You may have had a mediocre or even a great career up until now, but something in you feels like you may want to do something different. Or it could be that you have had an awful work experience and made bad choices, and you want to get out, but feel a bit stuck.

Why a career change now?

We first need to consider why we want to have this career change. What from your current job is missing? Have you checked that it isn’t the actual job, as it could just be your current employer? Therefore, it could be a simple matter of changing employer. But if it is because you are sure that you should be doing something else, what is that something else? Look at your job and see the skills that are not currently being used.

What jobs are out there for you?

Once we are clear about what is missing and what we want more of – then we can start to think about the new jobs that would have these. Some brainstorming and research can help you to think about what would match the qualities that you are after. Looking at job adverts and person specifications can help with this. What jobs tend to have the skills and qualities that you already have? What industries do they tend to be in? This can give you some indication of the jobs that you may want to go for in future.

Try before you buy?

But before you take the step, see if there are ways that you can try before you apply. Can you volunteer or do part-time work in the industry? Can you find someone already doing the job and ask to shadow or interview about the job? Are there videos or information that tell you what the job would require in terms of skills and commitment? Are there particular skills that you don’t have that you may need to acquire before making that step? There may be a similar role in the industry that you are in, and if so, do they offer a secondment or even look into job openings there. Anything that you can do to try out the new role, or at a minimum find out more information about what the job would require.

Have you got all the skills?

So you have found a job that you feel you want to pursue, and you have found out as much as you can about it. Next step – let’s take a look at the job specification. You are looking for the qualifications commonly asked for. Then you can see about obtaining these first. This would give you more probability of getting the job interview and then the job if you match as much of the skills required before you apply.

If going back into education is not an option for you – then be creative. Were there any voluntary work or other skills to obtain that closely match the requirements. Could you do more of this? Or could you research the skills required, so you know exactly what professional development is required? That way, you could then tell employers you are willing to do the training to obtain those skills. Do all you can to get close to the job and person specifications needed for the new job role. But you don’t necessarily require ALL the skills, you just need to show that the skills required are all within your reach.

Time for a rebrand

So now you are sure about the profession and job you want to pursue, it’s time to rebrand yourself. In all your job applications, your CV and the job interviews showcase this new brand. Show the interest is high for the new profession and only mention prior job roles if it is needed as an example of skills. There can be nothing worse than someone in their job interview constantly talking about their last organisation. It leaves people questioning why are you leaving this employer if that’s all you want to talk about. Your focus now is that you are here to become a new employee, in the new employers’ organisation of which you have heard great things about. You will tell them you have the skills required and you know how to do the job.

Treat the search like your job

And this has to be something you action on a daily basis. In fact, looking for a job should now be your new job. Continuously looking at adverts, continuously applying for those that match, show up for all interviews on time. Consistency is the key here. And if you are new to the application process, have someone look over your job applications and CV’s as they are very important too. You want to make sure you get the interview. And practice interviews with a friend if you feel this may be your weakness.

Ready to go!

So you can consider now going for that career change, which matches the qualities that you want to have in a job. After researching, finding and even trying out as much as you can about the new role, before making the move. You can then start to put into action finding and matching the jobs that are most suitable for you, and making an active pursuit of making a change to the career that you really want