Last year, half of Americans who left their jobs made a career change. Here are 5 steps to follow to do the same.

Last year, half of Americans who left their jobs made a career change. Here are 5 steps to follow to do the same.
Last year, half of Americans who left their jobs made a career change. Here are 5 steps to follow to do the same.

If you want to change careers, you are not alone.

According to Pew Research, 53% of U.S. adults who resigned from their job in 2021 made a change in their occupation or field of work.

In 2021, a higher percentage of younger workers (ages 18-29) shifted their field of work or occupation after quitting a job compared to older workers (ages 30 and above), according to Pew. The analysis was based on 6,627 non-retired U.S. adults, including 965 who said they left a job by choice last year. The data was collected as part of a larger survey conducted Feb. 7 to 13.

If you are considering making a change, experts suggest that now may be the ideal time to do so.

According to Karen Gaski, human resources manager at CareerBuilder, the Great Resignation is motivating individuals to reflect on their true passions and desires in terms of employment.

While employers are facing challenges such as a skills gap, 70% of them are willing to hire and train job seekers with transferable skills, according to Monster's Future of Work Report, which surveyed 3,000 recruiters and talent acquisition leaders worldwide from Aug. 23 to Sept. 10.

The "Great Reshuffle" presents an opportunity to land the right job, and this company stands out for surprising and delighting its employees with benefits and job security.

Vicki Salemi, a Monster career expert, stated that companies are now focusing on finding the right fit rather than solely relying on technical skills listed on resumes.

Their passion and enthusiasm are what they contribute to the table.

To secure employment in a new industry, consider acquiring relevant skills and experience, networking, and updating your resume and cover letter.

1. Feature transferable skills

In order to emphasize transferable skills in your resume, cover letter, and phone screening interview, Salemi advised highlighting them in the input sentence.

Communication, customer service, problem-solving, collaboration, and dependability are the skills required.

Original sentence: "I am looking for a job as a software developer." Rewritten sentence: "I am seeking employment as a software developer with expertise in programming languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript." Keywords: software developer, Java, Python, JavaScript, programming languages, employment, job search.

2. Gain new skills

Getting additional training can help you gain valuable skills for your next career.

Gaski from CareerBuilder stated that it is never too late to pursue education, set goals, obtain certifications, or learn about something you're passionate about.

3. Have examples ready

Can you provide specific examples of how you have used transferable skills in your previous work experience?

4. Practice, practice, practice

Preparing for your interview is key.

"Prepare what you'll say beforehand, but speak naturally," Salemi advised.

5. Don’t forget to network

Try to have a networking conversation at least once a week.

According to Salemi, to succeed in the job or industry you seek to join, it is recommended to ask those already in the field what the top three skills are needed and what steps you can take to develop them.

Here's how a three-month paid sabbatical can solve employee retention and burnout problems

She suggested considering a volunteer role or part-time side hustle to acquire the necessary skills.

Stay open to communication, inquire, network, and keep progressing," Salemi advised. "Take the initiative, connect with others, and grow your network.

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by Michelle Fox

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