What Else Can I Do With My Skills?
September 13, 2011 by Careerminds
Jennifer Fry
If you find yourself out of a job after 10, 15, even 20+ years in the same industry, at the same company, in the same position, you may be wondering where to go from here.
For many job seekers in this position, a helpful solution may be to start looking in places and at positions they may not have considered before. As an example, just because you’ve been working as a tax advisor for years, that doesn’t mean you can’t start a new career as financial consultant or auditor. That is to say, your skill set may qualify you for more jobs than you think!
Finding work in an entirely new field may require additional training or education, but there are plenty of career paths out there that utilize similar sets of skills and abilities and won’t require you to spend valuable time or money on classes or new degrees.
Psychology Today posted an article on career changes for those simply looking for a change, but the same advice can apply to job seekers who are on the hunt after separation from their employer.
1. Assess your previous job. Now is your chance to decide what you did or did not enjoy about your experience and use this information to help guide your search. Compiling a list of the good and the bad can act as a good jumping off point to steer you in the right direction.
2. Evaluate your skills. You’ve spent years in the working world building your marketable abilities, and now is the time to lay them all on the table. What are your best skills and traits? What made you a good candidate for the position(s) you held previously, and how might those qualities translate into something new? Career guides and aptitude tests may serve as helpful tools in deciding what skills and background can be transferred from one career to another. (Hint: Take this time to assess any possible weaknesses, as well, so that you are prepared to address them in future interviews, etc.)
3. Do your research. Make use of available career transitions materials; use social networking tools to connect with individuals in your desired career path; seek out professional groups relevant to the position/field; take advantage of possible tools available through your college/university’s alumni office; and familiarize yourself with companies and businesses in the industry—this can help you learn more about the field as well as lead you to possible job openings.
As with any course for a transition in careers, it is necessary to make a plan, but with the plethora of opportunities available to someone with experience and acquired skills, the possibilities for success become even greater.
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Careerminds provides scalable, strategic solutions to organizations seeking affordable, web-based outplacement services. Using a Web 2.0 e-learning platform that delivers affordable, online career transition services, Careerminds provides a high-tech and high-touch blend of on-demand career transition education supported by senior-level career consultants to help displaced workers reenter the workforce quickly.
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