Career Change Dilemma!

INFOCUS: Career Change Fundamentals

How many different jobs have you changed since your first pay check? There are many reasons why people decided to embark on different career paths:

a)???Monotonous tasks

b)???Micro-manage bosses

c)???Work-life balance

d)???Follow your dreams

e)???Found a new challenge

f)?????Respond to national job shortage

Sounds similar? No matter which reason you may have, the fact to switch career does impact both your loved ones and yourself. Thus, it is paramount to have a honest discussion with them before jumping ship.

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Here are some other important elements before making the career switch:

1)???Finance risk

You may have gathered some years of work experiences at your workplace and probably gotten some promotions and increments. Your current salary meets the current solid experiences and qualifications too. Having said, when you decide to move, you may be asked to start from scratch, rank and file. Question is, does the reduced in salary permits you to do so, bearing in mind, if you still have your residence’s loan payment, children’s educational expenses and daily groceries needs.

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2)???Skillset risk

Let’s talked about the T-shaped skillset, question is, do you have the broad soft skills set (Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Critical Thinking, Effective Communication or Conflict Management) to name a few. Given a hypothetical situation, imagine you are applying for a Human Resource (HR) Profession, have you considered what are some core transferrable skills you possess to blend into this career venture. In addition, coming from a different working background, how much do you know about HR? The different functions of HR: Recruitment, Talent Management, Learning & Development, Compensation, HRIS, Industrial Relations or Strategic Organisational Design. In this case, do you have what it takes to be an effective HR Professional?

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?3)???Labour Market and Competency Risk

Based on the latest MOM statistics, the local unemployment rate stays positive, which signifies an improvement recruiting trend after the deadly COVID-19 where many establishments were closed and downsized. Hiring is up again and the good news is that there are many employment schemes dished out to working adults in getting good jobs as well as career switches. For instance, established institution like SP-PACE has worked with relevant government authorities to train up job applicants to fit into our emerging industries. Individuals may also tap on their Skills Future credit to keep pace with the latest trends and continually upskill based on the latest training programs. Career switchers may want to consider the following pillars: Digital, Green and Care industries where the demand for applicants are strong.

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4. Psychological Risk

As a Career Coach, I encountered applicants who have ‘brain freeze’ when choosing a different career path. He / She stays doubtful and sceptical about owns’ abilities to blend and excel in new work environment.?The psychology of job search can be a barrier to attaining good jobs. There is tendency to bounce you off tangent as you asked yourself the following:

?a)???What if I cannot do the job?

b)???What if I cannot adjust into the new work environment?

c)???What if I fail? Will others look down on me?

The negative mindset is the first and most important hurdle, once you overcome it, the rest is manageable. You may utilise positive self-talk and be very objective and systematic as you pursue a new career journey. So, if you think that the above pointers are within your favour & control, congratulation and read on to the next point on rebranding yourself.

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?Here are some tips to rebrand yourself

1.???Create and update your LinkedIn

Having a LinkedIn account has many advantages: It provides an online presence of yourself and the services your offer. Potential hiring managers are scanning the horizon to find good candidates. Besides, you could read relevant articles on work articles like organizations events, trainings or Corporate Social Responsibilities activities. You could pick up some useful ideas and consider if the mission, vision and values are aligned with yours before applying to the company. Get to know professionals within the industry to know more about new insights and challenges.???

2.???Customised your cover letter and resume

Before submitting your resume, ensure that it is customised according to the job description. Highlight all the relevant skills and experiences pertaining to the job and never send generic resumes. Research the company first and make sure your career objective meets the company’s. There are plenty of resources to make your resume look sharper and concise. Remember, vet through the resume multiple times before pressing the submit button. Nowadays, some HR managers are using Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to screen loads of applicants’ resume, be sure to pass this screening process.

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3.???Continually improve your interviewing skills

The first question: “Tell me about yourself” is a startler question. Be specific and relevant to the job that you are applying. Don’t spend to much time talking about the past employers who were perceived evil and never lie. Get a friend to do role playing. There are many questions that may be asked, just anticipate and prepare them in advance and enjoy the process. Make sure you have a few questions to ask the interviewers too. It is a two-way conversation. A chance to know if you are joining the right company.

For more information on interviewing questions, do check out my previous LinkedIn Post on “Interviewing questions for Job Seekers”.

https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/terencechow168168_hradvisor-jobseekers-interviewtraining-activity-6830725747158724608-D3kp?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

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Quote of the day:

"Don't limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as you mind lets you. What you believe you can achieve."

– Mary Kay Ash

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Wishing you all the best for your next career transition!

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Terence Chow is a freelance Soft Skills Trainer & Curriculum Developer.?