With so many jobs lost and businesses closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans have suddenly found themselves out of work or under threat of losing their jobs. While this is a difficult time for many, it also could be the right time to think about a mid-career (or even late-career) pivot. Whether you’re looking to move into another position within your industry or into an entirely new career, here are some steps to help you emerge from the crisis with a job you love.
Chart Your New Path
The first thing you’ll need to decide on is your overall goal, so start at the drawing board and figure out a plan for a career pivot. Here are step-by-step instructions to figure out your career goals.
● Reflect: Make a list of your strengths and what makes you happy. Maybe you love being around animals or spending time in the kitchen, or perhaps you’re good at learning new languages. Any of your strengths or passions could open up a potential career path. If you’re running into a mental block, try the free online O*Net Interest Profiler. If you’re still stuck, you might consider the Birkman Career Assessment and the DISC Personality Profile.
● Dream a little: It’s OK to daydream! Let yourself imagine many different possible futures. Remember, at this stage, you’re trying to think big, so there are no wrong answers.
● Identify your transferable skills: Make a list of your transferable skills. Otherwise known as “intangible” skills, these might include tasks that don’t relate to any one job, such as problem-solving, multitasking and communication skills. Now, think about how you could put these intangibles to work. Restaurant workers, for example, have interpersonal skills that could be useful in a variety of other careers.
● Talk it out: Changing careers can be stressful, but remember that you’re not in this alone. Talk with friends and family about the career ideas you’re considering. Not only will this make it more real, but it will also help you refine your elevator pitch about yourself. This will be helpful down the line when you’re interviewing for a new job and telling the story of your career trajectory.
● Look at the market: Do you want to stay in the same field or move to a new one? Your decision should be based, at least partly, on whether a field is growing or contracting. For example, while hospitality and construction have been hit hard during the pandemic, e-commerce and cybersecurity are growing. Use Glassdoor’s Job Market Report to get a clear idea of hiring trends in multiple fields.
● Use LinkedIn: LinkedIn is useful not only for networking but also for job hunting. Search LinkedIn’s jobs board by the skills you’ve listed and see what kinds of businesses are looking for them. This may lead you to an industry you hadn’t considered.
Put Your Plan into Action
You’ve reflected on your strengths and studied the job market. You’ve identified the career you want to pursue. Now it’s time to make it happen.
● Update your resume: Go back to the list of strengths (including intangibles) that you made earlier. When you’re updating your resume, focus on the accomplishments and the skills most relevant to your desired job. Cut older, less relevant jobs and move education information to the bottom unless it’s recent and relevant. Don’t forget to remove any technical knowledge (like using Word) that’s now assumed to be in everyone’s skill set. Also, make sure it’s easy to read. That means no long paragraphs—use bullet points instead.
● Take a class: Whether you’re moving into a new field or seeking to advance in your current one, make time during social distancing to take a free online class to hone your skills. You’ll find a ton of free classes to audit through Coursera, edX and Class Central. This is a great way to learn more about your new field and set yourself apart from other applicants.
● Network: We can’t emphasize this enough. If you’re looking to move up in your current company, introduce yourself to senior co-workers. If you’re trying to break into a new industry, follow and engage with people on LinkedIn and ask them for an informational interview via video chat. Reengage with “dormant contacts,” such as former colleagues, old classmates and friends who may have moved on to a new company or a new field themselves. Putting in the effort will pay off in the long run.
● Volunteer or take an internship: While this isn’t always possible, if you can afford to do some free work, it can help you transition into a new career. Volunteering or interning will put you in touch with a new set of people and give you the chance to dabble in a new field to see if you like it. Plus, when it comes time to apply for a new job, you’ll have a point person to send your resume to.
● Start a blog or Twitter account: Another great way to signal your interest and growing expertise in your field is to start a blog or Twitter account focused on the industry. Not only will writing about your new field compel you to learn more about it, this will also signal your enthusiasm to your future employer.
Close the Deal
You’ve identified your career path, updated your resume and found an open position. Now it’s time to close the deal and interview for the job of your dreams.
● Nail the online interview: For the foreseeable future, many interviews are likely to be conducted online. Make sure you focus on the small details that can make a big difference. Put your laptop on a stack of books so you’re eye-to-eye with the interviewer. Make sure the lighting is right. Upgrade your microphone and webcam. And if your Wi-Fi is unstable, connect directly using an ethernet cable.
● Send a thank-you: After an interview, always make sure to send a thank-you email. You’d be surprised how few people do this and what a difference it can make. This is a chance to stay in touch with your interviewer and to signal your strong interest in the job. In your note, follow up on any loose threads or unanswered questions from your interview.
● Be flexible: Depending on the career path you’ve chosen, the job market could be tight. These are tough times for many—in terms of business and personal life. So make sure to treat your interviewer with empathy, and be flexible. After all, they might have recently taken a pay cut or changed careers themselves. Keep in mind that now is not the time to be overly demanding. Above all, stay positive and upbeat.
Job searches can take time—and they always take effort—and during the pandemic there are even more people than usual who are searching for work. Keep in mind that you will not automatically be handed the job you want, but if you don’t actively work toward the job you want, you’ll never get there.
William Myers is a financial writer based in Dallas.
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