How To Find A New Career Path

The average working adult will experience multiple career changes during their working years making it imperative to know how to find a new career path. Times change, technology and industry advance, eliminating careers. The art of job hunting has changed with the onset of technology. The old rules no longer apply and jobs are found and applied for on the Internet. 

1. Make a list of your skills. It is easy to only list the skills you are used to using at your current job. However, your list of skills should include those you acquired with hobbies and volunteering for a group, business or organization. For instance, you have been a volunteer basketball coach for a 5^th grade boys team for three seasons. This gives you experience working with children. Examine each activity you are involved in and list all the skill used.
2. Research the career. Before deciding on a particular career path, research job availability, average pay, benefits, and job requirements. The Internet offers a wealth of information on any subject. If you are considering a career path to being an accountant, search for jobs in accounting in a jobs search engine. Pay attention to the skill and experience requirements listed on each job ad. Make a list of the skills you will need to acquire.
3. Get educated. Taking a class or two may be necessary to achieve your career path goals. Many classes can be taken online at your convenience in front of your own computer. Physically attending a class may not be necessary to get an education because of modern day technology. Check the Website for your local community college or a school specializing in the subject of your new career path for online classes.
4. Get experience. Most jobs require experience and education. Your next question is how you get experience without getting the job. This age old problem has frustrated job seekers for generations. There are other ways to get experience for your career path. Again, let’s assume your new career path is accounting. Go to the accounting department at your existing job and speak to the department head about your career goals. Offer to volunteer a few hours a week or inquire about an internship to get on the job training. Talk to your friends and family about getting on the job training at their company. Look for a part time or entry level position with flexible hours. The goal is to continue earning a living at your regular while you obtain work experience as an intern or volunteer.
5. Getting hired. To get hired you must present yourself through a well written resume, cover letter customized for the job you are applying for, letters of recommendation from the people who gave you on the job experience, and a portfolio of your work if applicable to the job. If you are not certain how to write an effective resume or cover letter there is plenty of free help available online. There is a good chance the company or companies you interned or volunteered for might have an opening for you. As you collected the necessary skills for your new career path, you were networking. Don’t be afraid to approach those people for a job.