Looking for a new job is difficult enough at the best of times, and if you’re wanting to change career, then it can be even more daunting. Yet taking the plunge and the associated risks of starting a dream job can make a great difference to your day to day work life balance. We look in more detail at the reasons behind a change in job and the things to think about before embarking on a totally new career path.
There are a number of different reasons which could lead you to a decision to switch careers. Losing a job, whether pre- or post-pandemic, is always a time to reflect and weigh up your options. As long as you’ve given it careful thought and your finances allow for it, starting a new career can often be the catalyst needed for job satisfaction and a whole new mindset. Many people will have thought about changing jobs at some point in their career so far – now you’ve been presented with that golden opportunity to make it happen, grasp it!
But before spending money on a course or qualification, you need to be really sure that it’s the right career path for you. There will be other jobs out there where you will be able to use your transferable skills, which could turn into a lasting career. Aviation is just one such example of a sector that needs skilled labour as a result of the easing of restrictions. “We’ve seen job numbers for aviation really take off ahead of the traffic light travel system being implemented and we’re expecting this trend to continue for the immediate future,” says Salman Iftekhar, Director and Co-Founder of Staffing Match.
The opportunities are certainly increasing as the UK economy is starting to bounce back from the devastation of 2020. So if you’re thinking about a career change, start with detailed research and take those small steps to making it happen. Look at where there is the demand for staff now and consider which may be perfect for your career change.
And when you’re making a decision, consider speaking to someone who works in the industry to get an insider’s insight into the work? When applying for roles that are outside your usual remit, make sure you’re setting yourself up for the best possible success. Is your CV up to date and tailored to the job in question? Have you got your cover letter ready? What about your personal brand online? You have to dedicate time to your job search – there are no shortcuts to success.
Whether you’re in a job and looking to move, or you’ve been displaced due to circumstances beyond your control, the same approach to finding a new opportunity is needed. This means being proactive, talking to people and connecting with relevant professionals on social media platforms such as LinkedIn. You might want to get in touch with a specialist recruiter dealing with the types of roles you’re interested in. It’s also important to focus on submitting quality applications rather than adopting a scattergun approach. This is also a test of how much you really want the job – the effort will pay off and those interviews will come quickly if you’re apply in the right places.
Make the best use of your time as well. If you do find yourself out of work for a period of time, think about upskilling. Are there any courses you could be doing that will help you get a job? Remember that employers will always ask about any gaps in work history, so make sure you occupy your time with part-time work or training. A stint volunteering can be beneficial too. The main thing is to keep busy and positive. You’ll be surprised how many people you know in your social circle who want to help.
As economic activity continues to rally, especially in the manufacturing sector, there are lots of excellent temporary and permanent opportunities in areas such as aviation, food production and warehousing for those looking for work or wanting to change career. With a bit of effort and dedication, you could be landing a new job and career quicker than you thought.
Best of luck with the job hunting – here are a few final pointers from us: