Changing jobs is an exciting time in anyone’s career, but the path to a successful career change can feel intimidating and even overwhelming. Fortunately, there are some tips and tricks you can use to make your transition to a new job smoother and more successful. From planning ahead to taking time to assess your skills, we reveal our best secrets to a successful career change.

1. Plan Ahead

Before even starting the job search, it is important to create a budget with an emergency fund saved as part of it. Additionally, calculating the break-even point for accepting a lower salary offer is also important so you can determine what kind of offer you would take, and when. Having a plan for diving into the job market is key to setting yourself up for success.

2. Assess Your Job Skills

Take the time to evaluate your job skills so you can outline your experience and present a comprehensive portfolio that will attract employers. Ask your current contacts to provide written recommendations and linkedin recommendations. Take a career assessment test so you can determine where your strengths lie. The goal here is to create a polished package that will show potential employers why you should be their top candidate.

3. Network With Experts

Once you finish the prep work, it is time to get out there and network. Invite your current contacts to coffee and/or virtual meetings to discuss their impressions of the job market and suggest positions you may be qualified for. Consider reaching out to professional associations in the industry and participating in job fairs or hackathons. Schedule informational interviews with experts in the area that you are interested in as well. This will help you get your foot in the door.

4. Stay Motivated

The job search process can be exhausting and frustrating. It can be helpful to break your search into smaller milestones so the process doesn’t seem so overwhelming. It is important to take time to celebrate small wins as well. Consider connecting with mentors or a career coach to help keep you motivated and provide advice as you move along.

Conclusion

Changing jobs can be daunting, but by taking the right steps such as planning ahead, assessing your job skills, networking with experts, and staying motivated, you can set yourself up for success! We hope that our secrets to a successful career change have been helpful and have inspired you to take the next step in your journey.