7 Pointers For Job Aspirants To Keep In Mind During Career Change
Career changes can happen for a myriad of reasons and, at times, more than once. When they do happen, an aspirant must be strategically prepared. Knowing what one wants to transition to and about opportunities open for the same is essential. A job aspirant contemplating a career change should start by evaluating what they would like to do in the future and whether or not it will make them happy in the long term.
Here are some job search tips that can help you with career change decisions, irrespective of whether you are shifting within the same industry or seeking a new profile altogether.
Identifying career goals
Before embarking on a job hunt, it is crucial to jot down your goals and narrow your search. Looking for a random new job is a timely process and will not benefit your career in the long run.
Instead, it is advisable to take time and ask yourself what you’re looking for, what your dream job is, and what steps you would need to take to get there so that you can find what exactly you want.
Devoting time to job hunt
Looking for a job can be time-consuming as one must actively dedicate time to the search. Set goals to apply to 10-20 job openings every week, or set some time apart in your daily schedule to hunt for jobs that match your profile. If you have a dream company in mind, sign up for their career emails to remain aware of any new opportunities that may open up.
Networking every day
It is pertinent to note that certain positions often get filled up internally and are less likely to be posted online. Many enterprises prefer to recruit candidates who come through referrals from a trusted source. That makes networking one of the most efficient ways of finding a job. Make networking an integral part of your day to build new connections and strengthen pre-existing ones.
Optimizing LinkedIn profile
Besides expediting professional networking, LinkedIn is an ideal platform for finding job opportunities. It is essential to view your LinkedIn account not only as a professional social media profile but also as a resume. Since recruiters are most likely to reach out to you on this platform, ensure that you frequently optimize your LinkedIn profile with a professional profile photo, the correct headline, summary, and updated education qualifications, work experiences, and skills.
Expanding search to multiple job search portals
There are many job search portals out there, and singling out the best one may be a tough choice. Some popular job-search websites for aspirants include Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Job.com, Monster, and others. Niche-based job search portals include Hired, Internships, Behance, Public Relations Society, ProBlogger, Workew, WeWorkRemotely, and others. Based on your professional qualifications and expectations, creating a profile and looking for jobs on more than one portal may be wise.
Updating resume regularly
Even the most sophisticated and well-thought-out resume cannot be the right fit for every job. Since requirements vary according to positions, it may be more fruitful to consider modifying keywords, switching around critical points, or providing some details with more importance over others. It is important to remember that your resume is a changeable document that can be adjusted based on the specifications of the job you are applying to.
Try online and offline sources
Even though social media has changed the job search landscape by heaps and bounds, it is important to remember that it is not the only way to look for new jobs. Widen your horizons by attending job fairs, reaching out to hiring managers, or using a career counseling service.
While the process may seem intimidating at times, it is essential to keep your spirits soaring. You can monitor your progress by creating a sheet to track your milestones so that you can celebrate all your accomplishments as you make your way to a new job!