Changing Careers With Little or No Experience at the New
Career
Changing careers could be one of the best decisions you make in your life.
It may also be one of the more difficult things you will do. Creating a self‐
inventory and doing some basic preparation can make a big difference in the way
you view yourself and as a result how others see you. Here are five tips to help
you weave your way through your transition.
1. Focus on your "transferable skills."
When you change careers the focus will be on the "soft" skills ‐ referred to as
"transferable" or "portable" skills. These are skills you have used at any and
every job or situation you have been in, including volunteer work and school.
‐ Examples of transferable skills are: communication skills, ability to work with a
diversity of people, ability to plan and organize, time management, analytical
problem solving, customer service skills, etc.
Make a list of your transferable skills, keeping in mind that these are the skills
you could use regardless of what company you worked at, or what position you
are applying for. A good source of desirable transferable skills can be found in job
postings. Print out several postings and highlight words that reoccur. These are
"key traits" that the employer is seeking ‐ don't underestimate them.
2. Find your uniqueness.
Each candidate is unique. What makes you unique? Think about your personality
and your personal traits. One of the things that the interviewer is looking for is
"someone to fit in" ‐ who is likeable with the ability to work well with other team
members. Your personal traits could be the tie‐breaker between you and an
equally qualified candidate.
Think of at least five personal traits that make you unique.
‐ Some examples are: friendly, flexible, quick learner, reliable, responsible, easy
to get along with, detail‐oriented, loyal, etc.
3. Believe in yourself.
Once you have established what you have to offer, you will begin to see the value
you can brin