10 Steps for Making a Successful Career Change

Making a career change is not an easy decision to make. While changing careers, jobseekers are reminded of various issues that may include things from both the professional and personal front. Usually, a career change entails the investment of time and money. For getting success, candidates need to make a well informed decision for career change. If seeking a career change makes you confused, here are some of the most important steps that you can follow to become successful. Have a look. #1. Make Sure You Need a Career Change The very first step that you need to follow is to decide whether you actually want a change in career. You need to think whether finding a new job alone can change things. Therefore, even before you start to think about making a career change, make sure it is a career change that you are actually looking for. #2. Make an Assessment of Yourself The next important step for career change seekers is to assess themselves. To make a well informed decision and become successful, you need to assess your values, talents, skills and aptitude. For your help, there are various free and paid career assessment tests available online. These career tests are aimed at assessing your actual talents, skills, strengths and weaknesses. When you are completely aware of your skills and talents, you will be able to make a well informed decision that works in your favor. #3. Prepare a List of Occupations to Explore After you have made a self assessment, it is next time to prepare a list of occupations you want to explore. Initially, this list can be a longer one comprising of multiple occupations. A good idea would be to complete a couple of career assessment tests. Now, you need to circle the occupations that are common in the multiple results of the career tests you have taken. Try to bring down the longer list of occupations to five to ten. #4. Explore the Occupations You Have Short-listed The next important step in the process of making a career change is to dig out the essential career information about all the occupations that you have short-listed. Review important information like the job description, educational qualification required, employment opportunities, job outlook and salary among others. #5. Narrow Down the Occupation List Further After you have completed the required research, you need to focus only on those careers that match your skills and educational qualification. You may not want to step into a career that requires you to complete an advanced degree. Continue narrowing this list even more, depending on your individual career changing requirements. #6. Conduct Informational Interviewing One of the most important steps or tips to follow while changing careers is to conduct informational interviews. An informational interview helps you dig out in-depth information about a career you have finally selected to pursue. Identify professionals who are in the same industry and collect firsthand knowledge about the chosen career. #7. Set Up Career Goals After you have decided which career would suit you best, you need to create a career plan to find a job in that industry. Before preparing that plan, it is recommended to set up your career goals and get ready to obtain them. #8. Create an Action Plan When you are clear about your career goals, it will be easy for you to create an action plan to pursue those goals. Prepare the plan in written. Divide the career goals in short term and long term goals. In any case, keep reviewing your action plan from time to time to ensure you are headed in the right direction. #9. Get Trained for the New Career Making a career change means you are heading towards a new career. Train yourself as required. You may need to take some additional courses or training to become successful with the new career. Go back to school and learn the required skills accordingly. #10. Say Adieu to Your Current Career Many candidates make a career change decision after a job loss. However, if you are currently doing a job, you may need to say good bye to the current career to pursue the new career you have selected to pursue. Consider all the options carefully.