What’s the first step when changing careers? Is it going to a job website and submitting a bunch of applications? Is it adding the Open to Work banner on LinkedIn? Is it updating your resume to include your most recent position? When facing a task as daunting and overwhelming as changing careers, it can be difficult to determine what to do first.
Ultimately, the first step is to determine what your goals are. What do you want most out of your career? What aspects of your work are most important to you? How do you want your career to fit into your life? What are you trying to accomplish? Where do you think you would be happy?
Applying to a bunch of random job postings online could yield results, but it likely won’t, and it is usually not the best way to start. Trying to figure out what you want should be the first step. Do you want to work remotely, hybrid, or in person? Do you want recognition in the workplace and opportunities for advancement? Do you care about the impact your work has and are thus looking for a mission-driven career? Do you prefer a job where you get to interact with a lot of other people, or would you rather stick to yourself in a cubicle or at home? What do you want your days to look like? How long do you want your days to be? What level of compensation do you desire? What sort of benefits package do you want? What industry most appeals to you? What size company or organization is the best fit for you?
Stephen Covey said, “If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster.” You can’t start climbing the ladder to the right place until you figure out what that right place is. Once you determine what your goals are and what matters most to you, then you can start identifying target companies, connecting with people who have experience at those companies to learn more about their company culture, building out your network, updating your resume, and pursuing the right career path for you. Identifying where you are headed and what destination you desire is the first and most important step when changing careers.
If you need help identifying where you are headed and what you most want out of your career, then schedule a free coaching call with me at https://adamcamac.com/chat/. Good luck!
Schedule a call by going to https://adamcamac.com/chat/ in order to discuss your goals and to find out more about how I can help you. I look forward to meeting you and speaking with you soon!
