Charting a New Course: Advice for Career Changers

Transcription

1 Charting a New Course: Advice for Career Changers Prepared by Charlie Anderson Associate Vice President, Human Resources canderson6@babson.edu Effie Parpos Director, MBA Alumni Relations eparpos@babson.edu March 24, 2010

2 Agenda Welcome & Introductions Strategies for a Successful Career Change Transferable Skills Interviewing Managing Your Network Managing Your Career Change

3 To Change or Not to Change Jobs/Careers That is the Question Job loss Inability to secure employment after extended search Desire for upward mobility Loss of interest in job Career stagnation (e.g. desire to try something new) Desire to follow a dream Dissatisfaction with current job (e.g. company, boss, responsibilities, etc.) Desire for more $ Relocation (e.g. high demand career in another location) Fluctuations in the economy

4 Do s & Don ts of Making a Career Change Do s Do have a well-developed game plan. Do consider honing your skills (e.g. certificate program). Do build your network. Do be flexible. Don ts Do not rush into a new career field because you are dissatisfied or disillusioned with your current job, boss, company, or career field. Do not limit yourself to similar careers or jobs when making a career change; look for careers that take advantage of your transferable skills. Do go to something, not from something; a.k.a. may be right career, but wrong people!

5 Strategies for a Successful Career Change Step 1: Conduct an in-depth assessment Step 2: Conduct research Step 3: Strategically market yourself

6 Strategies for a Successful Career Change Step 1: Conduct an in-depth self assessment Ask yourself several questions: Why are you looking to make a career change? Is this the right time? What skills are required? What skills do you have? What is your passion? Still confused? Try a career assessment tool (MBTI, Career Leader, Skillscan, Strong) Be sure to consider Your financial situation Your personal situation (e.g. family responsibilities)

7 Strategies for a Successful Career Change Step 2: Conduct research Become familiar with the industry Know the industry powerhouses (e.g. key companies) Fortune 500 list Hoovers Factiva Interview people & network Review your little black book (e.g. your professional and social contacts) Conduct informational interviews Babson Research Databases Academic Search - EBSCOhost ABI/Inform - ProQuest CSA Business & Company Resource Center - Infotrac Business Source - EBSCOhost CQ Electronic Library CQ Researcher Directory of Venture Capital & Private Equity Firms Entrepreneurship Database - ProQuest Environmental Resource Handbook Factiva Global Road Warrior ReferenceUSA Small Business Resource Center - Infotrac Vault

8 Strategies for a Successful Career Change Step 3: Strategically market yourself Resume Emphasize accomplishments that are transferable Use industry buzz words Cover Letter & Interview Articulate how your skills are transferable using specific examples Effectively communicate why you seek a career change Training & Education Gain Experience Part-time job Temp job Volunteer work

9 Transferable Skills Those skills you have developed in a variety of settings professional, volunteer work, enrichment courses, hobbies, etc., that are applicable to the scope of responsibilities outlined in the job you seek.

10 Marketing Your Transferable Skills on your RESUME EXAMPLE Recent college graduate who seeks a full-time position in financial services and has previous experience as an administrative assistant. Original Text Schedule meetings/appointments between clients and senior account representatives. Complete and submit invoices to process payments. Revised Text Demonstrate ability to effectively manage a wide range of individuals, including high-net-worth investors and institutional money manager, in a stressful, time-sensitive environment. Gain knowledge of financial markets and instruments, especially stocks, bonds, futures and options. Source:

11 Marketing Your Transferable Skills on your RESUME EXAMPLE Customer service representative who seeks a mid career level marketing job. Original Text Answer phones and assist customers with questions regarding product. Maintain log of customer complaints. Revised Text Develop rapport with customers by asking targeted questions to gather accurate information regarding complaints. Promote new products and articulate value compared to competitors products. Source:

12 Marketing Your Transferable Skills in your COVER LETTER Sell your skills & experience Make intentional connections between your skills and the employer s needs

13 Marketing Your Transferable Skills in your COVER LETTER EXAMPLE...My professional experience is in higher education administration. In various leadership roles at Boston area colleges, I have gained experience in several core tasks, including program development, implementation, and assessment, relationship management, and volunteer recruitment and management. I am seeking to make a career transition and believe that my experience and skill set are transferable to work in nonprofit recruiting.

14 Marketing Your Transferable Skills in your COVER LETTER EXAMPLE (cont.)... In addition to relationship management with corporate clients, I also have experience managing relationships with a diverse pool of candidates, including entry level and seasoned professionals. I provide one-on-one assistance in all aspects of the job search process. In individual meetings, I strive to establish rapport with each job seeker and to assess his/her skill set and interests. In turn, I leverage this information to develop an individualized job search plan.

15 Interviewing Preparation Commonly asked questions: Tell me about yourself. Why should I hire you? 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Lesson learned from a mistake? What qualities would your co-workers use to describe you? Tell me about the time you made a difference.

16 Interviewing (cont.) Use of the outline to keep consistency Prepared questions for later Questions about company Questions about job Questions about them

17 Managing your Network Keep records of contacts and meetings and referrals Always get addresses Publish a newsletter Thanks to recent interviewers Schedule of upcoming interviews Target companies (alphabetical) What s happening out there? (give back)

18 Managing Your Career Change Anticipate challenges Be a sponge! Find a mentor Develop lateral relations within the company and in the industry Get involved with professional associations Stay in touch with former colleagues

19 Managing Your Career Change (What to do if it isn t the right fit) Don t panic! Don t be quick to jump ship. Develop a mechanism to manage current situation. Develop an exit game plan.

20 Babson s Alumni Career Resources