5 schoolboy errors when planning a career transition
So you fell into your job many years ago and now you're thinking, 'there must be something better'! The thing is, you said the same thing to yourself last week, last month, last year. Nothing has changed.
Here are 5 schoolboy (or schoolgirl) errors you might be making when considering a career move.
1. You contact a recruiter or start looking on job boards
If you don't really know what you're looking for, how will you know when you find it? The process of finding work that gives you fulfilment is about answering three questions in this order;
- Who am I?
- What do I want?
- How do I get it?
Most people jump straight to the second question, or even the third. Without having a good understanding of what makes you tick, it's impossible to know what type of role will bring out the best in you.
2. You take a passive approach to job hunting
Basically you upload your CV to job boards, get email alerts about job vacancies and wait for your recruiter to call you about your dream job. How about being proactive by building your network and enhancing your business relationships? Speak to people who do the type of work you're interested in, or people who work in your ideal sector. Use your current network first, then use social media such as LinkedIn to search for the right contacts.
3. Don't tell anyone that you're unhappy or that you are looking at alternative opportunities
The more people who know you are job hunting, the more help and support you get. It doesn't have to be your current colleagues. I'm talking about friends and family. Even a throwaway comment at the gym can lead to making contact with the right person.
4. You just focus on your skills and current experience when looking for opportunities
Understanding who you are, is not just about knowing your best skills. It's about knowing what is important to you about work and being aware of your interests, passions and personality traits.
5. You fail to identify and challenge the barriers that have stopped you from taking action in the past
We all have barriers or limiting beliefs. They are usually long held beliefs about the world of work (e.g. nobody really enjoys their job) or limiting beliefs about ourselves (e.g. I'm not good enough to do that). If these are not identified and challenged, they will hinder your progress or stop you taking action altogether.
It's not easy but you can rectify all of the above points yourself, but a good career coach can help you to achieve your goals far quicker that you can do it alone. After all, if it was easy, you would have done it already!