As we near Brexit the market conditions look encouraging and there has never been a better time to consider changing positions. Currently there is a real appetite for growth by employers, particularly with the SME`s across the UK.
It is a well-known fact that the average person will change career five to seven times during their working life. Whether your career goals have shifted, your values have changed or you’re just ready to try something new, navigating a career change can be a daunting prospect. Understanding why you want to make the move is key, your drivers and ultimately what you are hoping to achieve long term.
The first thing to consider when planning a career change is why you want to make it and why now’s the best time to do it. “Timing is everything, because it takes commitment, energy, focus and dedication to make a successful move and you need to be 100% ready to commit yourself to this process.
Being bold is no bad thing, as is being unconventional – something that should always be celebrated– as it will invariably add something interesting to the mix.
Choose your prospective employers carefully and be guided by those contacts who will know more about the organisation and the culture that exists within those companies.
Real confidence in your ability and a compelling elevator pitch around what it is you want to do and how you can add value to that organisation is key. Sometimes a good cultural fit can take precedent over those with more experience.
Staying focused and being persistent is so important and allowing yourself time to research organisations you feel are culturally a good fit as well as making the right approaches will serve you well.
Whether you’re just beginning to think about changing career, or you’re already in the throes of looking for work in your new field working closely with your Career Partner is key and trusting and valuing their input. This is a useful exercise for the longer term which allows you to really push yourself outside of your comfort zone and reach for something that will only enhance your skill set and appeal to future employers.
So go ahead be brave and make the call, you have already planted the seed by considering your future and what you want next. Average searches and securing a role will take somewhere between two to four months, so preparation and making a start is key.
