The prospect of leaving a long-term job to start a new career is certainly daunting, not to mention overwhelming. It’s very simple to stay in a position that is comfortable but uninteresting, or where you are well compensated but unlikely to advance. The hard part is committing to change.
There are plenty of reasons why you might be looking to change your career, and it is not always because you are necessarily unhappy in your job. Quite often refreshing your career appeals to you because you are ambitious, confident, and focused. So you may want to start a new profession as an apprentice, retrain and acquire new abilities, or discover a job that includes on-the-job training. However you want to do it, there are a few things to think about before making the transition.
5 Top Tips to Start a New Career
We’ve compiled a list of our top 5 recommendations for anyone starting a new career.
1. List your assets
It’s now or never to reflect upon your present situation and take stock of what you’ve accomplished so far. You should be extremely proud of all you’ve accomplished in your professional life, but you also need to be honest. Make a list of all your greatest assets and see whether they fit the profession you’d like to pursue.
2. Get advice
There are several potential sources of advice out there, so don’t be afraid to ask them. On a local level, you’ll find career advising services that provide specialised assistance to individuals of all ages. You should also seek out individuals and organisations from the sector you’re researching to learn whether this is a good fit for you.
It’s also possible that you’ve had a long-term ambition to work in a certain sector, but circumstances change. So speak to people and conduct your own research; read job ads, get assistance with applications, and most importantly, determine whether this is the profession for you.
3. Open your mind to new experiences
Taking the leap into a new career will involve lots of new experiences, so you need to mentally prepare yourself for this and make sure you are ready. You will have to update your CV for the first time in a few years, and hopefully, you will have your first interview too.
You might also want to undertake some vocational training to evaluate your skills and figure out what career is best for you. It can be like going back to school when you get a new job or a retraining opportunity. There will be excitement and nerves, but you must embrace it since learning to think in this way is an essential step in the process.
4. Redefine yourself
Starting afresh with new people and a new organisation is an opportunity to be more positive about yourself and promote yourself differently. First impressions are very important and now that you are out of your comfort zone, this could be a good time to polish your image. This can be as small as buying a smart item of clothing or getting an overdue haircut. This is all about presenting yourself in the best possible light and taking a confident step forward.
Redefining yourself can also come from within. If there’s something you’ve always struggled with such as confidence or public speaking, this might now be the time to address that. For some people, night classes or online programs can help target these struggles. A new career can be a great motivator for personal growth!
5. Establish what is important
Before you decide on the next step, you need to work out what your priorities are. Particularly, why you are leaving your current job. Is it the work itself that you dislike? Do you dislike any of the individuals there? Is your salary too low? Do you want to take on more responsibilities? Or do you simply wish to have more freedom? If so, you might want to consider working part-time, becoming self-employed or freelancing.
It’s important to ask yourself whether a new career will resolve your issues with your current job. You don’t want to go through the emotional stress of changing careers, only to make the wrong decision. Establishing what’s important to you will ensure that you’re on the right track!
We’re Ready When You Are
Are you ready to start a new career? Great! Refreshing a Career is here to help. Our site is packed with guidance and advice for anyone starting a new career. From homeless people and ex-offenders to new parents and older workers, Refreshing a Career is on hand to help career changers find their dream job. Just head over to our Support Hub.
Begin your job search now by exploring our specialist jobs board for all the latest opportunities in your area and throughout the UK.
Employers
We offer a range of services for employers of career changers. Our team of experts at Refreshing a Career can help you invest in your people while continuing to grow your business.
Here’s what we offer:
- Advice and support: Our website is packed with guides for employers, including advice on attracting career changers, building a diverse work environment, and more. Find the latest industry insights on our blog.
- Attract career change talent: Get in touch to advertise your roles on our dedicated career change job board.
- Find diverse talent: Our job advert inclusivity screening tests your ad against our “Inclusive Language Checklist” to remove potentially discriminatory language.
- Advertise your business: Our talented team of writers works with you to create a company profile that documents your efforts as a top employer of professionals who want to start a new career.
For more information, email us at info@refreshingacareer.com or give us a call at 0345 872 4501. We’d be more than happy to offer guidance on advertising career change jobs with us.
