This document provides guidance on transitioning to a new career. It advises the reader to reflect on their past experience and skills, research potential new fields and companies, and network to make the transition. When applying, it suggests focusing cover letters on transferable skills, how you will add value, and demonstrating passion for the new career. Resumes should also emphasize transferable skills and related experience from previous roles. Overall, the document encourages adapting to changing job markets and views career changes as a normal part of one's working life.
2. Putting things into perspective…
• Where did you come from?
• Where are you going?
• Plan!
3. Where did you come from?
• Job titles
• Skills
• Achievements
4. Where are you going?
• Related positions/fields
• Transferrable skills
• Dreams & Goals
• Sometimes this is the hardest part
5. Career Plan
• Do some research
• Careers
– www.Iseek.org
– www.Careerinfonet.com
• Companies
– Websites
– LinkedIn
6. Bridging the Gap
• Know your Personal Brand
• Network
– Thought Leader
– Add value
– Innovator
– Be adaptive
7. Cover Letters for Career Change
• Will be different than what you have
done in the past
• Cover Letters
– Honesty
– Transferrable Skills
– Add Value
– Passion and Commitment
8. Cover Letter
• Honesty
– Don’t try to disguise their work
experience or pretend that it is more
relevant than it is
– Focus on the positive aspects of your
career change
• After six years in ad design, I’m thrilled to
bring my skills and knowledge directly to the
customer as a salesperson.
9. Cover Letters
• Transferrable Skills
– Bread and butter of a career change
– Be sure to talk about skills the employer
values, not just the ones you value
– Which ones should you focus on?
• Position description
10. Cover Letters
• Add Value
– Don’t waste too much time explaining
why you want to change careers
– Instead, show how you bring value to
your potential employer
• Why would hiring you be good for them ?
– Your unique background
– Bring something fresh to the team
11. Cover Letters
• Passion and Commitment
– Show your passion!
– They want to be sure you are serious
about the new profession, not just flighty
and undecided
• They are going to wonder about your
stability/longevity
– Have a strong, clear reason why you
want to enter this new career – and why
you will be dedicated to it
• Get personal (appropriately)… show your
passion!
12. Resumes
• The focus will change
• Try a different format
• Sell transferrable skills
• Highlight related experience
13. Keep in mind…
• Stats show that people will change
their careers 7-10 times in their lives
– More opportunities now
– Change happens FAST
– Jobs are being created as well as
eliminated