What do you do if you're a mid-career professional in Social Media Management looking to switch industries?

1 Assess your skills

The first step is to assess your skills and identify your strengths and weaknesses as a social media manager. What are the core competencies that you have developed over the years, and how can they be applied to different industries? For example, you might be good at creating engaging content, analyzing data, managing campaigns, or building relationships. These are transferable skills that can be valuable in any industry. On the other hand, you might also have some industry-specific skills that might not be as relevant or in demand in other sectors. For example, you might be familiar with certain platforms, tools, trends, or regulations that are unique to your current industry. These are skills that you might need to update, learn, or adapt to suit your new industry.

4 Tailor your resume and cover letter

The fourth step is to tailor your resume and cover letter to match the requirements and expectations of your target industry. Your resume and cover letter should emphasize your transferable skills, achievements, and potential as a social media manager, and show how you can add value to your new industry. You should use keywords, phrases, and terms that are relevant and specific to your target industry, and avoid jargon or acronyms that might confuse or alienate your audience. You should also highlight any relevant education, training, certification, or affiliation that you have in your target industry, or express your willingness to learn and grow.

5 Prepare for interviews

The fifth step is to prepare for interviews and impress your potential clients or employers with your knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm. You should research the company, its products, services, goals, culture, and values, and prepare some questions to ask them. You should also review your portfolio and be ready to explain your work and results in detail, and how they relate to the company's needs and objectives. You should also prepare some examples of how you would handle specific scenarios or tasks that are common or important in your target industry, and how you would measure and improve your performance. You should also showcase your personality, passion, and professionalism, and express your interest and curiosity in your target industry.

6 Keep learning and growing

The final step is to keep learning and growing as a social media manager in your new industry. You should seek feedback, guidance, and support from your clients, employers, colleagues, or mentors, and use them to improve your skills and performance. You should also stay updated on the latest trends, tools, and best practices in your new industry, and take advantage of any training, development, or networking opportunities that are available. You should also set realistic and achievable goals for yourself, and celebrate your progress and achievements. By doing so, you will build your confidence, reputation, and credibility as a social media manager in your new industry, and enjoy the benefits and rewards of your career change.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?