Thursday, February 19, 2009

Employers Typecast Workers Switching Professions


Making A Career Transition


One of the side effects of a down economy: difficulty in making a transition into a new career when you have done something for a long time, even when your background shows you have many talents and skills to offer.


From the Phoenix Business Journal:




Ted Tindall feels a lot like “Seinfeldactor Michael Richards and “Frasier
headliner Kelsey Grammer. Tindall, a civil engineer pursuing his MBA, is trying
to shift gears in his career: He wants to move into an executive-level job
outside the downtrodden world of construction and land development, but he’s
finding himself typecast.

read more digg story




Step 1: Assessment of Likes and Dislikes.

Step 2: Researching New Careers.

Step 3: Transferable Skills.

Step 4: Training and Education.

Step 5: Networking.

Step 6: Gaining Experience.

Step 7: Find a Mentor.

Step 8: Changing In or Out.

Step 9: Job-Hunting Basics.


If it's been a while since you've had to use your job-hunting tools and skills, now is the time for a refresher course. Consider spending some time with one or more of our tutorials. Key tools include:
guide to researching companies
resume resources
cover letter resources
interviewing resources
salary negotiation resources
Step 10: Be Flexible.


You'll need to be flexible about nearly everything - from your employment status to relocation and salary. Set positive goals for yourself, but expect setbacks and change - and don't let these things get you down. Besides totally new careers, you might also consider a lateral move that could serve as a springboard for a bigger career change. You might also consider starting your own business or consulting as other avenues.


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1 comment:

  1. Hi Michael

    I've done quite a bit of career coaching for MBA's changing careers (and countries).

    The worst thing to do is to "try to fit in". As you say, the frontline agents of employers will typecast you into what they know - and you aren't what they know. Qualifications are good, but lets face it, they are for entry level jobs and you neither want those nor will be considered for them - you know too much and you are too expensive.

    This is what you have to do. Make a short list of 10 companies that attract you so much that you would like to conquer them. Work out what quickens your pulse and why your leadership would make a difference there. Do you homework, find the right people to speak to (not front line staff) and go and bang on their doors. Don't arrive with a CV and a plaintive cry - employe me. Arrive with an idea that is so compelling that the people inside are asking you for a job!

    It will all work out from there!

    ReplyDelete

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