Networking is an essential tool if you are anticipating a career change. Professionals within your network can lead you to job opportunities, alert you of training and [skills necessary] (“Leverage Your Transferable Skills During a Career Change”) to succeed, and provide inside information about potential employers.
[Seek out advice from professionals] (“10 Tips to Ease Your Fears About a Mid-Career Change”) in your network to better prepare for interviewing with companies. For example, a person from your network may be well versed in the mission and goals of a company, thus providing you with a clear direction in how to steer the interview and focus on how your goals line up with the goals of the business.
If your professional network needs to be expanded, seek opportunities to meet people within the industry through social networking sites such as LinkedIn or Twitter. Join professional organizations within your industry and attend meet-ups and happy hour workshops to make connections. Prepare a 30-second elevator pitch that highlights your skills and experience to launch conversations with people who can offer a recommendation, job lead or referral. Employers are often more likely to hire a candidate who is backed by a professional associated with the company.
Avoid isolating your professional network to just family and friends. Take advantage of the expertise of alumni, career counselors and fellow classmates from your undergraduate or graduate studies. Seek out training opportunities or professional development workshops at local colleges or corporations to enhance your skills and network with people well-versed in your chosen industry. Spread the word that you are seeking a new position in a different field to increase your opportunities.
Photo Courtesy of Moody College of Communications at Flickr.com
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