Get Clear, then Get the Word Out
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Making a successful career transition takes some work, though nothing a well-thought out plan can’t handle. First comes the uncovering of what it is you want to do and incorporating your passions to ensure fulfillment. Next, identify the potential employers or even the ins and outs of starting a business, then create an action plan to begin the process of actually working in your new desired field. And thirdly, build up your confidence and get the message out to others by clearly articulating what you intend to do.

Read on for more ideas:

Dear Debbie:
I have recently found myself at a stand still. I have about eight years of experience in child care, four years as an uncertified teacher, and three years of experience in employee supervision.

I have employers tell me that my background is excellent, however during the interview they ask if I have obtained a degree. The answer is NO! I have the experience with no degree. Most of my employers promoted me because of my ambition and hard work. I now am stuck with the issue of taking a large pay cut if I continue in the fields in which I have experience. This will literally put me in debt or cause me to lose everything I have worked for. I left my last employer for failure to pay me consistently and at times not paying me at all. What do I do next?
- Fran

Dear Fran:
Here’s something important I want you to think about: First, review all your background, job by job, and identify your biggest accomplishments and strengths in each one. Write these things out and title the page “Fran’s Successes”. Put that document where you will see it on a regular basis and continue adding to it as you think of others. This step reinforces what you say that employers tell you – that your background is excellent.

You must completely believe in yourself so when interviewers ask about your educational background, you can tell them with confidence that, no, you don’t have a degree, but you do have the experience and can-do attitude needed for the job. Tell them you have been promoted in the past because of that ambition and hard work you put into your previous work. Employers will hire for attitude over skills or education if you can express it clearly and confidently. This will help you stay in those fields you’ve been working in and make the money you deserve.

If you’re thinking of switching to another field, you don’t necessarily have to start from scratch. Objectively review your resume and job history and pull out the experience, knowledge and skills you’ve obtained over the years. Think about other industries or jobs that could utilize what you have to offer. Ask around, review job descriptions to get some ideas, and do informational interviews with people in other fields to see how you might fit. You may be surprised to find that your experience in one field is just what another industry is looking for. Again, start by appreciating yourself for what you’ve achieved and don’t be timid about letting people know those strengths. The confidence and positive attitude you display will take you far.


Dear Debbie:
I’ve been in job search mode for several months now, determined to find something that lights me up and uses my transferable skills acquired in the communications industry. I have no desire to go back to that type of work, and seem to get pigeon-holed into that field when I ask people for advice. They don’t seem to hear me say that I’m looking for something entirely different. Can you give me some ideas on how to make this clear? Thanks.
- Bob

Dear Bob:
Here’s where developing a powerful “30-second commercial” will come in handy. First, go through the steps of reviewing your history and get crystal clear on how and where you want to use your transferable skills and knowledge. Do your research on what types of industries will be most interested in what you bring to the table, then go to events where people in that field gather. By presenting your polished presentation to them and speaking their “language”, you should have no problem being understood.

When talking with friends, relatives, and others in your network, again get very clear on what you want and practice articulating that. Ask some objective listeners to give it back to you so you hear what they heard. Keep practicing and tweaking your message. You’ll be much more confident and your job search will pick up momentum. Good luck!