The Watercooler

5 Steps To Make Better Professional Decisions During a Career Pivot

Higher pay. More flexibility. Greater potential for advancement. Better work-life balance.

Does your current role offer all of that? If not, it’s a great time to consider changing employers – or even pivoting your career.

But as with all changes, it’s best to look before you leap. The pandemic has transformed industries (some for the better, some for the worse), has given rise to completely new types of jobs, and is now one of the major forces driving a hot job market.

The bottom line? If you are strategic about making a career change, you have an unprecedented opportunity to get what you really want. Here’s how to make intelligent, professional decisions if you’re considering pivoting your career:

1. Know your “why.”

Instead of merely running away from a job you’ve outgrown or don’t enjoy, consider what you want to run toward. Before you start applying to jobs, ask yourself these questions:

    • Why do I want to make a change?
    • What matters most to me?
    • Why do I think a new career will make my life better?

2. Choose a promising path.

Do your research to find out what career fields are on the rise, which may be sinking ships. For example, this Forbes article explains how and why careers in healthcare, supply chain, finance, and IT are a good choice right now. The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides valuable data on the outlook for various occupations. Discovering which industries and job functions offer the brightest future will help you decide the right path forward for your career.

3. Understand what you bring to the table.

When you change careers, you need to “connect the dots” for a potential employer and explain why you’d make a great hire, even if you’re entering a new field. You can’t make that case unless you:

    • Know your transferable job skills – and how they would apply to your target career. In this post, “Job Skills that Transfer to Different Industries,” we share the top job skills that will serve you well in any position or industry.
    • Have chosen a field that leverages your natural strengths. The better your new career “fits” who you are – your personality, passions, and innate talents – the better suited you’ll be to make the leap.

4. Know what it will take to close the gap.

The high demand for workers in certain industries means employers are willing to train new employees in their skills to be successful. Still, you may need certifications, classes, or licenses to be considered for employment in a new field. If you’re pivoting careers, be sure to consider what’s required to make the change.

5. Interview the employer.

Anytime you change jobs, it’s important to understand the company, the industry, the role, and the potential for advancement. When you’re changing careers, it’s even more critical. As you interview for jobs, prepare a list of questions to help you decide if the opportunity is right for you. Here are a few to get you started:

    • What skills and qualities do high performers in this role have?
    • How will success be measured?
    • What’s the typical career path for an individual hired into this role?
    • What is the employer’s position in the marketplace? What are their competitive advantages?

Considering changing careers? 

Start with PrideStaff. Our recruiters can help you:

  • inventory your transferable job skills
  • discuss fields of work that might be a good fit
  • explore new jobs and industries through temporary work

Contact the PrideStaff office in your area to get started.