How to Change Careers

Changing careers can be daunting, particularly in a recession — but if you've been dreaming about switching to a new line of work, it can also be exhilarating and energizing. Whatever the reason you're shifting career gears — because jobs are scarce in your current line of work, or because you've developed a passion for an exciting new field — do your homework before making your move. Map out a detailed plan for your career transition and research positions where you can transfer skills from your previous work experience.

Assess yourself: Identify your greatest strengths and passions. What tasks and projects do you excel at and enjoy? When you perform this self-assessment, zero in on transferable skills that you can use to market yourself to recruiters and hiring managers in a new field.

Once you have a list of skills and experience, you can revamp your LinkedIn profile to highlight them to recruiters. For instance, you can change your profile's “headline” — the text that appears directly under your name — to announce your interest in making a career change. Consider something like “Recent MBA Grad Seeking Opportunities in Product Marketing” or “Seasoned Account Manager Branching Into Social Media,” so that hiring professionals know you're broadening your view of available opportunities.

Also be sure to explain your reason for a career transition in your profile summary and emphasize why the new field is a great fit for you. Lastly, as you develop skills related to your new field (see more on this below), make sure to add them to your profile so that recruiters searching for those keywords can find your profile.

Do the research: Once you have a clear idea of the skills and experience you can offer to a recruiter, you can begin gathering information that will help you in your search. Reach out to friends and colleagues in the new field to find out how to position yourself for success. Ask these connections for honest feedback about your resume and cover letter so that you can figure out how to present yourself as effectively as possible. For example, find out if you should place greater emphasis on certain skills and previous jobs, while de-emphasizing others.

Also, ask connections for introductions to contacts in your chosen field — it's always easier to reach out to someone when you have a friend or colleague in common. If your dream is to work in corporate finance, for instance, don't forget to ask connections both inside and outside of that field who they know — it's surprising where new contacts can come from.

You can also customize LinkedIn Today on your LinkedIn homepage so that you see the latest news relevant to your field every time you sign in, and receive daily LinkedIn Today emails.

Take part in group discussions: Join LinkedIn groups that are relevant to the new field in which you'd like to work. You can simply read discussions in order to understand the trending issues in the field, or you can participate and ask questions about where to find new career opportunities.

With a LinkedIn Job Seeker Premium subscription, you can also reach out to people who aren't in your network by using InMails. With InMails you could request informational interviews or referrals to other hiring sources. You can use informational interviews to discover more about the field you'd like to move into, or find out how to highlight your skills to hiring professionals in the new line of work.

Find a mentor: As you talk to friends and colleagues and get to know people in LinkedIn groups, consider asking one of your new connections to be your mentor during your career change. He or she should be working in the field you're pursuing, and knowledgeable about career opportunities. Your mentor can also help you refine your LinkedIn profile so that it highlights the most relevant skills and experience for the new career.

You may have to ask several people before you find someone who's willing to take the time to work with you. Consider suggesting an exchange of skills or advice — perhaps one of your talents or hobbies can help out a mentor who's also seeking out some new skills development. Always thank your mentor and ask if there's any way you can support them in their professional endeavors.

Credentials: Does your career change require new certifications, training, or professional memberships? Obtain these before you actively begin applying for jobs and talking to recruiters, so they'll know you're serious.

Asking questions or starting discussions in LinkedIn groups can help you determine the training you need, the professional associations to join, or any other requirements for your desired role. Remember that you'll get more out of groups if you participate instead of just observing: don't be afraid to ask group members for their advice.

Test waters with short-term assignments: If your schedule allows it, seek out temporary assignments that let you refine your idea of the perfect career-change position and responsibilities. Short-term work can also help build up your contacts in the new field and may lead to a permanent position.

Also consider volunteer opportunities if they're available (or micro-volunteering, which only requires a small time commitment), and even internships. While you won't earn money, you'll gain the skills you need to fill out your resume. (And you can highlight these experiences in the Volunteer Experience & Causes profile section.)

Switching careers can be a slow process, requiring in-depth research and ongoing networking — but it's worth the effort when you truly want to breathe new life into your career. Be realistic about the time it will take, and stay active in professional groups, both in your community and online.