One of the most challenging and satisfying changes you can make in your work life is transitioning to a new field at the midpoint of your career. I made 3 major career transitions (logistics to not-for-profit management to technical management consulting) prior to seeking my mid-career change about 10 years ago. But after years in technical consulting, it took me a while to figure out how to land a job in a new consulting specialty. Here are the 5 secrets I learned that helped me leap into that new field mid-career.
Secret #1: Maintain Focus
It's ok to research several fields of interest at the same time, at least initially. Just ensure you set out a list of decision making criteria before you start. After your initial research is over [set a time limit for yourself], review each field against your criteria and then commit to focusing on one career option. It's focus that will help you naturally sell yourself when you network.
Secret #2: Look for Something Familiar
A career transition is easier if you can change careers within the same industry or similar types of organizations. I was a consultant in a large global consulting firm. So, my networking didn't result in job offers when I talked to small firms. The small firms wanted and needed someone with a readymade book of business in their specialty. It was only when I met with large global consulting firms that my message gained traction. I could talk their language and speak directly to their issues so they could clearly see the payoff of hiring me.
Secret #3: Use Networking Not Your Resume
It's networking that will get you into your new career, not applying online. And, it's very important to avoid giving networking contacts your resume before they are serious about hiring you. That way you lessen the impact of being defined by your past career. In my case, I gave my resume to the hiring partner after he asked for it a several times. I kept telling him I was working on it.
Secret #4: Talk About Core Issues
The key to successfully selling yourself into a new career is identifying the organization's core issue. For my own mid-career transition, I focused on how I could help them make money by emphasizing my track-record in "getting and keeping clients". To find the core issue, think of ways you've used your expertise to help companies make or save money.
Secret #5: Leave the Details Out
When I described my skills and accomplishments, I stayed away from including specific details that reinforced my past business experience as a technical consultant. I talked about my clients and the projects I led in a broad context. Do the same in your resume.
I used these 5 secrets successfully several times since launching into that new consulting field. They really work. Use them to help you pave the way to launching your new career.
And, if you need help to figuring out how to make your mid-career change, give me a call. I provide free 20-minute consultations to help you sort through the issues, get focused and be inspired to move forward to land the job you really want.