The process of starting a new career is daunting. You have to learn about the industry, get your degree or certification, and then you will need to find an employer that provides what you are looking for. It can seem like an impossible task! But don’t worry – it’s not as hard as it seems! Here are 3 tips on how to start a new career from scratch:
1. Know Your Interests and Abilities
This is one of the key factors to consider when starting a new career from scratch. The first step for starting a new career is to know what you want! Think about your interests, skills, and abilities. Try looking at advertisements and job postings and think about the things that stand out to you. What companies seem like they would be a good fit? If you are struggling, ask your friends or family members – many people can help point you in the right direction. And don’t forget to check out the end of this article for some great websites that can give insight on industries! Once you determine, an industry that seems like it could be a good fit for your skills and interests, make sure to do some more research! You should know exactly what kind of job openings exist within that industry so that you can tailor your resume and job applications to fit those positions.
This will give you a huge head start when it comes to applying for jobs. Many employers use automated hiring systems, where the application process is completely online and automated (much of the time, you won’t even speak to a real person!). These systems often only look at keywords on your resume and in your cover letter, so you will want to ensure that those keywords are present! If you know exactly what kind of job openings exist within an industry, it is easier to find job postings online. For example, if your interests include working with animals or children, it would be beneficial for you to include words like “dog,” “puppy,” “cat,” “kitten,” “child,” etc., on your resume and in your cover letter.
2. Get Experience!
No experience? No problem! There are many ways to gain valuable experience, even before getting your degree or certification in the industry. One way is by volunteering at an animal shelter, humane society, or other qualified organisation where you can help take care of animals without getting paid for it. This will give you valuable experience that looks good on any resume and could potentially lead to two things: a recruiter noticing that you have experience with animals (which would be beneficial if they’re looking for someone who has worked with animals), and the organisation offering you a paying job! Not only does getting volunteer employees work look great to potential employers later down the road, but it allows you to have hands-on experience and start to build your resume with relevant skills.
Another great way to gain experience is by joining a professional organisation or group in your industry. There are many available: veterinary assistant associations, human resources organisations, and more! By joining these kinds of groups, you can meet other employees who work in the same field as you and build relationships that may help you later on down the road (for example, if someone knows about an open job opportunity at their workplace). You can also keep up-to-date with relevant news and events within your industry – this will allow you to sound knowledgeable when it comes time for an interview.
3. Start Networking
This another one of the critical factors when starting a career from scratch. The final step of starting a new career is networking! This can be done through many ways. You can join LinkedIn, a social networking website specifically designed for professional networking. If you’re not quite sold on the idea of networking online, try attending career fairs where recruiters are given booths to talk about their company and their hiring needs. Or, if you feel like going old school, simply attend local events and meet people in person! Whether it’s joining a professional organisation or just meeting new people at your favourite bar around town: never underestimate the power of face-to-face interactions. Networking is one of those things that seem daunting at first, but once you get started, it will come naturally and reap major benefits down the road.
As you can see, there are many critical things to consider when making a career change. But, by following these three simple tips, you’re well on your way to starting your new career! Remember to do your research, get experience, and start networking with people in your industry. These three things alone will set you up for success and help make your career change as smooth as possible. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
