How to change careers after a layoff
7 helpful questions and suggestions
After getting laid off, you realize you want to try a new career. But how do you start down this new path? Here are some questions and suggestions that will help you get on your way to your new career.
Take some time to clear your head
Too often people, who are laid off, start big changes in their lives immediately. To tell the truth, you are still in shock from the news that your company doesn't want you anymore. Take the time to come to terms with this. Talk to family, friends, old co-workers and anyone else who will listen. This will help you realize if you truly want a change or not. Its possible that you are just glad to be away from your old job, and a position at a new company doing the same thing is really your ideal job. Take the time, and get the perspective you need to make life-changing decisions.
How much do you know about your new career choice?
Often people hear about a job they think would be a good match, and immediately go off down that path. Jumping to conclusions like that is a good way to find yourself in a career you don't want to be in. Remember, this is where you will be spending at least 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for years of your life- it's worth investing some research into it before you get started. The best way to find out about a type of job is to talk to someone doing that job already. But if you can't do that the next best thing is to get a stack of job postings for that job and make a list of the points they have in common. That list will tell you what you can expect that job to be like. Chances are if every job posting is asking for a college diploma, you will need it every day on this job.
What is different between your old and new career choices?
Now that you know what's involved with this new career, you can compare it to your old job. If it's a perfect match, then no worries all you need to do is go out and apply for the jobs. This is not likely the case. Most people will have some things on the list that match, and others that don't. You need to highlight the ones that are new in your new job choice.
Make a plan on how to address these missing job requirements
While this may sound difficult or painful, it's quite easy. Take each point in turn, and figure out ways you can meet that requirement. There is always more than one way to qualify for a job. If you need a business degree and only have an engineering degree, ask at colleges to find what credit you will get for your first degree. Most colleges will be able to shorten the time to your new degree this way, sometimes by a year or more! If you need particular experience you can gain that experience in a number of ways - direct experience in that job (this is not an option for you), experience in a similar job, a co-op or intern position usually through a college, or volunteering. All of these provide you with experience that is valid.
Take your first step to completing your plan
Look at your list of ways to gain the qualities required for your new career. Pick one that you can do easily, and start it today. If it is to be published, join Helium and start writing for Marketplace articles. If it's to lead a team of 5 people, volunteer with a sports team or with a local charity. No matter which item you choose, get started today! Too often people put this off because it's too hard, or they don't know where to start. But you have a list of what you need to accomplish and a plan of how to get there, so you have nothing stopping you.
Don't forget to update your resume
Your resume is a great way to keep track of how close you are to your goal. As you gain a new skill or experience, add it to your resume. Then you can compare it to your original list of what the job postings for your new career are asking for. When you are close or it's a perfect match that's your queue to go out and start applying for positions. If you have problems wording your resume around this career change, use the cover letter to highlight your abilities and qualifications.
By this point you have come from not knowing which way to start, to having the job of your choice. Don't be fooled - there is going to be hard work along the way. But in the end it will be worth it to have the job of your choice, and to be able to say I want to be here and got here myself!