Never too late! I’m a recruitment expert – here are my six secrets to a successful career change at 40
Recruitment experts have revealed their top tips for changing your career – and how it’s never too late for a fresh start.
The team behind the TikTok account @grootinterview interviewed six people who changed careers at age 40 thanks to a six-step process.
Tips included research, self-assessment and resume writing.
Read on for the experts’ advice.
Speaking to those who have managed to achieve a change in career direction later in life, a recruitment expert has revealed how you can do it yourself
1. Conduct a self-assessment
The expert explained that step one is to “do a self-assessment to determine which direction you want to take.”
Addition: ‘Ask yourself questions like ‘What do you enjoy learning about?’ and ‘Which skills do you like to use?’
You may have already indicated that you want to leave your current career, but haven’t decided what you want to do next.
Using personality and aptitude tests is a great way to narrow down possible options that suit your skills.
2. Research
Once you have some solid ideas about your new career path, you should start doing your research.
According to Big Interview, the interview training platform behind the video, you need to identify the sectors with a ‘high demand for new talent’.
The TikToker said: ‘Step two is to research potential new careers that are in demand now and that align with your goals.’
According to Great interviewyou need to identify the sectors with a ‘high demand for new talent’.
To make it easier, they’ve outlined some of the fastest growing industries from last year:
- healthcare
- Ecommerce
- Shipping and delivery
- 3D printing
- Virtual reality bioengineering
- Artificial intelligence
- Personal care
- Travel and hospitality
- Residential and non-residential construction
- Video marketing
3. Learn the skills
Moving on, step three is “learning the technical skills you need for that new job through courses, workshops, and certifications you may need.”
However, the recruitment expert emphasizes that it is crucial that you do your research to avoid wasting time.
You may already have all the skills and qualifications you need.
She said, “Most jobs don’t actually require you to go back to school, so please do your research first.”
Big Interview advises that one of the most common mistakes interviewers see in the CVs of career changers is ‘using the same language’ as in their previous field
4. Network
You also need to showcase your skills to potential employers and contacts, according to the team at Big Interview.
The expert advised: ‘Step four is networking by going to local events and using social media.’
Attending industry events can help you get your foot in the door and meet people in the industry you want to enter.
It will also help you learn about job opportunities and over time build a network of contacts that you can use in the future.
5. Optimize your CV and LinkedIn
Career exchangers not only want to put themselves in the spotlight personally, but also make sure they make themselves known online.
She instructs, “Step five is to optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight your experience and skills.”
Big Interview advises that one of the most common mistakes interviewers see in the CVs of career changers is ‘using the same language’ as in their previous field.
There’s no need to gloss over your previous experiences and achievements, but make it clear how they relate to the position you’re applying for.
6. Create a story
The recruiting professional concludes, “Finally, step six is to practice for your interviews by creating a story about your career change and selling your unique strengths.”
It’s very likely that the recruiter will ask you why you’re changing careers, so it’s important to have an explanation ready.
The experts advise that this new role will require you to ‘put in extra effort and learn to sell yourself’ as you will be dealing with candidates who have been in the industry for a while.
Commenters wrote: ‘Stories are so important’ and ‘I love the video, making a review resonated so much. Do you have any recommendations?’
It comes just after Britain’s highest-paid professions were revealed, showing you don’t always need a degree.
Blue-collar jobs such as welders, bricklayers or scaffolders can often yield huge salaries as employees gain valuable experience.
These occupations may require workers to attend university or obtain a qualification, but often a university degree is not required.
The research was compiled by Tool Genie ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates the ‘value, benefit and opportunity they bring’.