Posted on 31/01/2024 by
Almost two years ago now, I was unexpectedly let go from my job in Crew Management in the aviation industry after 20 years. I was neither ready for a mid-life career change, nor did I want it. It was definitely a shock and I felt disappointed. However, in hindsight, it gave me the opportunity to re-evaluate my career goals and prepare for a fresh start. Fast forward and not only did I find myself thriving in a new environment, but it has given me a fresh perspective on what is important for me.
Here are my top 10 tips for anyone going through a mid-life career change:
1. Pursue your passions: Take some time to figure out what you're interested in and what career path would make you happiest, pursuing something you love will motivate you to make the change a success. Remember to take your time and not to put too much pressure on yourself.
2. Learn new skills: Assess the skills you already have, as someone making a mid-life career change you may find that you are slightly out of touch with what organisations are looking for. Do some research into any career fields that interest you and learn the skills and qualifications you need to make yourself more marketable. Learning a new skill can also be a great way to train your brain and is good fun.
3. Build your network: Reach out to people in your desired industry and make new connections. They can provide advice; job leads and recommendations that will help you in your career transition smoothly.
4. Research potential employers: Look into companies you admire they may have opportunities that match your interests and skills. This can help inspire your career change vision.
5. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile: When applying to roles, you should always try to tailor your resume to the specific role, highlighting your relevant experience and skills for your new career path. You may need multiple resumes for different positions. Giving your LinkedIn profile a refresh will enable recruiters to match you to suitable opportunities.
6. Practice interviewing: You may be a little out of touch with interviewing due to being in a role for a long time. Take time to prepare yourself for the job interview process, as it can be nerve-wracking to interview for new roles in a different field. Practice your responses to common interview questions.
7. Set achievable goals: Create a list of goals you would like to achieve when looking for the role, this could be something as simple as learning a new skill or applying for a certain number of roles. Establish specific and realistic goals and set target dates to keep you focused and progressing in your transition. Review and revise your goals as needed.
8. Having a financial cushion: If you are planning on making a big change in your career, try to save prior to this. Having a financial cushion no matter how big or small will help support you in this move and allow you to take your time and ensure it is the right change for you.
9. Find a mentor: You may be able to identify this person within your network. This could be someone that you can learn from and has a career you aspire to; you can ask questions about their role, advice on how to join the career path, qualifications you may need, and experiences they’ve had. If they are able, you could ask to meet regularly to support you.
10. Apply for new roles: Applying for a new role when you’ve been in a long-term position can be daunting but start applying for vacant positions in your desired new career field. Don't be discouraged by rejection and learn from your experiences to improve your applications and interviews. Persistence is key!
These tips are designed for those looking to make a jump and change their path mid-career, although they can be adapted and used for all of those looking for a new position. I hope you can use these tips to boost your confidence and increase your chances of success in your career change. If you are looking for your next career move in business support you can get in touch with me atmmv@charlottefrank.comand you view our latest roleshere.