4 Things You Should Do When Starting Over in a Different Career

It’s never too late for a career change. Here’s what you can do to prepare for your next adventure.

By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM

Updated on 2025-01-16 at 7:42 AM

Changing careers is a big decision, but it’s more common than you think. Whether you’re seeking new challenges, better work-life balance, or simply want to pursue something you’re passionate about, switching careers can be a transformative experience.

However, making a career change requires careful planning and consideration, especially if you don’t have direct experience in the field you’re transitioning into. Without the right approach, you may face challenges along the way. But don’t worry—by following a few key steps, you can successfully navigate this transition. 

Here are four crucial things you need to do when starting over in a new career:

1. Clearly Indicate Your Career Change in Your Resume

One of the first things you need to do when switching careers is to update your resume to reflect your new career path. Be transparent about your intentions and explain why you’re making the change. Highlight transferable skills that you’ve gained from your previous roles that can apply to your new career.

For example, if you’re transitioning from customer service to marketing, you might focus on your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience working with customers. Tailoring your resume to emphasize these transferable skills shows potential employers that although you’re new to the field, you have valuable experience that will help you succeed. Don’t forget to mention any relevant courses, certifications, or training you’ve completed to bolster your qualifications.

Additionally, if you’re shifting into a completely different industry, consider adding a “Career Objective” or “Summary” section to your resume, where you can explain your career change and the value you bring to the table.

2. Start Building New Skills with Online Courses

When you change careers, you’re likely going to need to acquire new skills. Thankfully, the internet is full of accessible and affordable learning resources that can help you get up to speed.

Online courses, certifications, and webinars are excellent ways to gain knowledge and expertise in your new field. Whether it’s learning coding for a career in software development or gaining proficiency in data analysis for a role in business intelligence, there’s no shortage of options.

By taking online courses, you demonstrate to potential employers that you’re committed to learning and growing within your new career. In addition, these courses allow you to build a portfolio of work or projects that you can show off during interviews. Many platforms even offer certifications that can be added to your resume, which can further boost your credibility and qualifications.

3. Leverage Your Past Experience to Your Advantage

Even though you’re entering a new career, your previous work experience is still valuable. The skills you’ve developed in your past roles—whether it’s leadership, problem-solving, or project management—can be applied to your new career.

Think about how your past job responsibilities can translate into your new role. For example, if you’ve managed a team in your previous job, you can highlight your leadership and collaboration skills, which are valuable in virtually any industry. If you’ve worked in customer-facing roles, you likely have strong communication and interpersonal skills that can be applied to a new role in sales or marketing.

When speaking with potential employers, focus on how your previous experiences can offer a fresh perspective and unique value to your new career. Employers will appreciate that you bring a wealth of transferable skills, even if your experience in the specific field is limited.

4. Be Financially Prepared for a Pay Decrease

One of the realities of switching careers is that you may have to take a pay cut, at least initially. It’s important to be prepared for this financial adjustment and understand that the transition may take time.

Depending on the industry and the role you’re transitioning into, you may need to start at an entry-level position or accept a lower salary than you were previously earning. This is a normal part of the process, especially if you’re changing to a field where you don’t have direct experience.

To ensure you’re financially prepared, take the time to assess your budget and make adjustments where necessary. You may need to cut back on non-essential expenses or create a savings buffer to help you during this transitional period.

Keep in mind that, although your salary may be lower at the start, it’s an investment in your long-term career growth. As you gain experience and prove your value, you’ll have opportunities to earn more and advance within your new field.

Check out our other articles for more career switch tips:

Making a career switch can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By following these steps and preparing yourself for the transition, you can set yourself up for success in your new career. Ready to make the leap? Start your career transition today with valuable resources and job opportunities on Hiredly!

By Matt Khoo on 2023-11-27 at 7:11 AM