10 steps to a successful career change

Are you considering the next move in your career? If so, you’re probably starting to think about how to go about ensuring that you experience a successful career change.

People change careers for a number of reasons. For example, you might want to switch careers to make more money, pursue a passion or interest, or reduce the overall stress in your life. Others might choose to change careers for more flexible work hours or because their work values and goals have changed.

Regardless of why you’re changing careers, it takes thoughtful consideration and planning to ensure success. You want to ensure you’re clear on why you’re making a change and the options available to you for success, so you choose a new career path that’s the right fit for you.

Why professionals change careers

Changing careers is a personal decision, and only you can decide if it’s best for you. Recent research conducted by Joblist showed that the following are the top reasons people changed careers:

• Long hours – 20%
• Boredom – 22%
• No longer passionate about the field – 23%
• Wanted a new challenge – 25%
• Better work-life balance – 37%
• Too stressful – 39%
• Better pay – 47%

Positive benefits of changing careers

For those that changed careers, positive benefits were:

• Less stressed – 65%
• More fulfilled – 69%
• More satisfied – 75%
• Happier – 77%

These satisfaction results continued to increase based on the time elapsed since making the career change. Also, those who earned more money consistently ranked being happier, more satisfied, and more fulfilled than those who earned less after a career change. On average, those who switched careers for increased pay earned $10,812 more per year compared to their previous job.

Steps to a successful career change

Now that you know the benefits of making a career change and you’re still considering it, it’s time to take action. Below are 10 steps to a successful career change.

1. Clarify your reasons

At the onset of considering a career change, it’s wise to sit down and assess why you might like to make a change to ensure it’s for the right reasons.

Are you unhappy with the work? Do you want more pay? Are you frustrated with your manager or the company? For emotionally driven reasons, such as frustration with a manager or the company, are you really looking for a career change, or could a different work environment with a similar job work?

You’ll only be able to answer such questions by giving yourself space and being honest with yourself.

2. Evaluate your current job situation

Once you’ve clarified why you might want to make a career change, assess your current job situation. Are there things you can address so that you’re more satisfied and willing to stay? If you like the organization, is there the possibility of moving into a different type of job that better aligns with your values, goals, and interests?

It’s also a good idea to keep a record of your day-to-day thoughts and feelings about your work to determine if there are common themes that you need to avoid if you do choose to change careers.

3. Assess your skills, values, and interests

What jobs and opportunities have you enjoyed most, and why? Those qualities should align with the career you choose to pursue. Also, what are your current skills that you like to put to use? There are free career aptitude tests and assessments to help you align your skills with the right work environment.

4. Research alternative career options

Consider and research career options that align with your skills, values, and interests. A career coach or career counselor can support you in identifying the right career path for you.

5. Research available jobs

Once you have an idea of career path options that might work for you, it’s time to research available jobs in that arena. Make a list of the organizations and positions that might be of interest while also identifying where you might have gaps for entry into that field.

6. Network

Begin reaching out to individuals in the fields you’ve identified to request informational interviews to gather as much information as you can. Consider both personal and professional connections and build a personal profile and network.

7. Seek short-term opportunities

Identify freelance, internship, and volunteer opportunities that will allow you to try the possible new career path on for size. If you’re considering a copywriting career, seek out low-level freelance writing or editing gigs. If you’d like to work with horses, consider volunteering at a local stable.

8. Shadow professionals

A great way to determine if you might be interested in a particular career path is to seek out opportunities to shadow professionals. This gives you the opportunity to spend time with a professional in a field of interest and gain some experience without making a commitment.

9. Increase your skill set

Look for opportunities to improve your skills that will support your chances of making a successful career change. There are several options available that don’t require you to spend a lot of money or to go back to college, including free and low-fee online courses or seeking opportunities to expand your skill set in your current position.

10. Consider job options in your current industry

If you like the industry you’re working in, then consider a career change within the same industry. You’ll already have the knowledge of the industry on your side to support your career change.

Develop a career change cover letter and resume

Once you’re ready to make a career change and begin applying for jobs, the next step is to craft a career change cover letter and resume. Both should highlight your aspirations, and your resume should feature as many transferrable hard and soft skills as possible. Use plenty of well-represented success verbs for relevant positions that align with the new career path. Your accomplishments should be highlighted with plenty of quantifiable data as well.

If a career change is the right move for you, go for it! Use these tips to land your new job and achieve success for the long term.