Friday 9 March 2012

Changing Career Path

t happens to almost everyone; becoming bored and fed up with your line of work. If a holiday or a new suite won’t quite satisfy that stagnant feeling perhaps it is time for a career change. It doesn’t have to be drastic, but it could give you that new lease of life. Here we’ve got some career change advice for you to consider.
Before you go into job hunting mode, talk to your employer. He or she may have noticed you have lost that spark over the last few months and could well have some solutions to your slump. As mentioned, a career change doesn’t have to be drastic. A few tweaks to your responsibilities or even a sideways step in the organisation you already work could well be the thing you’ve been looking for.



Be honest but tactful with your employer and remember that they are a human being too. Bursting into their office to shout about how pathetic you think their organisation is will not do you any favours. Instead, make an appointment to see them and calmly explain how you feel.

If this is not an option or doesn’t work out, it could well be time to start sending out job applications. Look around before applying as you don’t want to end up in a job that is just as poor, or worse, than your current job. Pick something that truly inspires you as well as something that is within your skill set and qualifications. Talk to friends and acquaintances and always keep an ear to the ground.

Do not quit your current job as it is much harder to find a new one if you are out of work. In addition, if you are drastically changing your career, don’t expect to walk into a job that pays the same salary as your current job.
Before the applications go out, update your CV. It should be no longer than 2 pages long and include all your relevant qualifications, achievements and skills. Your CV should be a working document that is tweaked every time you send out an application. Tailor it, along with a covering letter, to fit the job you are applying for.

Look for a job with a career path and promotion prospects. If you fail to do this you will quickly find yourself becoming fed up with work again. Do not be afraid of ringing potential employers up to talk to them about career prospects if they have advertised vacancies. This could even do you a favour in the long run as employers like taking on individuals that show drive and a willingness to succeed.

Finally, if you are financially stable enough, going back to study may be an option. If you cannot afford to do this full time, there are hundreds of part time courses available offering you a chance to work towards professional qualifications. The Open University delivers all its content online so you can study for a degree in your own time whilst you are still at work.

Whatever you decide upon, be patient and never burn a bridge. Keep working hard and remember that sometimes you might just have to take a risk to take that next step in your career.

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