Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your career change: Your LinkedIn profile is often the first place recruiters and hiring managers go to learn about you. Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your transferable skills and new career direction.
Remember, your resume should tell the story of your professional journey and how it led you to this new industry. Make it compelling, easy to read, and focused on the value you bring to the table.
Network and build relationships in the new industry
Networking is one of the most important things you can do when you’re trying to break into a new industry. You never know when you might meet someone who can help you land your dream job, so it’s important to be ready to talk about your career goals and transferable skills with anyone you meet.
Here are a few ways to network and build relationships in your target industry:
- Reach out to your existing network: Talk to your friends, family, former colleagues, and classmates to see if they know anyone who works in the industry you’re interested in. You might be surprised by who you’re connected to!
- Attend industry conferences and trade shows: These events are a great way to learn about the latest trends, meet potential employers, and network with other professionals.
- Connect with people on LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking, and it’s a great way to find people who work in your target industry. Join relevant LinkedIn groups, participate in discussions, and reach out to people who you admire.
- Go on informational interviews: Reach out to people who work in roles that you’re interested in and ask them for an informational interview. This is a great way to learn more about the industry, get advice, and make a connection.
Networking is about building relationships, not just collecting business cards. The more people you connect with, the more opportunities you’ll have to learn about the industry and find your dream job.
Consider Working With an Executive Search Firm
Changing careers can feel daunting, especially at the executive level. But with the right support and guidance, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience!
If you’re serious about making a successful transition into a new industry, partnering with an executive search firm like Insight Recruitment could be the key to unlocking your full potential.
If you’d like to find out more about how we can assist you in your career change, contact us here or feel free to send me a message.
