Are you feeling stuck trying to figure out what you want in your career?
Identifying what you want next in your career can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re feeling uncertain or totally stuck about what to do next.
Whether you’re contemplating a shift within your current industry, aiming for something entirely new, or just wondering how to get your foot in the door again, the process of finding clarity is essential.
The key is to take actionable steps that will bring you closer to understanding what you truly want.
Firstly take time for self-reflection to identify WHY you want to make a career change.
Once you know the real reasons for making a change, let’s break down the practical steps to take so you can make a start today.
Step 1: Conduct Thorough Research
Before you make any decisions, it’s crucial to understand the employment landscape.
Thorough research will give you insights into the types of roles that align with your skills and interests, as well as the expectations of employers.
What to research:
- Job titles and roles: Look at job descriptions for roles you’re interested in. What skills are in demand? What qualifications do you need? What’s the salary range?
- Industries and companies: Research companies and industries that align with your values and interests. What are they looking for in potential candidates? What’s their corporate culture like?
- Trends and skills: What are the emerging trends in your field? Are there new tools, technologies, or certifications you need to be aware of to remain competitive?
Where to research:
- Job boards: Use sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and SEEK (for those in Australia) to understand what’s in demand. Don’t just look for job openings—pay attention to the skills and qualifications required.
- Company websites: Browse the careers section of the companies you admire. Even if they don’t have open roles, you’ll get a feel for what they value in potential candidates.
- Industry reports: Download reports and whitepapers from trusted industry bodies or job-focused sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn to see what’s trending.
Practical tip: Set aside time each week for research. Put it in your calendar: 30 minutes to an hour. It will keep you in the loop without feeling like an overwhelming task.
Step 2: Job Search Strategies – Go Beyond Just Job Ads
While it’s tempting to only focus on job applications, a more strategic approach will help you uncover more opportunities that are the right fit.
Job search strategies to consider:
- Job boards for research: Don’t just look at available roles; dive into job descriptions to see what skills are consistently in demand. This can give you a better idea of the direction you want to take and the skills you might need to develop.
- Recruitment agencies: Reach out to recruitment firms that specialize in your field. They can provide valuable market insight and offer advice on your skills in relation to industry demand.
Practical tip: Keep track of the roles you’re interested in by creating a spreadsheet that includes job titles, companies, required skills, and any follow-up actions you need to take.
Step 3: Work with Recruiters for Advice
Recruiters are valuable resources who can offer an unbiased perspective on the job market. They can help you narrow down your options and provide feedback on what you might be missing in your skill set or experience. It’s important to know the best way to work with recruiters.
How to work with recruiters:
- Initial conversation: Reach out to recruiters specialising in your area of interest. Let them know you’re exploring career options and would like to hear their advice on the skills or roles they think might be a good fit.
- Be open: Don’t be afraid to let them know if you’re uncertain about your next move. They can often offer insights on what roles are open, what companies are hiring, and the skill gaps you might need to fill.
- Be realistic: Not all recruiters are willing, or have the time to do this, but if you reach out to specialist recruiters you will eventually find one who is candidate focused. Just because one recruiter is not forthcoming, it doesn’t mean they all will ignore you!
- Ask for feedback: After sending over your resume or after a mock interview with them, ask for feedback on your profile or how you can better align with the market.
Practical tip: When reaching out, keep it concise. Let your target audience know that you won’t waste their time. Set a time limit and stick to it!
For example: “Hi [Recruiter’s Name], I’m currently in the process of evaluating my career options and I see your focus is in my area of expertise. I would be interested in your thoughts on the opportunities available in [industry/role] that would be a good fit for my skills and experience.
May we set up a quick conversation to discuss where my skills are most relevant for the roles you focus on?”
Step 4: Network – It’s Not Just About What You Know, It’s About Who Knows What You Can Do!
Networking is one of the most effective ways to discover career opportunities. It’s not only about looking for open roles but about making connections with people who can give you insider insights.
How to network effectively:
- LinkedIn: Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your current career goals. Reach out to your connections and let them know you’re open to new opportunities.
- Industry events and webinars: Attend networking events, webinars, or conferences (even virtually). They’re a great way to meet people in your desired industry and gain valuable information on emerging trends.
- Alumni groups: Tap into your university alumni network. They can be a great source of guidance and opportunities.
Practical tip: When networking, try the “informational interview” approach. Reach out to someone whose career path you admire and ask if they’re open to a 15 to 20-minute chat. Let them know you’re exploring your next career move and would love to hear their perspective.
An example of what to say when reaching out:
“Hi [Name], I came across your profile and noticed we have a shared interest in [industry/topic].
I would love to learn more about your experience and insights in this area. Your advice and guidance would be much appreciated if you have a few minutes for a quick chat. Would you be open to connecting?”
Step 5: Identify Key People in Target Companies and Reach Out
Once you’ve identified companies you’re interested in, it’s time to find out who you should be talking to. Networking with the right people within these organisations can often lead to unadvertised job opportunities.
How to find key people to contact:
- LinkedIn search: Use LinkedIn to find hiring managers, senior leaders, or HR professionals at companies you’re interested in.
- Company websites: Look up the leadership team or department heads. These people might not be directly responsible for hiring, but they can connect you with the right individuals.
- Job boards and recruitment agencies: Some job posts will list the hiring manager or team responsible for the recruitment process. Reach out to them directly for advice or clarification on roles.
What to say when reaching out:
- Introduce yourself: Be clear about who you are and why you’re reaching out.
- Offer value: Let them know what skills or experiences you bring to the table.
- Request a brief chat: Always ask for a quick 15 to 20-minute conversation instead of diving straight into a job ask. This is much more likely to get a positive response.
Example outreach message:
“Hi [Name], I hope you’re well. I’m currently exploring career opportunities in [industry] and wanted to reach out to learn more about [Company].
I’d really appreciate any insights you might have on how someone with my background in [your background that could be a match] might be relevant to the projects you focus on. Would you be open to a brief chat sometime next week?”
Step 6: Follow Up
The job search process doesn’t end after the initial contact. Be sure to follow up after meeting someone or applying for a role.
How to follow up:
- After networking: Send a thank-you note after meeting someone or having a conversation. Reiterate how much you value their time and any insights they shared.
- After applying: Follow up with recruiters or hiring managers after applying to let them know you’re still very interested in the role.
Practical tip: Be polite, concise, and respectful in your follow-ups. People are busy, so keep your messages short and to the point.
Finally, Your Career Journey
Figuring out what you want next in your career is a journey. It is one that takes reflection, research, and ACTION.
By following these practical steps, you’ll be better equipped to explore your options, identify the roles that align with your values and strengths, and ultimately make an informed decision about your next career move.
You don’t have to have all the answers today. Make a start today, and you’ll get clearer as you become well informed.
