5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Career Change

There are numerous reasons why people choose to change careers. Some come to realize they don’t enjoy the career path they’ve chosen. Others might not mind their current type of work but would prefer to pursue something they’re more passionate about doing. For others, a career change might be forced upon them due to a job loss, a change in the direction of an industry, or something like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regardless of why you might be making a career change, you’re probably wondering how to do it — and how not to do it. Continue reading to learn five of the top mistakes to avoid when making a career change.

1.  Not Conducting an Honest Self-Assessment

Career change advice experts suggest performing an honest self-assessment to know if a career change is the right decision. Are you willing to put in the effort required to make the career change? Are you willing to learn new skills and competencies when needed? Do you understand why you need a career change? The answers to these types of questions will determine whether or not a career change is right for you.

2.  Not Updating Your Supporting Materials

Anytime you’re considering changing jobs, you need to update your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. This is especially important when changing careers. Your resume should highlight your potential for success in a new career, which means highlighting transferable skills and any volunteer work or coursework that align with your goal. Your LinkedIn profile should reflect your resume, and your cover letter should be tailored to each position you apply to while also highlighting why you’re making a career change.

3.  Not Being Realistic About the Change Process

Making a career change isn’t for everyone. When making a career change, you often have to start at the bottom and work your way up the ladder. For those seeking more senior-level positions, landing a job can take anywhere from six months to a year. And for non-senior positions, finding a position can still take two to three months or longer.

Making a career change is doable and is typically best for those who are certain they need a career change. Just keep in mind that patience is required. With some time and effort on your part, you’ll be successful in your search.

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4.  Confusing a Career Change With Changing Jobs

Changing a job means you’re looking for a job that’s similar to the role you currently have or have held in the past. As with changing careers, changing jobs takes effort. The strategy, however, is different.

Changing careers means that you are considering a significant shift in roles and responsibilities, changing industries, or exploring a brand new line of work. Unless you’re doing a total flip-flop, such as going from a marketing specialist to a dentist, many of your skills will be transferable and support you in landing a job. For example, a marketing manager will typically have transferable skills if the new career involves sales or HR work. Transferable skills might include leadership, people skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

5. Trying to Go It Alone

Learning the ropes on how to change careers successfully takes time. Working with a career advisor or coach can make a world of difference. A career coach is a cheerleader in your corner, guiding you through the ups and downs of the job search process. From helping you conduct a thorough self-assessment to updating your resume to coaching you on career change cover letters and interviews, a career coach will do everything possible to help you land the job of your dreams.

Now you know some of the top mistakes to avoid when changing careers. Follow the above career change advice to better navigate the career change process. With patience, tenacity, and perseverance, you’ll find success in no time.

Ready to make a change? Browse our directory of 57 industry-focused talent communities to get started.