20 Things Successful Career Changers Do Differently to Find Work They Love

I'm going to share with you a formula to be successful in your career change or job search, as well as best practices from clients who have gotten out of the wrong job and into a career they're excited about...without starting over.

I’ve seen seen dozens of high-performers absolutely kill it in taking back control of their career, making a change, and finding work they love.

And I’ve seen a lot people really struggle in their job search and finding happiness in their careers.

Those who have been successful in making career change and finding work that lights them up - or moving much closer to that work - I've found that they focused on 3 things: 

Career Change Success = Strategy + Execution + Mindset

You need all three.

A strategy without execution. It's not going to get you anywhere. Execution without a strategy is going to drive you bonkers, and feel incredibly frustrating and overwhelming.

A job search with strategy and execution and your mindset isn't where it needs to be. You're going to struggle, you're gonna have a hard time. It takes intentionality and focus in all three areas. 

And what I want to share with you today are really best practices when it comes to strategy, when it comes to execution, when it comes to mindset from those high-performers who I've seen be successful in this process of figuring out what they actually want to be doing.

Now that doesn’t mean it was easy or happened in a few days or even a few weeks.

But there is a way to do a career change in a way that minimizes risk and allows you to move forward in the face of uncertainty and doubts that are inherent in the job search proces.

STRATEGY

High-performers I see have success in making a career change:

1.  Know their why. They clearly see how their lives will change by being in control of their career and doing work they actually wake up excited to do.
2. Articulate what they’re curious about. (sidenote: “I’m open to anything.” is too broad. People won’t know how to help you.)
3. Create a list of target companies.
4. Prioritize that list based on their motivation, likelihood of hiring someone like them, and potential advocates.
5. Continually refine and adjust that list.
6. Build in consistency. They focus on small actions each day. Not a 6-hour power session once a month.
7. Incorporate accountability: partner, coach, own goals and benchmarks (they do this by knowing how they respond to internal and external expectations.)
8. Map their time and incorporate other areas of life and well-being. They don't focus on their job search 24/7.
9. Set weekly goals...that are 100% within their control. This leads to wins. Wins build confidence.
10. Look for ways to leverage their natural strengths throughout the entire process.

They clearly see how their lives will change by being in control of their career and doing work they actually wake up excited to do.

EXECUTION

1. They don’t simply rely on job boards.
2. Engage in direct outreach to individuals at target companies.
3. They design and carry out career test drives or experiments. They don't just jump to another job and hope for the best. They make sure it's a fit first.
4. Engage in conversations and show a genuine interest in others throughout the process.
5. Follow up and maintain relationships. They take the time to get and stay organized.

They don't just jump to another job and hope for the best. They make sure it's a fit first.

MINDSET

If success in career change requires a focus on Strategy, Execution, and Mindset, mindset is hands down the most often overlooked.

It's also the most important.

I’ve seen it either result in amazing success, or left ignored or poo pooed, I've seen it absolutely tank the odds of finding work you actually wake up excited to do.

High-performers who have success in this process:

1. Take action before they feel ready. There’s a courage element even when they're not all that confident. Courage before confidence.
2. They're resilient and don’t take “rejection” or ghosting personally. Average response rate is 30% PS.
3. Act like scientists and fully adopt a “I don’t know...yet” approach to exploring options.
4. Open themselves up to seek help and support. They don’t go it alone.
5. Focus on relationships, not asking for a job. They aren’t desperate because they’re confident in their why, the value they add. And they're seeking ways to do that during the process and as a result of the process in a new role, team, and/or organizations.

Sidenote: Here's the #1 thing I see killing high-performers' chances of finding work they actually enjoy.

Courage before confidence.

Strategy. Execution. Mindset. 

• Where is your approach to finding work that lights you up strong?
• Where does it need more focus and intentionality?
• Is this classic high-performer tendency getting in your way?
• What's one thing you can take from these best practices and incorporate into your career change or job search?

I hope this help you take the next step. If I can answer any questions or help in any way, shoot me a message/personalized connection request right here on LinkedIn! I'd love to help.

Erin

PS Are you wondering what you're even good at? How to develop your story, your "why" that is the key to a successful career change? You're in good company. High-performers are notoriously terrible at knowing their strengths. Check out my recent What Am I Even Good At?! 5-Day Challenge below to get started.