When changing careers, it’s important to be clear about your goals and what you want to achieve

It can be scary to think about changing careers.
After all, your career is a big part of your life – it’s how you make a living, support yourself and your family, and it can be a big part of your identity.

But sometimes, circumstances change, and you find yourself needing or wanting to make a change.

Coaches from around the world shared their advice on making a career change for their clients.

Here are ten pieces of wisdom they shared:

1. First, get clear on what you want. 

So many people come to me wanting to change careers, but they’re not sure what they want to do.

Spend some time exploring different options and doing some research before you make any decisions.” – Rachel Braun, founder of Career Contessa

2. One of the biggest mistakes I see people making when changing careers is not doing their research first.

They’ll quit their job and then start applying to jobs completely unrelated to what they want to do without even bothering to figure out if it’s a good fit for them.

Before making any drastic changes, take the time to learn about the industry you want to enter, the types of jobs available, and what kind of skills and experience you need.” – Jodi Glickman, Founder of Great on the Job.

3. The most important thing when changing careers is to be realistic about your goals.

It’s not going to be easy, and you’re not going to be able to just walk into your dream job.

You need to have a plan and be willing to put in the work.

Be prepared for rejection and setbacks – they’re part of the process.

And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some people have been through this before and can help you navigate the process.” – says Cheryl Palmer, career coach and author of The Intentional Networker.

4. The biggest mistake I see people making when changing careers is not being realistic about their qualifications.

Just because you’re interested in a certain field or have some experience doesn’t mean you’re qualified for the job you want.

Do your research and ensure you have the skills and experience required for the position you’re applying for.

If not, don’t be afraid to get creative with your career change plan. There are many ways to transition into a new career; you just have to be willing to do the work.” – Career Thought Leaders.

5. One of the most important things to do when changing careers is to create a personal brand that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Your brand is what makes you unique, and it’s what will make employers want to hire you.

Start by creating a professional online presence and then focus on marketing yourself as an expert in your field.

Network with others in your industry and make sure you’re always putting your best foot forward.” – Donna Svei, executive resume writer and career coach

6. When changing careers, it’s important to be clear about your goals and what you want to achieve.

Be specific about the type of job you’re looking for and the industry you want to work in.

The more focused you are, the easier it will be to market yourself and find the right opportunity.

And don’t be afraid to start from scratch – sometimes a clean slate is exactly what you need to get ahead.” – said Heather Huhman, founder and CEO of Come Recommended.

7. One of the best pieces of advice I can give someone changing careers is to make sure they have a solid plan.

It’s not enough to know what you want to do – you need to have a concrete plan with specific steps to help you achieve your goals.

Be prepared to put in the work and make sacrifices. Career changes don’t happen overnight, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, they can be very rewarding.” – said Nicole Mason, career coach and founder of Career Contessa.

8. One of the most important things to remember when changing careers is that it’s not going to be easy.

You’ll have to work hard and setbacks along the way.

But if you stay focused on your goals and don’t give up, you will eventually find success.

The key is to be patient and to believe in yourself.” – Career Bliss.

9. I always tell my clients that the most important thing when changing careers is to make sure they clearly understand what they want to do and why.

What are your goals? What are you passionate about? What type of work environment do you thrive in?

Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and make the transition smoother.” – says Jacqueline Jarosz, certified career coach and resume writer.

10. One of the best advice I can give someone changing careers is to start networking as soon as possible.

Your network is one of your most valuable assets and can be a great resource when making a career change.

Reach out to your contacts and let them know you’re looking for a job in a new field. They may be able to introduce you to someone who can help you get your foot in the door.” – said Jenny Foss, career coach and founder of JobJenny.com.

Changing careers can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Many people have gone through the same thing and become successful on the other side.

By following the advice of these career experts, you can make your transition smoother and more successful.

Are you looking for career change advice?

Our Pendleton partner network is here to help you successfully transition into your new career.

Visit our website to learn more!

1. “First, get clear on what you want. 

So many people come to me wanting to change careers, but they’re not sure what they want to do.

Spend some time exploring different options and doing some research before you make any decisions.” – Rachel Braun, founder of Career Contessa

2. “One of the biggest mistakes I see people making when changing careers is not doing their research first.

They’ll quit their job and then start applying to jobs completely unrelated to what they want to do without even bothering to figure out if it’s a good fit for them.

Before making any drastic changes, take the time to learn about the industry you want to enter, the types of jobs available, and what kind of skills and experience you need.” – Jodi Glickman, Founder of Great on the Job.

3. “The most important thing when changing careers is to be realistic about your goals.

It’s not going to be easy, and you’re not going to be able to just walk into your dream job.

You need to have a plan and be willing to put in the work.

Be prepared for rejection and setbacks – they’re part of the process.

And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Some people have been through this before and can help you navigate the process.” – says Cheryl Palmer, career coach and author of The Intentional Networker.

4. “The biggest mistake I see people making when changing careers is not being realistic about their qualifications.

Just because you’re interested in a certain field or have some experience doesn’t mean you’re qualified for the job you want.

Do your research and ensure you have the skills and experience required for the position you’re applying for.

If not, don’t be afraid to get creative with your career change plan. There are many ways to transition into a new career; you just have to be willing to do the work.” – Career Thought Leaders.

5. “One of the most important things to do when changing careers is to create a personal brand that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Your brand is what makes you unique, and it’s what will make employers want to hire you.

Start by creating a professional online presence and then focus on marketing yourself as an expert in your field.

Network with others in your industry and make sure you’re always putting your best foot forward.” – Donna Svei, executive resume writer and career coach

6. “When changing careers, it’s important to be clear about your goals and what you want to achieve.

Be specific about the type of job you’re looking for and the industry you want to work in.

The more focused you are, the easier it will be to market yourself and find the right opportunity.

And don’t be afraid to start from scratch – sometimes a clean slate is exactly what you need to get ahead.” – said Heather Huhman, founder and CEO of Come Recommended.

7. “One of the best pieces of advice I can give someone changing careers is to make sure they have a solid plan.

It’s not enough to know what you want to do – you need to have a concrete plan with specific steps to help you achieve your goals.

Be prepared to put in the work and make sacrifices. Career changes don’t happen overnight, but if you’re willing to put in the effort, they can be very rewarding.” – said Nicole Mason, career coach and founder of Career Contessa.

8. “One of the most important things to remember when changing careers is that it’s not going to be easy.

You’ll have to work hard and setbacks along the way.

But if you stay focused on your goals and don’t give up, you will eventually find success.

The key is to be patient and to believe in yourself.” – Career Bliss.

9. “I always tell my clients that the most important thing when changing careers is to make sure they clearly understand what they want to do and why.

What are your goals? What are you passionate about? What type of work environment do you thrive in?

Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and make the transition smoother.” – says Jacqueline Jarosz, certified career coach and resume writer.

10. “One of the best advice I can give someone changing careers is to start networking as soon as possible.

Your network is one of your most valuable assets and can be a great resource when making a career change.

Reach out to your contacts and let them know you’re looking for a job in a new field. They may be able to introduce you to someone who can help you get your foot in the door.” – said Jenny Foss, career coach and founder of JobJenny.com.

Changing careers can be a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

Many people have gone through the same thing and become successful on the other side.

By following the advice of these career experts, you can make your transition smoother and more successful.

Are you looking for career change advice?

Our Pendleton partner network is here to help you successfully transition into your new career.

Visit our website to learn more!