by Sharon Jones

Right now, you may feel as though your career has stalled. Perhaps you have missed out on a promotion you deserved, or you have realized that you no longer enjoy your work. If this is the case, you may be considering a career change - perhaps to a role you have always dreamed of. 

Why not make 2021 the year you take the first steps towards your perfect career? Here’s how! 

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Prepare yourself.

When undergoing a career change, it is important that you prepare yourself in advance. For example, if you are leaving your current job, try to ensure that you have some savings set aside to support you. This means you won’t have to worry about paying your bills at the end of the month. You should also check your current contract to determine how much notice you must give to your employer. 

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Do your research.

The next step to obtaining your dream career is to do your research. Write down a list of your skills. Then, write down a list of all your interests. Once you have completed both lists, try to find areas or skill sets that overlap or align with specific jobs. For example, if you are interested in writing and have a keen eye for detail - you might want to consider a career in copywriting.

Make the most of the resources available to you. Use websites such as indeed to browse local listings, or search for your favorite companies on LinkedIn. Both will provide you with information on upcoming vacancies and applications. 

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Consider retraining 

Sometimes, in order to take the next steps in your career, you may need to take on additional training. For example, if you wish to become an electrician but previously worked in administration, there are specific skills you will need to develop in order to succeed. Thankfully, training has never been easier, thanks to programs such as those provided by 

Abcksmo.org. They provide you with traditional, hands-on training and even give you the opportunity to earn money as you learn. 

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Focus on your resume.

Your resume is your chance to make an excellent first impression on your potential employer. Therefore, you need to ensure it represents all of your best qualities. In addition to a list of your experiences and education, include a brief, bulleted list that details your key skills. Focus on transferable skills that every employer will value, such as teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to work towards a deadline. 

You should also pay close attention to the information provided on the job specification and application - and ensure that you cover all of the required skills. For example, they might state that they need somebody with administrative experience. If you have never world in admin before but have experience writing emails and liaising with customers in a previous role, ensure you mention this. This might mean that you need to edit your resume each time you apply for a new job to ensure it appeals directly to each employer.