4 steps to a successful career change

August 25, 2023 3:03 PM

Making a career change is rarely easy, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.

Remote work search engine Flexjobs surveyed over 2,600 workers on their current career trajectories and found that 58% are actively trying to make a career change, while another 25% already made a career change this year. Half of respondents voted remote work opportunities as the number one reason behind seeking new career paths, closely followed by higher pay and better work-life balance.

In other words, job seekers who want to make a career pivot are not alone, and these numbers may only increase as more employers ask employees to return to the office, notes Toni Frana, lead career expert at Flexjobs.

"Since a lot of employees had the opportunity to work remotely in 2020 and beyond, they found there is a way to get more flexibility and balance and free up some time they may have spent commuting," she says. "Employees realized this structure is something that is key to not only their professional fulfillment, but personal fulfillment too."

But a career switch will still come with its challenges, regardless of the reasons fueling it. Frana advises workers to be methodical and patient if they want to join the job hunt. Here are four steps workers should take if they want to make a successful career change.

Determine if this is the right time

Frana first asks workers to consider whether they are satisfied with their current job, and if not, reflect on why they may be frustrated or apathetic. This will help workers begin to take note of what they need from their next employer. From there, employees should start taking an inventory of their current skill set and experience, explains Frana. This will inform workers if they're ready to make a switch, or if they need time to learn or network outside their comfort zone.

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"If you don't enjoy what you're doing, then what is around your skill set that you could leverage in another job?" she says. "What have you felt drawn to? Really spend time sitting with these questions and determine if this is the right time for you."

Do your homework

Once job seekers identify the transferable skills between their current position and a new one, they may discover a number of gaps in their resume that make the switch too challenging right away. If that's the case, job seekers need time to upskill themselves, whether it's through freelancing, volunteer work, pursuing a certificate or even expanding responsibilities at work, says Frana. Of course, networking doesn't hurt.

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"Even if you're not applying to jobs, look at different job postings and determine what skills would be beneficial for you to reskill or upskill to make yourself a more competitive applicant," she says. "Talk to people in your current network who might be able to connect you to somebody in your desired field. Make connections and build your brand."

On the job hunt

Frana advises job seekers to look at entry-level positions within their preferred field, like customer service, sales and administrative roles. While it may not be a dream job, it can get their foot in the door.

"Take a 'bridge job' — a job that helps you get where you want to go," says Frana. "It isn't necessarily set up to be a step forward in your career, but part of a broader strategy as you're working to figure out your next move."

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Whether you're interviewing for a bridge job or dream job, Frana encourages job seekers to have an answer as to why they're making a change now. It's vital job seekers are ready to convince employers why this is the right move for them in their careers.

Stay motivated

While easier said than done, Frana underlines the importance of being patient while applying. Getting any new job can prove to be a months-long process, even if the worker doesn't necessarily need to beef up their skill set.

"Have a plan laid out, identify where you want to go and what skills you'll need," says Frana. "It will take some discipline, but stay motivated."