We all have had to alter our lives in the last year or so. And for many people, this has meant changing their career on a dime. With massive changes to education resulting in people working from home, but also taking advantage of free online courses, access to information is more unprecedented than ever. But this doesn't help when it comes to getting experience. Many people are, no doubt, thinking about changing their career path for personal and professional reasons. And making a start into another career path is daunting. This is doubly so if you have no experience in it. So what are the best ways to slowly sidestep yourself into a sector you know nothing about?
The Qualification Route
Naturally, getting a qualification gives you insight into an industry. There are certain career paths that don't necessarily require qualifications, but they are certainly the icing on the cake, especially when it comes to the employer deciding between one person and the other. Take, for example, the beauty industry. Acquiring a Diploma in Natural Skincare Formulation or beauty therapy treatments can give you a distinct advantage. Many people in the beauty industry have to go and get work experience. But in the current climate, this is almost impossible. And this means that if you really want to get an insight into a certain career path, acquiring a qualification, especially if you are at home a lot right now, will serve you well.
Learning To Sell Yourself
When we talk about resumes, many employers are looking more for visceral life experience rather than general job skills. It is nice to have the job skills, but, the right employer will know that these skills can be taught. But to give yourself an advantage over competitors, you need to be noticeable, and unusual. It's about showing future employers that you are energetic and motivated but also making sure that you fit into the parameters of that industry or specific job role. It is important to distinguish between being different from being “off the wall.” When it comes to hiring someone, employers want to be able to work with you. When you don't have the experience, selling your life experience and your skills that are “transferable” is crucial.
Playing the Odds
If you've got a job that you have your heart set on, this could set you up for failure. Instead of applying for one job, it's a good opportunity to play the odds. When you are looking at a company, keeping an eye out for other job openings can help you. We have to remember that career trajectories are not always in one direction. They can be sidesteps. And when it comes to working in an industry that you know very little about, starting from the bottom and working your way into areas gives you more experience. It allows you the luxury of being able to see the business from the inside. Working in areas that you know nothing about is fast becoming common, and now is undoubtedly the opportunity to start again.
