For a lot of people, thinking about a career shift is exciting and challenging, although not without its risks. You don’t always have to start again if you want to steer your career in a completely new direction and your Asset Resourcing consultant will give you all the help and advice you need to help you – whichever path you decide on.

What do I want to do and where do I want to go?

This is a tough one. No doubt about it. Sometimes you’ll know exactly what you want to do and it becomes a case of making sure you’re qualified and then Asset Resourcing will find you a suitable position. For most people though, this isn’t the case. You may know you want a career shift but into what career? What industry? What sort of position?

By identifying what you enjoy, where your interests are and the skills you have, you will find the right path, it just may take a little longer. This is not a process that can be rushed. It takes as long as it takes but here are some useful points that will help you –

1. List your ‘transferable’ skills

It can often be very hard to take an objective look at your current job, identify what skills you utilise and what, if anything, you can take from your current career into your new one. If you walked by any marketing department in the late 1990s, you’ll have heard, ad infinitum, ‘think outside the box’. At Asset Resourcing, we say ‘think outside the CV’.

As a practical example, parenting skills provide a perfect grounding in organisation and prioritising tasks in a time-pressured environment. Your hobby or sport will also introduce skills that can be applied in a work scenario – teamwork, attention to detail, diplomacy, management etc.

Talk to us. It’s what we’re here for. We are experienced at being able to draw out your ‘transferable’ skills from your past or current employment and it will also give you the confidence to move forward.

2. Look, look and keep looking

Comprehensive research is essential when considering a career shift. Information empowers change and will go a long way to ensure that whatever you end up doing, your move will have been carefully considered and therefore it will have a much higher chance of success.

As with most things, the internet is the ‘go to’ source of research and information but look also at industry trade journals, online forums and try and talk to people in the industry you’re interested in as well as our consultants. You can never have too much knowledge.

Networking and mentoring

Once you’ve identified the industry, company or even the position you’re interested in, look for a mentor – someone whom you admire that can work with you to help you move forward.

People like being asked for advice. It’s flattering, and generally they are willing to impart advice and information you wouldn’t have access to simply by trawling the internet. If you’re offered work experience or shadowing, grab the opportunity with both hands! This gives you the perfect opportunity to size up the industry you’re interested in before investing time and money into the move.

Keep trying…

As you’ll be aware, this isn’t an exact science. It can involve a lot of trial and error and may take longer than you’d originally hoped but please don’t give up on the basis that it’s too hard, too stressful or worse, you can’t be bothered.

Asset Resourcing is here for you. Most of our consultants have been though what you’re going through right now so talk to us. We don’t rest until we’ve found you your perfect job – neither should you.