Going to a job that doesn’t fit your interests, skills, or schedule can take a toll on your professional and personal life. If you’re ready for a change, you don’t necessarily need to start your career from scratch. Your existing experience may give you transferable skills that can open the door to a new type of work.
Finding the right opportunity starts with understanding what you want from your next job and identifying positions where your skills can make a difference. Here are several practical ways to prepare for a new job or career.
Think Beyond Your Previous Jobs
Just because you’ve never worked in a particular type of position doesn’t mean you’re not qualified to pursue it. Many skills transfer across industries and job types.
For example, someone with food service experience may have strong customer service, communication, and time management skills that can translate into an office or customer facing position. Someone with construction experience may have hands on skills, attention to detail, and experience working as part of a team that can transfer to manufacturing, warehouse, or other industrial positions.
Take some time to think about the skills you’ve developed throughout your career rather than focusing only on your previous job titles. Consider which responsibilities you enjoyed and which ones you would prefer to leave behind.
When you’re ready to explore your options, LaborWorks can help you find work that fits your skills, interests, and availability.
Research Careers That Interest You
Once you’ve identified some potential career paths, research the types of positions you’re considering. Look at job descriptions and pay attention to the skills, experience, certifications, and other qualifications employers commonly request.
This research can help you determine which opportunities you can pursue right away and where you may need additional experience or training.
It can also help you identify jobs you may not have considered before. A position that looks different from your previous work may still use many of the skills you’ve already developed.
Conduct Informational Interviews
Networking can be an effective way to learn more about a career before making a change. Consider asking people who work in industries that interest you if they would be willing to have a brief conversation about their experience.
If you don’t already know someone in the field, professional networking platforms and local organizations can help you identify people who may be willing to share information about their work.
Consider asking questions such as:
- What does a typical day look like?
- How did you get started in this career?
- What are the primary responsibilities of your position?
- What types of problems do you solve?
- What skills are most important for your job?
- What advice would you give someone interested in entering this field?
These conversations can give you a better understanding of what a particular job is actually like and help you decide whether it aligns with your goals.
Be Honest About What You Want From Your Next Job
Finding the right position isn’t only about whether you’re qualified. Your schedule, availability, interests, and career goals also matter.
Think about what you’re looking for before you begin your search. You may want a full time position, part time work, seasonal employment, or a temporary assignment that allows you to gain experience in a new industry.
Being clear about these preferences can help a staffing specialist identify opportunities that make sense for you.
LaborWorks connects job seekers with opportunities in a variety of industries and communities, including staffing in Oregon. Being upfront about your skills, availability, and goals can help create a better match between you and a potential employer.
Consider Temporary Work
Temporary employment can be a practical way to explore a new industry without immediately committing to a permanent position. A temporary assignment can give you the opportunity to gain experience, develop transferable skills, and determine whether a particular type of work is right for you.
Temporary work can also provide a path toward longer term employment. If you demonstrate strong performance and are a good fit for the employer, a temporary assignment may create additional opportunities.
For more ideas about finding a position that fits your goals, read 3 Reasons to Love Your New Position at LaborWorks.
Work With LaborWorks
You don’t have to navigate your entire job search alone. LaborWorks works with job seekers to identify opportunities based on their skills, experience, interests, and availability.
If you’re looking for a new career path or simply want to find work that better fits your life, connecting with a staffing specialist can help you explore available opportunities.
The LaborWorks app can also make it easier to stay connected with available work and your local LaborWorks branch. Explore the available tools and resources as you begin your search for your next opportunity.
Finding a job you enjoy starts with understanding what you want and being willing to explore new possibilities. Your previous experience may be more valuable than you realize, and the right opportunity could be closer to your existing skill set than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prepare for a new job or career?
Start by identifying your career goals, evaluating your transferable skills, researching potential positions, and determining what type of schedule and work environment you want.
Can my previous work experience help me qualify for a different job?
Yes. Skills such as communication, customer service, teamwork, problem solving, and time management can apply to many different positions and industries.
Is temporary work a good way to explore a new career?
Temporary work can provide an opportunity to gain experience in a different type of position and determine whether the work is a good fit before pursuing a longer term opportunity.
What should I ask during an informational interview?
Ask about the person’s typical workday, responsibilities, career path, required skills, and advice for someone interested in entering the field.
How can LaborWorks help me find a new job?
LaborWorks connects job seekers with available employment opportunities based on their skills, experience, interests, and availability.