You have probably heard the word “pivot” a lot lately (and no, not just because you’re binge-watching Friends again). Between furloughs, layoffs, and general economic uncertainty, many people are starting to rethink their careers. They are going out searching for something more fulfilling, something that matches their desired work-life balance, and something stable and sustainable. If you find yourself wanting to pivot your career, here are a few things you need to consider.
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What Can You Pivot To?
If you’re feeling ready to take the leap to something else, you want to make a deliberate decision that will last long-term. It is your entire future, after all! In most cases, people pick new jobs where many of their old skills are still valid. This only makes sense. When you choose a similar career path, you can build on your previous experiences to launch your new journey. For example, retail sales associates often migrate to careers such as inside sales or business development. According to LinkedIn, such existing skills deliver about 70% to 80% of relevant expertise. This overlap results in more natural and successful transitions without having to start over completely.
What Does a Career Pivot Entail?
When you pivot your career, it’s unfortunately not as simple as just deciding to do something else. Once you’ve chosen your new desired career path, you’ll need to take a few steps in that direction. First and foremost, you’ll need to update your resume. When crafting your new resume, keep it honest but focus on the skills and experiences that are transferable to your new career. Next, you’ll want to boost your marketability by adding new accomplishments. Explore LinkedIn Learning to find courses that will help you learn more about your future position! Finally, dive right in! Start applying to jobs right away to get your feet wet.
How Do You Sell Your Career Pivot?
It can be intimidating to go into an interview knowing that you have little to no experience in an industry or specific role. However, keep in mind that you do have relatable experience for the role! Since you strategically chose a career pivot that complements your previous experiences, you have a whole host of skills connected with this new path. Make a list of transferrable skills. Anything from customer service and sales operations, to empathy and communication. Then, as you apply for jobs, write cover letters, and participate in interviews – reiterate these transferrable skills repeatedly.
It’s essential to keep in mind that a career pivot does not mean you are giving up! On the contrary, it shows that you are resilient, adaptable, and a go-getter. As you embark on this new journey, explore our candidate resources for advice on everything from refreshing your resume to how to answer elusive interview questions.
