5 Things You Need To Do If You’re Changing Career Post COVID-19

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I’ve touched on COVID-19 related job loss on this platform, and others, on multiple occasions. It’s a difficult subject to ignore because so many people’s livelihoods have been impacted in 2020 because of the pandemic. 

However, even the most difficult situations can produce some positive outcomes. One of the positives that I’m starting to notice is people telling me that their COVID-19 job loss has inspired them to finally make the career change they have long wanted to.

Career change isn’t easy, and some people are afraid to take the risk, and will instead stay in jobs they dislike or tolerate. But, the pandemic has given people time to reflect on what they really want out of life, and their careers. As a result, I think we’re going to see a lot of people going after what they really want and making career changes.

If you’re in this category, here are some things that you need to do in order to make your career change a success:

1) Inventory your skills - Do an honest assessment of the key skills that you have acquired so far in your career and which of those skills will transfer into the new industry that you’re aiming for. These are your transferable skills and you’ll need to convince potential employers that you have enough of these skills to transition into a new industry.

You’ll also need to evaluate what skill gaps you have. Some of these skill gaps you may be able to work around, especially if you can convince a potential employer that you have a plan for addressing those gaps, and the company won’t have to invest a lot of time and money into your training. Job seekers can address skill gaps through online courses and certification/training programs.

2) Create a bucket list of companies that you want to work for - Now that you know what industry you want to work in, it’s important to identify 10-20 companies that you want to work for, and would hire you for your skill sets. This is important because it gives you a chance to really focus on your job search.

These are the companies that align best with your skill sets, and you can continually monitor for potential job opportunities. Having this list of bucket list companies also sets you up for the next step in the career change process.

 3) Make new connections - Identify people that work at the companies on your bucket list and begin to make connections with them. One of the best ways to do this is to find mutual connections within your network. If a friend or colleague knows someone at one of your bucket list companies, ask them to make an introduction.

If you don’t have any mutual connections, you’ll have to reach out to these individuals. In these cases, try to make a connection by mentioning your interest in the industry and some things that you have in common. It’s important to slowly build relationships with these new connections and not to immediately ask for favors. 

Ultimately, you want to be able to have conversations with these connections employed at your bucket list companies because they can help you understand what it takes to stand out in the hiring process and potentially introduce you to hiring managers. A majority of jobs come from referrals.

 4) Update your resume - Now that you’ve done a skills assessment, identified your bucket list companies, and potentially gained some new references, it’s time to update your resume and really tailor it to the new industry that you’re trying to break into.

 The top of your resume should include 6-8 of the transferable skill sets or skill sets that you have that the job posting is asking for. Your resume should always be ready to go because you never know when a position will open up, or when a referral will come through.

 5) Be ready to tell your story - This may be the most important step in the process.

You’re not just changing careers because you need a new job or more money. There’s likely a deeper, more personal reason why you’re making the career change, and you’ll need to convey that story in cover letters and during job interviews if you want to stand out as a strong candidate for the job.

For example, maybe you’re trying to get a career as a financial advisor because you recently helped a loved one get their finances in order following a death. Seeing first-hand the emotional toll unorganized finances can take on a family, and having a chance to make a difference inspired you to make it a career. This is only one of many examples of how a candidate can make a strong connection with a company. This shows a potential employee that what you lack in experience, you make up for in internal motivation and desire to work for the company. 

A career change can be challenging, but if you’re organized and can commit to the above process, it can be a rewarding process that ultimately leads to your long-term happiness.

I Can Help You With Your Career Change!

 Check out Work It Daily’s online Career Change Boot Camp on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (ET). The online live stream will cover everything you need to know about making a career change.

 For just a one-time $7 fee, you’ll receive access to

• How to identify your best path forward for a career change
• Identifying and redefining your key skillsets for making a career change. 
• Exclusive training on perfecting your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile for a career change

Sign up today before all the spots fill up!

You Should Also Check Out These Free Resources 

• Career Change Guide
• Free Cover Letter Samples
• Resume Cheat Sheet
• Job Search Checklist