Although it’s no longer uncommon for people to want to switch industries, moving into an entirely new field is not always the easiest transition to make. It takes a lot of hard work, time and a high degree of openness, but there are ways you can make it simpler – in this article, we take a look at three of the best methods.
Think about your skills more abstractly
Although you may not have the specific skills in questions when you’re looking into a new industry, there’s a good chance that you have them on a broader level.
Skills like emotional intelligence, problem solving, work ethic and critical thinking are vital to a wide variety of industries, so making note of these were relevant can demonstrate why you’re a great fit for a new industry. it’s also a good idea to provide practical examples of how you’ve previously applied these skills in your existing industry and how the same processes can apply to a role in a desired new field.
How to make the change as fuss-free as possible
Learning is going to be one of your biggest helps during your transition, so reading online resources whenever you can will ensure you become as familiar with your new industry as quickly as possible – if you have the time, enrol in courses and volunteer where appropriate.
Part of this process also involves asking questions whenever possible. Whether it be online forums or experts you find, learning more will help you better understand if the new industry really is the right fit for you.
Prepare appropriately for the interview
Landing an interview for a dream job you’ve stumbled onto in your prospective industry can take a bit of work, but it isn’t impossible. If you’re scrambling before the interview, it’s always good to consider how skills that you already have complement the role while also addressing those that you might lack – if this is the case, really emphasise what you can bring to the table.
It’s also sometimes helpful to develop a story (real, of course) to demonstrate why you made the transition – passion can go a long way when it comes to applying for work, and can even make up for some skill deficits you might have.
