“Changing Careers in a Changing World”
An article appeared in the Belfast Telegraph’s Job Finder stating the results of a UK survey of 1400 organisations. One of its findings was that more firms are planning to recruit workers in 2003 than in 2002, with sales and engineering staff most in demand. Locally 57% of Ulster organisations surveyed are planning to recruit to grow.
But the survey also highlighted a skill shortage with sales topping the list followed by technical/engineering and accounting in third place. This is resulting in some commentators beginning to wonder if this is the beginning of the end of the slump, at least in some parts of the employment market?
This shortage is made even worse because many employers when trying to recruit staff have failed to appoint because the candidates are from a different industry. They claim that theirs is unique and they therefore need someone from within the industry or at least from a related industry. Anyone outside of it is considered unsuitable. However can we really blame prospective employers, as this is the safe option for them?
This attitude is in most cases wrong. But it is up to those of you who are looking for a career move to change this by convincing prospective employers that your skills and experience are transferable.
It is amazing how little time is spent by those people who are wanting, or who are having to move jobs on identifying what their transferable skills are. They think that all they have to do is to cobble together a CV, taking maybe less than an hour to complete. Believe me it could take you up to 10 hours, or even longer, to do this if you really are serious in your quest to change jobs, particularly to another industry.
Frequently the reaction of those who have gone through the process of up to 8/10 hours have been amazed at the skills and experiences that they remembered. It changed their thinking of what they had to offer prospective employers and gave them confidence when going for that interview for a job in another industry.
There are a number of key considerations to keep in mind when contemplating a career change. The process may take time but it will be worth it. They are:
1. Plan for a longer job search. Changing industries requires research and this requires time. Assess your financial situation and make realistic decisions. This could even mean that you may have to consider an interim position or part-time work to bridge to your new career. But don’t be side tracked by short-term issues. Plan it out when you are young as it gets increasingly difficult to do as you get older.
2. Stay grounded in reality and don’t rely only on ads and search firms. Successful career change is based on setting realistic goals and making an honest assessment of your skills, then matching those against the current market situation and conditions. With the exception of entry-level positions, companies tend to run ads to recruit prospects with specific experience. This is also true of search firms, who are paid to find highly experienced talent that matches the job description exactly. So look at the ads but do not neglect your own research as well.
3. Network, network, network. Networking is the key to any successful job search, especially in the case of a career change. The most effective way to transfer skills to a new field or new career is by using your contacts. Companies are more willing to take risks on people who are referred to them by individuals who can account for the candidates' abilities and potential.
4. Learn the language. Every field has its own culture and language. Having assessed your skills set, align it with industry needs and then translate your skills into language that resonates within that industry. This is a powerful way to demonstrate your knowledge of that industry as well as your understanding of how to apply your skills to it. It will also impress the interviewer.
5. Learn the business. Professionals today are expected to have an understanding of their industry – current issues and challenges faced. Read every article you can find on the industry, so that you can leverage your skills in offering solutions to industry challenges and demonstrate the value you would add to an organisation.
Making an industry or career change is not impossible, but it will increase your job search time and the amount of research you have to do to be successful. Before you make any firm decisions, consider the positives and negatives carefully and seek advice from knowledgeable friends and colleagues, so that you can be sure you are willing to make the commitment necessary for success.
2003 may well see the changes identified in the survey but it may not happen in the early part of the year. But if and when it does it will put demands on recruiters to find the staff with the appropriate skills and experience. This is a good opportunity if you want to make that career move but you will have to drive the change process. Here again are those 10 words: “If it is to be it is up to me”
Key Consulting 2 Belmont Office Park Belmont Road Belfast BT4 2AW T: 028 9076 9900 F: 028 9076 9971 E: mail@keyconsulting.co.uk www.keyconsulting.co.uk