There comes a point in a woman's life when she needs a
fresh start. Whether young or old, a new job can serve as a
breath of fresh air for a progressive self-starter ready for a
career change.
Managing a career transition isn't difficult if you have
the right tools and a proper support team.
If you hate your job, just received your layoff notice or
are thinking about changing careers, use these tips to
successfully manage the transition process.
Your motivation to change careers will carry you throughout the
journey from bad job to fab job. Start the career process by
writing a detailed list of the 5 reasons
why you want a new career.
Here's a sample list I created for
one of my career coaching clients who wanted to change careers.
·
More Income - I want make more money. My current salary
is $50,000 and I would like to earn a minimum of $75,000 per
year.
·
Culture Clash
- Wrong work environment for my personal
goals and personality. No room for advancement or skill
development. Dead end position at current company.
·
Management Change - I need a new boss. My current
boss and I do not work well together. We have frequent
personality clashes and poor communication.
·
Personal Reasons - Desire a closer commute to work.
Need more time to devote to my children and their activities.
·
Skill Development – Would like to learn a new skill
and get more training.
Determine your salary expectations
Setting a salary goal is a key factor when considering a
career
change. Determine first whether you require additional training
for a salary increase. Sometimes when you transfer to a new
employment sector -
from non-profit to profit or government to private - you'll
obtain a large jump in salary.
If a salary increase is not feasible, negotiate a signing bonus
or ask for additional perks; request more vacation days, a
signing bonus, job title change or flexible work hours to offset
your salary requirements.
Create a one page transition plan (Download
the free career change questions here)
Finding a new job is similar to starting a new business. Use
your motives list to write a one page transition plan for
yourself. Answer the following questions:
1) What is
your new job title? What are the specific functions?
2) How will
the new position address your five motives: Income,
Culture Clash, Management Change, Personal Reasons and Skill
Development
3) How much
money do you require per year?
4) What is
your specific industry?
5)
What type
of manager would you like to work for?
6) What
background experience, skills, and strengths do you
personally bring to this new position?
7)
What are your core
competencies? Why are you unique?
8)
What is
your competition? How many people in your industry have
similar skills and qualifications?
9) What is
the current salary range for the position?
10) How many
potential employers are you targeting?
11) What
barriers to entry do you face in entering this market with
your current skill set?
12) What
factors will give you competitive advantages or
disadvantages over other applicants?
13) How long
will it take for you to make the job transition?
14) How much
money, time and resources can you invest in this new career
change?
15) Do I need
a new resume, portfolio, blog or website to apply?
16) Who is
your support team? Do you have mentors, family or contacts
to aid your career change?
17) What is
your job search strategy: online, newspaper, word of mouth
or networking?
Mobilize your support team
Transferring from one job to another is virtually impossible
without emotional support. Positive encouragement from your
parents, mentor, best friend, trusted colleague or spouse is
critical. Having a trusted loved one in your corner will ease
any doubts and prepare you for negative responses and any
disappointment. The support team can also network on your behalf
for new positions.
Prepare for rejection
You might get the job of
your dreams within a few weeks. Some career changes take longer
than others. If you hear a lot of nos, don’t be discouraged. You
will make the transition. Read your plan every morning. Remind
yourself of your five motives. Be relentless and ignore the
negatives.
Aim High
You took the steps to write your one page transition plan,
prepare for a big salary, huge promotion, and executive
position. Worst career change scenario: you ask for
$75,000 a year and only receive $62,000 or $66,000. Not your
ideal salary, but it’s a big leap from $50,000. Best career
change scenario: you ask for $75,000 dollars a year, find a
great manager, have access to training and a short commute from
home!
Set a time limit.
Your dream transition needs a deadline
Determine when you will reach your goal. Will you need 5 months, 5
weeks, 5 years? Put a deadline on your career change. Expect for
your new job to materialize. Stay committed.
Ask yourself: Why Now?
Finding your dream job requires time and passion to get
positive results. Maximize your career change with these 7 tips.
No matter what position you ultimately choose, it should always
be a place where you can grow, meet your goals and remain happy. Before you get discouraged or afraid of the process, know
that too can emerge from the cramped cocoon of massive career
change like a beautiful butterfly.
Mechele Pellebon's career advice gives working women
the
know-how to turn failure into success, and the
encouragement to not spend another second in a job they
don't absolutely love. Follow
Mechele on
Twitter and join her network of friends on
Myspace and
Facebook.
