Many professionals are being forced to reinvent themselves as career opportunities disappear or change dramatically. How can you polish your reputation, resume and referrals to win that promotion, get a new job or start a new career?
Here’s how a hospitality professional moved into finance; a techie in research moved into business development; and a high power corporate executive went to work in the non-profit world.
1. Know what you don’t know and get to know it.
First, you need to develop a detailed understanding of where you want to go, and the knowledge and skills necessary to get there. Network with people in that field or department; take classes to get up to speed fast and develop a marketing plan.
“Having transitioned into finance, I have found being able to speak the “language” used was very valuable in establishing credibility and demonstrating that I’m a quick study and able to think fast on my feet.”
2. Show how past fits into present.
It’s like a job interview — you’re turning what could be perceived as a weakness ( he worked in various jobs living abroad for 5 years) into a compelling strength that people can remember (He’s very perceptive of other cultures and would work well in our office that handles our international business)..
“Yes talk about on what you’ve learned, your journey, etc. – but what matters to employers most and what will get you hired is a clear articulation of your value and precisely what you can do for them.”
3. Reintroduce yourself.
You have to strategically re-educate people about your new direction and, when appropriate, ask for their help, advice, or business. That means a concerted effort to contact key people individually. Yes, it’s time consuming but a one-time email blast to everyone is not very effective. That’s just the starting point. Then you need to assess who you are, and who you want to be, for social media.. What changes do you need to make to your LinkedIn profile, Facebook, Twitter, blogs podcast, etc?
“How many of your friends and family know what you do for a living? Not just your job title, but what you actually do. It amazes me how little people do to market themselves to people they know and who know them.”
Smart Moves Tip:
Your goal to change your field, industry or career a may make perfect sense to you, but how can you convince others to embrace your new brand — and take you seriously? It requires that you be crystal clear about who you are, what you bring to the table and where it will be appreciated. Then develop a plan to market yourself.
Are you in the midst of reinventing yourself? What challenges have you had? What insights can you share with others?
Do you know what YOU do today will directly influence your career in 3, 5 or 10 years?
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Copyright © 2011 Marcia Zidle - the Actualizer – career strategist and leadership coach.
Tags: career advancement, career advice, career brand, career management, Marcia Zidle