Important Considerations to Make Before Changing Careers

When you find yourself unhappy and dissatisfied with your job already, it is likely that you will look for something else that will give you the fulfillment and satisfaction that you need to have a more meaningful life. But changing careers is not always an easy process to go through. Although you have all the reasons to do it, you may not have the courage to leave your job to seek a new one.

If your career seems to go nowhere and you feel it’s time to pursue a new career path, then be ready to face your fears and embrace the possibility of growth in your career life. But you have to have a definite plan to ensure your success. Here are the things to consider when you’re ready for a career shift:

1. Evaluate Yourself

For you to identify what new career to pursue, you have to figure out first why you are currently unhappy with your job. What is it that will make you productive? What can motivate you to stay in a workplace? By knowing yourself more and deeper, there will be a greater chance for you to find a career that suits you.

2. Know Your Transferable Skills

Career shifters must have the right transferable skills to be qualified for their desired jobs. Once you’ve decided which company you wish to work for, take a look at their requirements and job description, and match them with your own transferable skills. If you have a number of skills that are required for the job you want, make sure your application documents will highlight your transferable skills.

3. Learn about Your Job Prospects

There are so many jobs out there you can choose from, and obviously, you cannot have all of them. You must choose one where all your knowledge and abilities can be utilized properly. Also, there is no use in applying for a number of different positions. Focus on those jobs that you are qualified to do.

4. Identify Your Actual Professional Goals

What is your ultimate career goal? In most cases, those who always find themselves unhappy with their jobs are those who don’t have a clear career goal. If you come to think of it, it is really hard to keep going if you don’t know where you’re going. Thus, before you even think about switching careers, you must first identify what your goals are.

There are many things you can do to determine your career goals. You may use certain tools online that are designed to help job seekers identify the career that suits their interests and qualifications. If at all possible, working with a career coach is so beneficial for those who are thinking of changing careers.

How to Utilize Networking to Succeed in Job Search Canada

You know you should do your job search immediately, but maybe you don’t know where to start. One piece of advice I have for you is to focus on networking first. Networking is a very important part of any job search, especially in today’s digital world. And what you’ll really love about networking is that it gives you an opportunity to reach even your networks’ network. When used properly and systematically, networking can lead you to the job you’ve always wanted.

Use these tips for growing your network so you may use it to land a job:

1. Have a spreadsheet that contains your contacts.

If you don’t have a record of your current contacts yet, then you must make one now. Do this by listing all the people you know and categorize them – friends, family, clubs, religious communities, political organization, and so on. Keep in mind that the only people you should include in this list are those you have regular communication or good relationship with.

2. Let them know you’re doing a job search.

The next thing to do is to spread the word about your job search. Let them know what type of work you’re looking for, or even the specific position you want. Ask if they happen to know anybody in such field and if they could be generous enough to introduce you to them.

3. Search for your networks online.

Now it’s time to focus on your networks online, such as in Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. By checking your contacts’ circle of friends, there will surely be some of them who have connections in the industries or companies you wish to work in. Ideally, you should contact your networks directly, specifically by phone. Inform them about yourself, what you do, and also mention that you noticed they know some people you may need help from in looking for a job.

4. Be part of some relevant clubs or associations.

If you want to meet people in the field you want to join, you may as well join the groups and associations they belong to. If you are in the field of pharmaceutics, for instance, it would help if you join a pharmaceutical association in your city. Check online what associations are there in your locality and inquire about how you can register to be a member.

5. Be active in your membership.

Once you become a member of a professional or industry association, you’ve got to attend meetings or any even they have. Your purpose is to meet people, so you need to go out there and meet them! Take every opportunity to have a conversation with the members because you will never know who among them can help you with your job search Canada.

How to Make a Good Impression on Your First Day at Work After Changing Careers

It is always easier to make the wrong impression than a good one on your first day at work. It is the nature of a human being to be judgmental, and indeed, people judge really fast. So if you want to create a good image and positive impression on your very first day in the company, here are some of the worst behaviors you should avoid at all costs.

1. Going to work looking tired.

Fatigue can definitely make you perform poorly and it also affects your productivity. And so, showing up at work looking tired will make your employer have second thoughts about keeping you in the workplace. Plus, you don’t want to be considered by your coworkers as someone who is unprofessional and does not take his/her job seriously.

2. Choosing inappropriate attire.

People get judged easily by the way they dress up, and this also happens in the workplace. Before you even go to work on your first day of employment, you should have an idea already of the company’s dress code. Make sure you choose a clean and well-ironed outfit that reflects the dress code. Equally important is that you look hygienic.

3. Being an open book on your first day.

There is nothing wrong about sharing information about yourself to your colleagues, but do not overdo it on your first day at work. It is possible that your coworkers are interested to know stuff about you, but it is unlikely that they want to know ‘everything’ about you.

4. Complaining.

You may have a rough time on your way to work, but keep in mind that it’s none of your coworkers’ business. Nobody likes to work with someone who keeps whining and complaining. Plus, negativity in the workplace is always undesirable, so if you want to be disliked this early, then verbalize all your complaints.

5. Turning down lunch invites.

Since you are new in the workplace, chances are that your officemates will invite you to lunch, or coffee perhaps. When they do, you shouldn’t turn them down. You need to realize that it is their way of welcoming you as the newest member of the family, so rejecting them could mean unwillingness on your part to be with them.

6. Doing things your way.

If you were not changing careers and just came from a different organization in the same industry as your current company, chances are you will be given similar tasks and responsibilities. In that case, you have to be careful not to try to do things the way you would do them when you were in your previous job. Every organization has a unique culture and ways of doing tasks. Make sure you get acquainted with how people in your current company do their jobs and get used to it as well.

5 More Modern Ways of Doing a Job or Career Search

The old-fashioned way of finding a new job is by looking for job advertisements for roles that you have always wanted. While this traditional approach to job search can still help you land a good job, there are other and much better ways you can go about your search for a new job.

a. Recruitment Agencies

Reach out to several recruitment agencies, make sure you provide them with your details and documents, tell them what job you are looking for, and regularly keep in touch with them so that they will know that you are still searching.

When it comes to the recruitment agencies you should register with, you want those that specialize in your particular industry. This will increase your chances of landing a job in a shorter period of time.

b. Job Sites

There are so many job boards and job sites online that you can check from time to time. These websites will have lists of job vacancies that you may apply for. However, you need to be willing to have your resume and other personal information posted on their websites so that recruiters and employers will be able to find you.

c. Personal Websites

Building your own website may seem overwhelming and unnecessary at first, but with the continuous development in computer and telecommunications technology, having a personal website is now considered a vital part of career planning and job search.

When you have your own website, you can use it to showcase your skills, experience, educational background, personality, and so on. Virtually all the information about yourself that employers and recruiters will find important will be available on your website. Plus, you can impress potential employers by giving them a link to your personal website where they can learn more about you as an individual and a professional.

d. Networking Sites

Networking sites are so important for job seekers because the people you will see in these sites will share many similarities with you. It is also in these websites that you can begin to build a professional network, which you will find very useful in your job search. Through these networking sites, you will be notified of any job opportunity that matches your credentials. You can also seek advice from your contacts in your network in terms of how you can prepare for a job interview, or anything related to your job search.

e. Former Coworkers

It is always a good idea to maintain a good friendly relationship with the people you have worked with in the past. In fact, these people are an excellent source of information in terms of what job opportunities are out there in their respective industries. Again, all you need to do is reach out and express your intention of doing a new career search. You will never know who among them can help you find a job opportunity that you’ve long waited for.

Tips for Creating a Compelling Executive Resume When You Are Changing Careers

Wondering if you’ve successfully written a solid and convincing resume? Why don’t you try to scan your resume for about 15 seconds, and after that, write down what exactly you can remember. If you were the hiring manager, would you bother calling the owner of such resume? If the answer is no, then there is something wrong with the executive resume you’ve written.

Here are simple ways by which you can make your resume really compelling:

1. Have a strong selling proposition.

The main reason why employers or hiring managers take a look at your resume is to know who you are and why you should be considered for the position in their company. Thus, you need to make sure there is no fluff in your resume’s opening. Fluff here pertains to statements that you can make but not prove. Your resume opener should talk about you in a clear, detailed and specific manner.

2. Your theme should be the same until the last part of your resume.

Once you have made a clear value proposition in your resume opening, you have to make sure that you use the same theme all throughout your executive resume. If you state, for instance, that you are excellent at turnarounds, you have to remember to emphasize such trait throughout your resume.

3. Write your resume in a way that is easy to read.

It is crucial that your resume contain a compelling message that does not require much time and effort to read and understand. A single page resume that is densely written is not easy to read, and neither is a three-page resume with very little valuable content. It is also recommended that you use the most appropriate font, such as Calibri or Tahoma.

4. Include testimonials in your resume.

A very smart way of proving your value is to include some testimonials or quotes coming from your previous bosses, colleagues or even customers. This will prove to be essential and beneficial particularly to those who are changing career pathways. Statements from employers and colleagues will play an important role in your potential employer’s decision to invite you for a job interview.

Final Thoughts

Writing a good and powerful resume takes a lot of thinking and reconsideration. In fact, you have to repeatedly go over your resume just to make sure it is properly written and contains valuable content. It would also help if you could get someone to review or edit it. This is when a career coach would be most helpful to you. Especially if you are changing careers, it is very important that your resume reflects the skills, experience, and expertise that you have that will convince employers that you have everything they need for the position in their company.

What to Ask an Employer When Interviewing for Work in Canada

One part of a job interview that many job seekers tend to take for granted is the point where you will be asked by the interviewer of you’ve got any questions for them. It is too easy to ignore this part of the interview, but remember employers are using this interview component to figure out what type of employee you will be.

Below are the questions you can throw your interviewer, which can prove that you are a potential valuable asset in the company.

1. What contribution does this role make to the company?

With this question, you don’t only get some context for the position you are applying for, but it will also help you find career paths that you can eventually take in the future. The answer of the interviewer may then give you an idea about which teams you might work with.

2. Who will I possibly work with?

Depending on how things are doing during your interview, you may ask this question so that you may be given a chance to meet other team members who you might work with eventually. This also gives the hiring manager the impression that you are someone who values the other people you work with. Remember, employers like employees who can work harmoniously with other members of the team.

3. What other skills are needed to perform this job well?

If you got an invitation for a job interview, it just means that the potential employer sees skills of yours that can benefit the growth of their company. But this is not the only thing they are looking for. They want someone who can do the job exceptionally. By asking this question, employers will think that you are taking personal and professional growth and development seriously, which is a big asset to their company.

4. What is your company mission?

This question is not only about you getting the position you are applying for. This question reflects your desire to be part of an organization whose ideals are in line with yours. This also indicates that you are interested in how the company wants to achieve business success, as well as your willingness to contribute to the organization’s efforts to achieve its goals.

5. What do you expect from an employee?

Employers have expectations that every employee is supposed to meet. Thus, you would want to know if those expectations are even attainable for you. Knowing these expectations will also give you an idea of the kind of employee you need to be to stay in the job.

It doesn’t matter if you are applying for a job in your own city or country, or you’re planning to workin Canada. The job interview should not only be a means for the company to know if you’re a good fit for the position, you should also use it to determine if the company is where you want to spend the next few years of your life.