You Want A Change, But You Don't Know What To Do

This has been quite a year for people searching for work.  Many of them are thinking about doing something different.  While changing careers and/or industry can be difficult, it is certainly possible.  This change is particularly difficult with so many people unemployed.  The competition among qualified candidates is great.  For someone wanting to move into a new industry, this can be a difficult hurdle.  They are immediately seen as less qualified for not having the industry experience.  However, if using strong networking contacts, lacking some of the requirements can sometimes be overlooked.

I asked the question the other day of some twitter colleagues about how they recommend job seekers find new occupations that might be of interest.  One colleague recommended using LinkedIn.  She recommends her clients use that to find people with similar backgrounds and look at what career paths have been and where they go onto next.  (If I could remember who said this, I would certainly give her credit, sorry)

The other tool I recommend all the time to people is O*Net.  It has a new look and includes "Green Occupations".  (Thank you to @KarenUnderhill at MinnesotaWorks for the update info).

Most importantly, it is going to take conversations with people to get some of the clarifying information you will need to move forward.  Those people can be friends, mentors, career coaches...They key is to keep the process of exploration moving forward.  Don't delay.  Set a deadline.  There may not be any ONE perfect job, so don't hold out.  Explore and move forward with one of interest and see where that information takes you.  You may find something else along the way. 

If you know someone who is exploring, help them by introducing them to people who may be able to help provide information (not a job, INFORMATION).

If you are looking for ideas of emerging occupations/predictions for hot occupations, you'll have to read this article from Fast Company.  Here are the top 3, no surprises...

1. Nursing/Medical Services
2. Computing /Engineering
3. Education

The article also explores some predicted trends in types of employment for the future.  What do you know about telecommuting?  Will there really be droves of people retiring?  These and other issues are already impacting the employment situation.   Also check out Fast Company's link to the Best Green jobs. 

Keep your eyes and ears open!

Comments

[RickSmithAuthor]

I just spent 8 years working with a leading industrial psychologist, developing a career assessment tool. its called the Primary Color Assessment, and is available online for free (www.primarycolorassessment.com). Over a quarter million pageviews so far.

The point is that you first need to discover who you are - what is the intersection of your greatest strengths and passions. (the tool helps you do this). Then, move toward a job that leverages that. The objective early in a career is discovery - gain experiences that shine a light on what you do well and what really engages you - then follow it.

Rick Smith