Make the switch (in your 40s)

Welcome to Career Insider. Today, more than half of workers say they’re looking for a career change. In other words, about half of your office probably doesn’t want to be there (and you might be one of them).

Looking to make a move? Read on.

P.S.: Happy Independence Day for those in the U.S. (which means you’ll probably read this email tomorrow at work). :)

CAREERS
How to switch careers in your 40s

Switching careers isn’t easy. It’s even more challenging if you’re mid-way through your existing one, and the thought of starting over scares you to death. Here’s the smart way to switch careers.

First, ask yourself if it’s worth it (hint: it might be). Switching careers in your 40s may not mean starting from ground zero, but it probably will require building your chops in your new field.

And that’s something you probably already did in your existing career. Is it worth the effort? If the answer is yes, read on.

Your 5-point plan on making your career switch:

1. Self-Assessment and Research

• Identify Your Goals: Determine why you want to switch careers and what you hope to achieve.

• Research Potential Careers: Look into fields that interest you, their requirements, and growth prospects.

*If you need help with this, have lunch with a friend who’s done this, or is in a similar career field to the one you want.

2. Skill Development

• Identify Skill Gaps: Determine what skills or qualifications you need for your new career.

• Take Courses: Enroll in relevant courses or certifications, either online or in-person, to acquire necessary skills.

*Do this before you quit your job. You may not like your existing career, but it’s still providing the resources you need to provide for your family.

3. Networking

• Expand Your Network: Connect with professionals in your desired field through networking events and LinkedIn.

• Find a Mentor: Seek out a mentor who can provide guidance and insights into your new career.

*If you can’t find anyone in your desired field, search online forums like Reddit. You might be surprised at the resources you’ll find.

4. Gain Experience

• Volunteer or Freelance: Start with volunteering or freelance work in your new field to gain practical experience.

• Part-Time or Internship: Consider part-time work or internships to build your resume and gain industry-specific experience.

*Look locally for opportunities. Businesses near you are always looking for motivated people to join their staff.

5. Job Search and Application

• Revise Your Resume: Update your resume to highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences.

• Apply Strategically: Target job applications where your skills are most relevant, and tailor each application to the specific job.

Has anyone successfully switched careers in your 40s? If so, reply to this email and let us know.

EMPLOYMENT
How to boost your employability

Improving your employability involves a combination of enhancing your skills, expanding your professional network, and making yourself more appealing to potential employers. Here is how.

Update everything

Make sure your resume is updated (yes, today). Make sure you’re ready to apply the instant an opportunity presents itself. You never want to say, “Sorry, I gotta update my resume. I’ll send it tomorrow.”

If you’re on LinkedIn, do the same thing there. Update everything, now.

Practice in-demand skills

Identify the skills that are highly sought after in your industry and work on acquiring them. How? Take online courses, attend workshops, and get certifications. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, MasterClass and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of courses.

Expand your network

It’s not what you know. It’s who you know (seriously, this is true). Attend industry conferences, seminars, and networking events. Join professional associations and online forums related to your field. Connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn and participate in discussions.

Develop soft skills

Here’s a little secret: It’s easy to teach the job, but it’s impossible to teach…fitness. That is, how well someone fits into the office, gets along with others, and adds value to the office. Employers value soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Work on improving these through practice and feedback from peers or mentors.

» More on this in next week’s email.

Pay attention to industry trends

This is what separates the good from the great (because it takes extra work, and most people don’t want to do that). Read industry publications, follow thought leaders on social media, and keep up with the latest trends and technologies in your field. Being knowledgeable about your industry can make you a more attractive candidate.

CLICKS
Career news and insights worthy of your click

• Use this framework to answer the toughest interview questions.
  

• Half of workers say they want out of their careers.
  

• The 10 biggest mistakes people make in job interviews.
  

• It’s true, job hunting is getting worse.