Job hunting tips: Changing careers

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• Staying where you are
• Moving on
• Planning ahead

A career change may be a very positive experience. As time goes by, you may feel the need to move on for a range of reasons. It is not unusual for people to enjoy fulfilling work in several entirely different roles during their career. At the same time, it is increasingly rare for people to stick with the same job for their whole working life.

Staying where you are

When you fancy a change, the first place to look is exactly where you are right now. What can you do to improve your current job? You may be able to take on additional responsibilities or projects that push you to develop new skills or give you chance to use those you already have more often. This is especially true if you are underemployed and have more to offer than your employer has seen.

Taking on more

Research your ambitions so that you may talk to your line manager about them with confidence. Perhaps your organisation is developing a new product line or working with new customers that appeal to you.

Treat this situation like a job application and think about all the reasons why you might be given a new opportunity.

• What do you know about the plans?
• What needs to be done?
• How might you prove your ability to do the job?

Many employers have regular reviews for staff, which are the ideal opportunity to put yourself forward for new challenges, but you may make a proposal any time.

Training

Find out what kind of training is being offered that may help you extend your professional horizons. Large employers offer a range of in-house training topics, but you may also look at local colleges, distance learning providers and self-study routes to learn something new.

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Moving on

When you feel it is time for a change, you should think about exactly what you would like to be different. It may be that you want a change of scenery and a similar job with a different employer is all you need. More often, the itch for change comes when you need to do something more challenging and move upwards, not just sideways.

Positive change

It is essential to communicate positive reasons for moving in your application. Identify what you anticipate might be an improvement from your last job and focus on these points. Even if you are really unhappy, do not criticise your current employer when looking for a new one. Think about running towards a bright new future rather than running away from your past.

Finding the links

Employers need to see a link between what you have done in the past and what you hope to do in the future. The good news is virtually any experience or activity has connections with your new job.

Analyse the description of a new job and match up your skills, personal qualities, knowledge and strengths. This allows you to present the links clearly.

Handling redundancy

Sometimes changing your job is not just your decision. Redundancy is difficult, but may turn out to be the best thing that ever happens to you. Many doors may open at this time. You should be fully informed at all stages and supported by your employer.

Seek free advice on all employment rights issues from the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), or try your local Citizens Advice (CAB). If you are a member of a trade union, contact your representative for support and advice.

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Planning ahead

Moving to a new job is a significant change and deserves proper planning. If you are unhappy in your current role, it is especially important to look ahead and clarify what you want, so that you may avoid feeling the same way in a few months’ time. Think about these issues:

• What are the best elements of your current role?
• What is missing from your role?
• What do you need and want from your new job?
• Which of your skills and strengths do you want to use in your new job?
• Do you need training to secure the job you want?
• Do you need to relocate and, if so, how far?
• Do you have additional expenses?
• What are the disadvantages of changing jobs and are they balanced by the benefits?
• Who can help you to research your new job and what resources do you need?

When you can answer all these questions you will be in a great position to move on.

For more advice and tips on changing your career visit A Career Change.

	Written by higher education careers professionals	Date:  Spring 2008
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