What It Means To RIFProof(SM) Your Career -- by Rob Sullivan (GJ90)
To many people, the prospect of changing careers seems much more difficult than staying in the same or similar field. But that isn’t necessarily true. If your heart is pulling you in a different direction, it would be a lot harder in the long run to stay put and ignore the call. It will also have a lasting, negative impact on your happiness.
Once you commit to making the move, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, whether you are moving on in the same industry or changing careers, the challenge is ultimately the same. You have to get the hiring manager to look at you and think:
1. I completely understand why you are pursuing this position.
2. It’s the next logical step in your professional development.
3. I am not taking a risk by hiring you.
For this to happen, your passion must be evident. In other words, you have to tell your story in such a compelling way that your enthusiasm becomes contagious. One of the best ways to do this is to trace your passion so people understand how you became interested and what you have done to prepare. The latter is particularly important because what you learned on your own is almost always more impressive than the subjects you were required to study.
The marketing aspect of changing careers can be challenging because it requires a shift in thinking and strategy. When most job hunters get ready to make a change, they start working on their résumés. For career changers, a résumé will be of limited use unless they do a MUCH better than average job of making the connection between what they have done and what they want to do. This rarely happens because, by definition, career changers have little if anything in their employment history to support the move to a different job in a different industry. For these reasons, a strategic, well-written cover letter that tells your story and explains your interest is likely to be a far more valuable tool.
As you go about your search, be aware that contacting headhunters and human resource professionals will be a complete waste of time. By profession, these people tend to be risk-averse. Their idea of the perfect candidate is someone who did the same job for their company’s biggest competitor. Instead, focus your energy on hiring managers and others who may be more open-minded.
It is also important to focus on possibilities rather than challenges. The biggest obstacles for career changers are self-imposed limiting beliefs. Don’t tell yourself the job search will take longer because you are changing careers. And don’t tell yourself you will make less money. The mind is the most powerful tool of all. Our minds are wired to seek evidence that supports our beliefs. If you believe it will take longer and you will make less money, that’s what the Universe will deliver to your doorstep. Instead, use your creative power to find the people who will be genuinely excited to make space on their team for someone with your passion and energy. They are out there. Now go find them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rob Sullivan (GJ90) is a corporate trainer, inspirational speaker, and professional development coach whose passion is helping people recognize, leverage and communicate the gold in their backgrounds. Rob has been a repeat guest on television and radio stations across the country including NBC, ABC, and WGN. He was also featured in The Wall Street Journal and as a guest expert on Starting Over, a Emmy-winning reality show that airs nationally on NBC. He is the author of Getting Your Foot in the Door When You Don’t Have a Leg to Stand On (McGraw-Hill) as well as numerous eBooks on professional development and the job search process. He is also featured in The Career Elevator, a video series for job hunters. His new eBook is RIFProofing(SM) Your Career: How to Protect and Keep Your Job in Any Economy.
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Posted May 4, 2009.
