The new year is kicking off with high employment rates, meaning professionals and workers at all levels have more opportunity. Pursuing a new career can change not only your financial health but also your happiness. Maximize your efforts by creating a path for success using our simple tips!
What It Takes
First, you need to be patient. On average, a new job search could take as long as three months. If you are unemployed, the average length of unemployment is over five and a half months.
Finding a new job is a time-consuming process. If you are currently employed, you’ll need to be prepared to devote a lot of your free time towards seeking out a new job, while unemployed people should treat their job search as their full-time job to shorten the gap of unemployment.
Where to Start
Although most people seek out new roles to make more money, there are a number of reasons you may want to make a transition. More money doesn’t necessarily equate to more happiness, so it’s important to seek out jobs that fit your goals. If you are looking to increase your responsibilities and maximize career growth, you’ll be on a different path than someone who wants less workplace stress or a more convenient work/life balance.
Create a plan that matches your priorities and goals and stick to it. Once you know what you are looking for, and how it differs from your current role, you can create a checklist for roles that fit your long-term needs.
Creating a Path
Now that you know what you are looking for, you need to show potential employers why you are a great candidate. While looking for jobs, you need to be both interested in the positions and qualified to fill them. Find ways to correlate your experience with the job descriptions, skills, and competencies requested.
You should be at least 70% qualified before applying to any job. Make a plan to develop more skills and experience if you don’t currently have what you need. Showing the drive to acquire the skills you lack is a great sign to potential employers.
Customize your resume as well as your online profiles to reflect qualifications that match the jobs you are applying for. Make ongoing changes based on feedback from mentors in the field you hope to access or based on a lack of success in your search.
Remember to practice patience, review your plan often, and be persistent.
