How to Secure a New Role in an Employer's Market (& The No.1 Question from candidates!)... 5 min read

As a partner at an executive search company in Singapore, I see firsthand the challenges that candidates face in today's employer's job market. One of the most common requests I receive from candidates is that they want to change job function, industry, or location. While this is a perfectly understandable desire, it's important to note that it can be very difficult to achieve in an employer's job market.

The most common reasons cited to me for a move outside a candidates experience are usually "I want to try something new" or "I want to be in a thriving industry/function/location". After all, your valuable skills and experience are transferrable, right?

A recent survey by LinkedIn found that 70% of job seekers are open to changing careers. However, the survey also found that only 14% of job seekers were successful in changing careers in the past year.

This data suggests that it is becoming increasingly difficult to change careers, especially in an employer's job market. However, the data also suggests that there is still hope for job seekers who are determined to make a change.

Employers are currently looking for candidates who have a deep understanding of their industry and the specific role they're hiring for. They're also looking for candidates who are a good fit for their company culture. As a result, they're less likely to take a chance on a candidate who is making a career change.

However, there are a few things that candidates can do to maximize their chances of success in their search for a new role, even if they're looking to change job function, industry, or location.

1. Clarity.

The first step is to be clear about your goals. What job function do you want to transition to? What industry do you want to work in? What location are you looking for? Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, you can start to develop a plan to achieve them.

This may sound obvious. However, most seekers haven't spent time thinking through options and writing down their thoughts.

2. Knowledge.

Once you know what you're looking for, it's important to do your research. Learn as much as you can about the job function, industry, and location you're interested in.

Look at trends, put yourself in their shoes. Which areas are underserved, what is your most likely "in"?

This will help you to identify the skills and experience that employers are looking for.

3. Network with people in your field.

I know this is a shuddering thought for some, if the thought of meeting new people puts you off, ask yourself why?

Common answers are social anxiety, feeling disingenuous and making enough time to do so given current workload.

The first two reasons can usually be improved upon by focusing on relationships over transactional thinking.

The third reason, is usually improved upon by starting small, attend once, twice and build the habit.

If your focus is a genuine interest, openness and exchange of information, you might just be surprised by the response. Ask whether you can share ideas, potentially help others with your experience and in the process pick up industry information along the way. The eventual goal is your dream role, however there's a lot of fun and connections you can make along the way!

Networking is a great way to learn about new opportunities and meet people who can help you in your search. Attend industry events, connect with people on LinkedIn, and reach out to former colleagues and classmates.

4. Tailor your resume and cover letter (more on cover letters below) to each job you apply for.

Don't just send out the same generic resume and cover letter to every job you apply for. Take the time to tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job. This will show employers that you're serious about the position and that you've taken the time to learn about their company.

On the topic of a cover letter, these are fast becoming outdated (an unopened). Consider providing a summary in bullet point form within the body of an email.

Ask yourself "which 5 achievements and/or pieces of information would make this hiring manager have to meet me and discuss the role?".

5. Be prepared to explain why you're looking for a career change.

In your interviews, be prepared to explain why you're making a career change. Be specific and honest about your goals and motivations.

Employers want to see that you're passionate about the role you're interviewing for and that you're committed to your career change.

The narrative needs to be realistic, have an informed sense of passion and grounded in a desire to do the hard work necessary to be a success.

This can be demonstrated through specific examples of your research, and ability to connect to peers in your desired area of focus.

6. Think about what the steps of progress might look like along the way and what sacrifices you're willing to make.

This is particularly true when multiple changes are the goal, i.e. a new industry and a new location or function. This usually needs a phased approach to make progress achievable in the near term.

Are you willing to move to a less desirable location for a shot at your dream industry? You might want that general management role, however do your customer experience skills give you a better shot of landing that role in your dream organisation? You can then demonstrate your capability and have your name in the frame for the next GM role.

Remember, recruitment is a relative process. You're up against the best internal candidates with established relationships and results. You're also up against the best talent externally through talent teams and external executive search agencies.

The thought process and sacrifices above show you're thinking about a win win situation and not solely your own goals, this may just give you the edge.

Here are some additional tips for candidates who are looking to change job function, industry, or location in an employer's job market:

• Be patient and persistent. It may take some time to find the right job, especially if you're making a career change. Don't give up. Be clear about your job search cadence, goals and keep building momentum.
• A more junior role. If you're making a career change, you may need to start at a lower level than you were at in your previous role. However, this is a great way to gain experience in your new field.
• Recruiters. A recruiter can help use their relationships and previous track record to get you that interview. They can also help you to prepare for interviews and negotiate salary. The key thing here, is to fully understand their coverage, track record in your area of focus and whether they are fully committed to supporting your search. One or two fully vetted and motivated consultants are worth 10 who aren't.

Making a career change in an employer's job market is not easy, but it is possible. By following the tips above, you can maximize your chances of success.

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