How do you showcase your career transition goals and achievements?

I propose that an effective career transition can be managed using project management techniques. This involves setting goals for the transition process, similar to defining project objectives. Both aim to complete the project or transition successfully, utilizing available resources within a suitable timeframe. Instead of seeking too many tools, try applying this approach. Clearly identifying factors like skills and qualifications is crucial; this is why a management tool would be beneficial for you and your career transition. It provides clarity and focus, essential for a smooth and efficient transition

If you're at the point of considering a career transition, I'll assume you have a good amount of work experience to this point. Consider what industries and jobs you are interested in transitioning to so that you can start to identify the transferrable skills and components of your experience that apply to this new direction.

Having a career vision is crucial. Think of it as a flexible guide that outlines where you want to be in the next 3-4 years. While your vision may evolve as you learn and adapt, it serves as a valuable compass, helping you stay on the right path during your career transition journey and navigate yourself with confidence. It enables you to focus your efforts, prioritize your goals, and navigate with confidence, even in the face of industry changes or unexpected developments. Your career vision is not set in stone, but it provides a clear direction for your professional growth.

Starting a career transition without knowing what you are looking for is like getting into a car and not knowing where you want to go: you will end up driving in circles and not reaching a destination that will make you make you happy! In fact, you might just end up getting tired on the ride and return to your original spot... So, before you embark on the journey, you need to know what you are looking for. In other words, what is missing for you currently that you wish to add to your professional life? Once you know the answer to that, you'll know the root cause of your desire and you can start to look at your potential options to achieve that wish. Remember that the best way to go about any change it to plan it!

A career transition is not a job hunt. Whilst most people leap into trying to find roles they think they might want to do or might meet the criteria for they end up overwhelmed by the tyranny of choice or disappointed with their perceived lack of transferable skills. So take a step back and explore two things: the emotional reason behind seeking your change, and the criteria you will use to know if you find it. Emotional drivers for action are waaaaay stronger than rational ones and come in two flavours: Dissatisfaction with what you now now (PUSH) and the dream of specifically doing something else (PULL). Criteria typically fall into alignment with Values, Strengths, Conditions and Emotional Resonance. Write a list and map to your role

There's no additional advice for this part, but it's worth noting that each field may have specific templates or color schemes that can make your resume more impressive and valuable. Consider combining illustrations to effectively represent your achievements. For instance, creative industries often have a distinct approach to resumes compared to technical fields. Pay attention to ensure your descriptions are as fitting and effective as possible.

In order to make a transition, it's important to exude the parts of your background that apply to the job and industry you're interested in transitioning to. At this point in your career, you'll likely have a lot of experience to filter through in order to market the right transferrable skills and experiences that recruiters and companies in your target job are looking for. As a career coach for engineers, this is one of my key focuses: helping engineers to take advantage of their great experience and market it well so they can make transitions or take on promotions!

Controversially, your resume and cover letter should NOT be the first impression you make. Given +60% of jobs come through your loose network a cold application should be a last resort. Having said that when you do get a 'warm lead' start by taking the job description to pieces, line by line, and categorise the skills, values and expertise that are mentioned. Make a list of each Now look at your 'Master Resume" and have a squinted look at the degree of fit you have. If you you have to customise more than 20% of this document to meet the criteria, perhaps this is not a role worth applying. A good application should take at lesat four hours work. So focus that effort on roles with the highest degree of fit!

Agreed. There are so many sources that suggest a way to get started. Read, Harvard Business Review: "What Your Cover Letter Should Really Do" or Kellogg School of Management: "Resume Tips for MBA Applicants" will help anyone who is seeking opportunities. Given steps that are easy to follow and has helped me are 1. Customize your cover letter and resume with right choice of words that demonstrates your authentic self. 2. Make sure your resume is easy to read. 3. Update it regularly. 4. It is essential to proofread both cover letters and resumes carefully before submitting them. P.S. 88% of recruiters say they spend an average of 6 seconds scanning each resume. (Source: CareerBuilder).

I like to do and show off myself by my ways because I like the creation. A portfolio or website is a good way to show off yourself to me. In an era where everything is rapidly evolving, standards are often relative and subject to change. I believe the most effective approach is as follows: 1) Understand yourself thoroughly and know how to present yourself. 2) Be well-informed about platforms where you can showcase your talents. 3) Always keep yourself engaged and in tune with current trends. Adopting this approach will demonstrate that you are capable of adapting and working efficiently in a dynamic environment. This adaptability and awareness are key in making a strong impression in today’s fast-paced world.

As a career coach for engineers, I've found that creating a separate career website isn't necessary. There are plenty of free programs out there to adequately market and showcase your career. LinkedIn and Indeed.com are two examples I often suggest that people set up profiles on. There are also some others you may have heard of, such as CareerBuilder, GlassDoor, and ZipRecruiter. Although most of my clients land their jobs through LinkedIn or Indeed, you never know where your next job opportunity will come from and it never hurts to have your information out in more places!

Show don't tell. Whilst a website or portfolio is a helpful way for you to have an online presence, your audience is not there, nor looking for it. Your audience, the hiring decision maker, is on LinkedIn and potentially in online communities specific to your niche. So, curate and create your content and presnece on these forums first. And remember your audience. In your curation, note the technical references and language in use, and then be sure you are using these in your created content. Stay relevant, be helpful

In an age of internet connections and full inboxes, a CV alone is often insufficient to distinguish oneself from the crowd. Consider it your personal brand manifesto, a compelling story that encapsulates who you are as a professional and what you can offer potential employers or collaborators. Read - Forbes: "8 Essential Tips for Creating a Great Portfolio Website". One thing that helps you create a portfolio is YOU and remember it's an ongoing process. Steps include: 1. Personalize portfolio based on maturity continuum. 2. Focus on quality. 3. Keep it authentic, engaging and preferably end-to-end. 4. Proofread and edit carefully. 5. Learn from your mistakes & improvize.

For careers, LinkedIn is the best social media outlet I've found. Aside from just showcasing your career portfolio and applying for jobs, it is a great place to network with recruiters and leaders in your industry. When it comes to landing your next promotion, sometimes it's not about what you know, but who you know!

I totally agree that social media can be a launchpad for showcasing your transition goals and achievements, building your networking, and attracting opportunities. However, It's the consistent efforts that leads to big rewards. Don't get caught up in instant gratification. Building a strong online presence takes time and dedication. So, embrace the journey, celebrate small wins, and watch your career goals move closer with each step!

Social media truly is a powerful tool for achieving career goals. 1) A friend of mine was hired by a leading company after posting a product on social media. 2) Another friend, who was struggling to find work, received numerous opportunities through a connection made on social media. As you can see, using social media effectively and strategically can be incredibly potent for realizing your career transition goals. In particular, LinkedIn is an outstanding social network for recruitment that you should consider using. It's not just about being present on these platforms but also about how you engage and present yourself which can open up new avenues in your career transition.

Social media can be helpful for two things: understanding your preferences and signalling. Social media algorithms know you better than you know yourself. They are not prone to the flaws of human bias. They will simply reflect your unconscious preference in content by serving you more of it. So if you are at the start of a career transition and want inspiration for understanding your ACTUAL interests, take a look at the tool you have invested hours and hours training to reflect your interest most accurately... your favourite social platform. What videos, hashtags, groups etc are recommended to you. What themes run through these. Big clue to what you will find engaging to work on in your next role

If you want to transition into a new role, in a new context, don't ask the people you will be leaving. They are unlikely to be the supportive champion that you need. Your actions (to leave your shared status quo) is a direct afront their own sense of identity and whilst they may express 'compassionante' concern, they are not likely to be able to offer an biased point of view nor any fresh perspective. Time to find a mentor in the space you want to move TO. Flex your network. The closer you are to knowing the niche you want to move into the more specific you can be in seeking a mentor. If you are still fighting the tyranny of choice, a career coach is a great place to start

Always demonstrating commitment and consistency in your career transition goals can be a key phrase to highlight yourself on social media and to potential employers. The principles and discipline you embody could be the source of inspiration that employers seek to rejuvenate or boost the energy of their existing teams.