Are you stuck in a job you don’t like? Do you feel the
desire to change careers? Is there something you’ve always wanted to do for a
living?
Sometimes a job or career change, or even the pursuit of
your ideal job or way of life, is necessary or desired. It is extremely rare
when someone finds a job or profession they truly love every hour of every day.
That concept is basically a pipe dream. Nonetheless, a job or career that is
personally and professionally rewarding is much better than one that makes you
miserable most of the time.
First of all, it is important to have a job or source of
income to pay your bills and debts, as well as provide shelter, clothing and
food for you and your family. So, quitting a job because you don’t like, it is
not always the practical dive to take, unless it has become truly harmful to
your sanity, safety or well-being.
Ideally, you want to transition to a new job or career with
as little of a gap as possible between employment or income generating
activities. Here’s what you can do, even if your actions have to be gradual and
discreet, to make that transition efficiently:
1. Truly learn what talents
and traits you have and need.
Is there a skill you need to develop to put a talent into
action? If so, get trained and/or educated so you can have that skill. Or do
you have a unique personality trait that can be of great value in certain jobs
or careers? In some way you are gifted or can become gifted, so get to the
point where you can use your gift to your advantage as well as for the benefit
of others.
2. Do some research.
Which type of companies, organizations or people can benefit
from your talents or skills? Where are they located? Read trade magazines, newspapers
and books and scan corporate websites (your local public library is a great
resource to access these sources for free).
3. Study prospective employers
so you are knowledgeable or aware of policies, personnel and chances for
advancement.
Are these things a good fit for you? If so, determine how your talents or skills can benefit them and/or their customers or
clients. Forget about “a job.”
Forget whether or not there is
an opening. Forget the usual routine
of “have you got a job for me?” Concentrate
on what you can give.
4. Once you have your plan in
mind, arrange with an experienced writer, to help you put it in writing--neat
form and in full detail.
Usually this is in a résumé and cover letter format, but
perhaps you can be creative and maybe make a PowerPoint presentation, a
brochure or maybe even a website. After all, you’re selling yourself as someone
who can give something of value; whether it is ideas, services or connections,
so you want your message on a medium that will grab someone’s attention and
make them interested in you. Every company or organization has room for the
person who has a definite plan of action it can value from--so make it obvious
to them that they have room for you!
5. Be sure your message is
delivered to the right person
who has the authority to make
the decision to bring you on board.
(The pencil pusher in human resources IS NOT that person!)
Find a way to cross paths with this person even if you have to slip in the back
door to do it. Or maybe you can make an appointment by contacting their
administrative assistant. If their assistant is reluctant in accommodating your
request, don’t say it’s a job interview rather, emphasize the importance of the
appointment being to present a tremendous opportunity for the company or
organization.
6. Lastly, you can look within
your own company or organization to create an opportunity for yourself.
My daughter, who has been slowly working her way up in her
company, emailed this message to the company president after she completed numerous
marketing projects for him per his request (tasks/duties outside of her job description):
“[Our company] could use a marketing/communications coordinator to work
cross-departmentally, maybe someone who has worked in most of the departments
and knows our products very well. I have a résumé if you’re interested.” To
which he replied, “Okay, bring me your résumé.” She immediately walked down the
hallway and handed it to him. So now what do you think her chances are of
getting this position if he actually creates it? (And probably with an
accompanying pay raise!) So don’t be afraid to go after what you want. Use
these strategies and always demand to be paid what you’re worth. If you do, your
chances of getting the exact position you desire become bigger and better than
you ever thought possible.
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