Changing your career path is entirely within your right. Maybe one day you woke up and decided you wanted something different, or maybe you’ve been feeling this way for months and finally want to take the plunge. If you know you’re ready to change careers, and you know you’ve got the right tools and skills in your back pocket, you’ll need to manage this decision very carefully. As such, we’ve listed some points below to help with that – let’s make this one of the best things you’ve ever done!
Write Out Your Main Goals
You need to know why you’re leaving your current career to search for a new one, and that means writing down your goals. What do you want to do next? What DON’T you want to do? What new experiences do you want to have? Whatever it means to you to switch careers, you need to know the general direction in which you’re going.
Examine Your Budget
You’re not going to be able to stay out of work forever, so you need to decide now if you can afford to leave your job before securing another one or not. If you can, what kind of budget will see you through for the next 3 to 6 months? And in an emergency, will you be able to cover your expenses for at least a year or slightly longer? Go through your budget sheet right now and consider the way it’ll change; it’ll help you feel more prepared for finding the best new job for you.
Apply to More Than One Offer
Having more than one interview in the near future might sound a little overwhelming, but it’s best to keep your options open and apply as much as possible. Not only does this give you a better chance to find the right position for you, but it also helps you to see what’s out there and who will really deserve your time and energy as an employee. For example, if you’re looking for jobs in food production, apply to multiple postings you see on the search page. You can even set up a template to make the application process quicker, especially if you have to write a cover letter too!
Get Good at Spotting Interview Red Flags
Finally, make sure you’re treated right in the interview room! If you’ve applied to more than one job and been accepted, the quality of the interview will determine which offer you take. So learn how to spot a red flag. For example, it’s a huge red flag if the interviewer is cagey and doesn’t quite respond to you – being treated like this should instantly turn you away. And make note of the atmosphere as well; how do you feel being in this building? Go with your gut here!
If you want to change your career, be sure to take things as slow as you can. This kind of decision isn’t light, even when it’s the right one!
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