Making a successful career change in Ireland requires researching the job market, identifying transferable skills, upskilling, networking, and being open to new opportunities.
People make career changes for many reasons, such as seeking a more fulfilling career, better work-life balance, career growth, or higher salary. According to a LinkedIn survey, 45% of working professionals reported making a career change, with the top reasons being a more fulfilling career (55%), better work-life balance (34%), and increased salary (30%).
Successful career changes are crucial because they can lead to greater job satisfaction, improved work-life balance, increased financial stability, and personal growth. A successful career change can help individuals find a career that aligns better with their values, interests, and skills, leading to a more fulfilling and rewarding professional life.
Career Change Self-Assessment
Assessing your strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values is an essential step in making a successful career change. Self-assessment is a critical part of this process, and there are several assessment tests and resources available to help you do so.
To assess your strengths, consider the skills and knowledge you possess that make you stand out. Weaknesses should also be identified, as these can provide areas for improvement or indicate which roles may not be the best fit. Interests and values should also be considered, as they will help you identify what is important to you and what you enjoy doing.
Another thing to consider when doing a self assessment are transferable skills from your old career. Transferable skills are those that can be applied across different roles and industries, and they are important to identify when making a career change. Examples include communication, problem-solving, attention to detail and leadership skills. You can find transferable skills by examining your past work experience, education, and personal interests.
To identify potential careers that align with your strengths and values, research industries and job roles that match your skill set and interests. Consider reaching out to professionals in those fields for informational interviews or job shadowing opportunities. Career assessments and personality tests can also be useful tools in identifying suitable career paths. Additionally, it may be helpful to pursue education or training to acquire new skills and qualifications for the desired career path.
Remember that making a successful career change takes time and effort. Use all available resources and seek guidance from career coaches or mentors if needed. With proper self-assessment, identification of transferable skills, and exploration of potential careers, you can make a successful career change that aligns with your strengths and values.
Steps In Making A Successful Career Change
Whether you're looking for more fulfilment or a higher salary, changing careers can be a rewarding experience. Here we will discuss the steps you can take to successfully transition into a new career.
Research Industries
Researching potential careers, industries, and companies involves gathering information from a variety of sources, such as job search websites, industry publications, company websites, and professional networking platforms. It is important to consider factors such as job outlook, salary, work-life balance, company culture, and job requirements to make informed decisions about career paths.
The first step is researching industries that align with your interests and values. Look into the day-to-day tasks, required skills, and potential career paths within each industry.
Getting Educated And Certified
Once you've identified potential careers, it's important to assess your skills and qualifications to determine any gaps that need to be filled. Consider taking courses, certifications, or even a degree program to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
On our programmes page, you can explore a wide range of courses that can help you reskill and pivot to a new career.
Remember, a successful career change takes time, effort, and dedication, but it can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding career. So, take the first step and start exploring your options today!
Building Your Network
Building a strong network is crucial for career growth and success. To start, individuals can reach out to people in their industry through professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Joining industry-specific organisations and attending networking events can also provide valuable opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.
Using social media to engage with industry professionals and staying active in relevant online communities can also help expand one's network. Always remember to maintain professional and respectful communication and be open to new connections and opportunities.
Gaining Experience
Gaining experience is essential when starting a new career. Opportunities such as volunteering, interning, and freelancing can provide valuable hands-on experience. Building a portfolio of work can showcase skills and expertise to potential employers and can help land future opportunities. Networking, joining professional organisations, and attending industry events can also lead to new experiences and opportunities for growth. Keep an open mind and seek out opportunities to learn and develop skills in your field.
Job Search and Applications
Once you have identified potential careers, it's time to start preparing your job application materials. To write a CV and cover letter tailored to your new career, review job postings and identify the specific skills and qualifications required. Highlight your relevant experience, education, and skills in a clear and concise way on your tailored CV.
When writing your cover letter, address it to the hiring manager by name, and explain why you are interested in the position and how your experience aligns with the job requirements. Use job search engines and career websites to find job opportunities in your new field. Don't forget to set up job alerts to receive notifications when new job postings are added. Remember, a tailored CV, matching the job description can make all the difference in standing out to potential employers.
Interview Preparation
Preparing for a job interview is essential to increase the chances of getting hired. Conducting research on the company and industry and practising responses to typical interview questions are critical steps. You can also improve your interview skills by practising out loud with family or friends. To respond effectively to behavioural interview questions, consider using the STAR method, which helps provide specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experiences. This stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
Get Started On Your Career Change
In this blog, we have discussed the steps in making a successful career change. We started with researching industries, followed by getting educated and certified, building your network, gaining experience, job search and applications, CV and interview preparation.
Each step is crucial in making your career change a success. Making a career change is a big decision, and it requires time, effort, and commitment. However, the rewards can be life changing. Pursuing a career aligned with your strengths and values can lead to greater job satisfaction, increased earning potential, and a more fulfilling life.
For more information and resources, check out our other blogs on Career Change. We offer a range of programs and courses to support you in your career change journey.
So take the first step today, and start making your dream career a reality!
Get in touch with us and discuss your options.