Things to consider before trying out a career change

Are you thinking it might be time for something new? Most people undergo several career changes in their lifetime. In fact, it’s becoming more and more uncommon to find someone who’s been in the one job their whole career. So you can take solace in knowing you’re not alone in wanting a change!

Now, we don’t want to scare you off making this change. Many people experience a greater sense of happiness and fulfilment when they are in a fresh new role and inspiring new environment. But before you get started, there are a few things we recommend…

Career or job?

I’ve spoken about this difference before. A career is long term, so if you want a short-term change while you sort out other parts of your life, then you’re probably just after a job. Both are fine, and both require work, it’s just important to know which one you’re after!

There’s a simple trick to figuring this out. It’s not the only way to think about it, but it definitely does help.

Are you running AWAY from something?

• Bad boss
• Negative environment
• Sick of your daily tasks
• Bored

OR are you running TO something?

• More daily variety and excitement
• Better growth opportunities
• An interesting client base
• Opportunities to make a meaningful impact

If you really, strongly dislike your current job, you’re probably going to see any other position as “better.” This means you’re more likely to jump ship and end up in the exact same position again. You’ve found another ‘job’ even if you were meant to be looking for a career…

Get clear on WHY you want a change and WHAT you want this change to bring to your life.

Sort out your resume

If you’re looking for a similar role with a different company, you’re going to want to make sure you conduct thorough research before you start. Your new company wants to be sure that you will not only be able to transfer your skills across to a new environment, but that you will also be a great culture fit.

Alternatively, if you’re really going for a major shift in direction, your resume is absolutely KEY! And this is where KLCC can really give you that extra boost. Your career history will obviously show that you don’t have specific experience in this particular field. So the MOST important thing is that your skills and abilities really shine.

Usually, the biggest obstacle for people making the change is thinking that they do not have the right skill set for their new career. More often than not though, you will have highly transferrable skills which just need to be worded in the right way! We can help you with this and really increase your confidence in levels in getting out there and applying for your ideal roles.

Interview skills

I understand that interviews are pretty scary for most people. If you follow along on our Instagram, you may have seen our ‘tip of the week’ a few weeks back about interviews.

Here’s a bit of a run down…

If you want to be working in a role that you really LOVE, then interviews are going to be inevitable. But here’s 3 quick ways to make the whole experience way less scary…

1. Be prepared with some questions for the interviewer. There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of the interview and having nothing to say when they ask “So, do you have any questions for me?
2. Visualise. Imagine yourself already in the role. The emotions that come with this, the things you’d be doing day to day, the interactions you’ll have with your colleagues. This can often improve your confidence.
3. Do your research. This sounds like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people I’ve interviewed in my time who have no idea about the company. Doing your research shows you’re keen.

Along with our resume support, we also have some great packages which can help you not only with your interview skills, but also job search secrets and where to look for those ‘hidden jobs.’

If you haven’t had to interview in a while, you’re going to be nervous! Be prepared and be yourself as, after all, it’s as much an interview of the employer as it is of you.

Self

You cannot expect to find happiness in a job if you are not happy within yourself. There is always work to be done, whether you feel there is or not.

Investing time and energy into your self and your development is THE most important thing in anyone’s career journey. So many people overlook this crucial aspect, and it is often how they find themselves in other ‘jobs’ rather than in their ideal career role.

This is something we’re all really passionate about here at KLCC. If you’re looking to read more on this topic, here are some of the other related pieces I’ve written lately…

• Handling life’s pressures
• How to find resilience while job searching
• Finding your purpose
• The importance of having a routine
• Managing mental health during a job search

The key thing to remember is that working on your career comes with simultaneous work and effort on improving yourself. Many people don’t make this connection, and this is how so many job seekers end up in just another “job.”

How can KLCC help when considering a career change?

When you book in for a free chat, we begin to dig deep right away.

We get to know why you are looking for a change and what exactly you’re hoping to gain from this.

Our method has had so much success with so many clients. We are so grateful every day – for the wonderful people we have the pleasure of helping, and for the amazing result they continue to see.

If you’re considering a career change, KLCC is not only experienced in helping you gain clarity… but we’re also really passionate about what we do here.