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Navigating A Career Change In Connecticut’s Job Market

Navigating a career change can be challenging for Connecticut job seekers. Often, you know you want to pursue a new career, but the next step isn’t always clear. Networking, setting goals, scheduling interviews, and learning about another industry can feel daunting. However, with the right approach and support, you can kick off a great new career sooner rather than later. Follow these tips if you are looking to make a career change in Connecticut.

Competition for Jobs in Connecticut is Steep

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the Connecticut job market, and that impact has had a lasting effect. Employers are still struggling to find the right people for their open jobs.

But even though employers are searching for talent to fill positions in their companies, it doesn’t make it easier for job seekers to find work. The best jobs in Connecticut have steep competition. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to make the transition a little easier on yourself.

Take Charge Of Your Career Change

Anyone considering a career change can benefit from working with a staffing agency and professional recruiters, but it won’t be the only thing that drives success. You have to come prepared to do hard work too.

While recruiters and networking connections will help you along the way, you have to take control of your search. More importantly, you need to take charge of your career at large. Ultimately, you control the path your career takes. So, be prepared to take the steps necessary to achieve your specific goals.

Is A Career Change Really Right For You?

Before you make a huge decision about a career change, you need to examine whether or not it is really the right move for you to make. Some common reasons people might change careers include salary, satisfaction in their current career path, problems with leadership, and lack of flexibility. Each of these can be a good reason to seek out a different type of employment, but you need to dig a little deeper before moving forward with making a career change.

Prior to connecting with employers hiring in Connecticut (or anywhere), you need to evaluate your career goals and priorities. You also need to understand what you are good at and what skills will lend you a helping hand in finding a new career. Also, know what your weaknesses are and how they might impact your morale overall. Chances are that the hardest days on the job are those you didn’t get to play on your strengths. To ensure a career change is really right for you, follow the steps below. (If you know you’re ready for a change, search hot job openings in Connecticut today.)

Conduct A Self Evaluation

The first thing you should do before considering a career change is to conduct a self-evaluation. To do this, you need to ask yourself some tough questions. Consider the following as you assess your readiness for a career change.

  • What do you want from your career change? Are you looking for something that better utilizes your skills or an improved salary? Knowing the “why” behind your search can help you pinpoint what direction to go.
  • Did you lose interest in your last job? If you found yourself bored or unfulfilled, you may want to find a company whose values more closely align with yours.
  • Where are your passions? Sometimes you may feel your passion or interests are shifting. This may be a good direction to focus your career change.
  • Are you trying to solve a short-term or long-term problem? You don’t want to make a huge decision like changing careers to fix a short-term issue.
  • Is a career change the actual solution? Sometimes you can move jobs within the same career path or address problems in the workplace to improve your current situation rather than change careers.
  • Is now a good time to make a career change? You may not be able to financially make a career change right now. The economy and industry trends also play a factor in deciding.
  • Is it worth the challenges? Pursuing a new career comes with a number of challenges, including updating your education and training, transferring and changing your benefits, and more. Determine whether it is worth it for your personal needs.

Set Clear Goals

Anyone that has decided to move forward with a career change also needs to set clear goals for themselves. Pinpoint specific goals you have for yourself and your career. What does your dream job look like? Does it include flexibility, higher pay, and travel? Are you looking for a position with a company that may grow over the next 30 years?

Once you have set clear goals for your career change, choose a deadline for yourself. For example, you may say, “I want to start a new career as an administrative assistant within the next three months.” Then once you secure a job, you can start planning out the rest of your career in the new industry. Setting clear goals for yourself will help hold you accountable and make your plan more actionable.

Tips for Making a Career Change

Making a career change can be an exciting choice, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help when you’re ready to make a shift.

Identify Skill Gaps and Develop A Plan to Close Them

A career change often requires some additional education. You will need to complete on-the-job training and, in some cases, you may even need to go back to school. Make a list of your skills and previous experience to get an idea of what you bring to the table.

Next, look at the jobs within the career field you’re interested in. Do you have the skills necessary? If not, what kind of courses can you take? Check to see if the jobs you are pursuing require certifications or licenses you don’t yet have too.

Will You Need to Take a Step Backward?

In addition to needing to brush up on some skills, take a moment to consider whether or not you’ll have to move back in your current career. Sometimes a career change will make it necessary for you to start at an entry-level position. This also means you will have to take pay cuts. All of this should be kept in mind so that you can take the steps to prepare for that transition.

Build a Budget

You should also build a budget for your career change that includes time and money spent on your efforts. Switching careers will take time searching for jobs, researching companies and requirements, and you might even take a pay cut, as mentioned above. Budget time for your search and know how the change will impact you from every angle.

Keep Your Resume and LinkedIn Updated

Another important part of making your career change is updating your LinkedIn and resume. Compile your transferable skills and what you have to offer in the new career field. You can also update your job search preferences to make it known to recruiters in Connecticut that you are looking for work in a new field. This way, any time an opportunity arises, you will be ready with updated hiring materials.

Keep In Touch With Recruiters

Speaking of recruiters, take the time to chat with your recruiter and update them on your current situation. Discuss both long and short-term goals with them. This will help them know where you stand in your job search and when they can reach out with opportunities. Similarly, if you are updating your certifications or continuing your education, provide regular updates. Your recruiter will be able to update your profile and connect you with more potential opportunities.

Consider Non-Traditional Entry Into Your New Career

Last but not least, a great way to get a feel for your new chosen career field is by taking a temporary or contract job. A temp position can give you the chance to work in an entry-level job within the industry you are interested in. After you have had some experience, you can decide whether or not that career path, employer, position, etc. are a good fit for you.

It also gives you a good chance to learn new skills and network with other people in the industry. Who knows, it could even wind up becoming a full-time job if you and the employer mesh well.

Temp and contract positions can typically be found through a recruiting agency. For example, you might use a Connecticut staffing agency like A.R. Mazzotta to find temporary jobs in Connecticut. Check out these hot jobs today.

Are You Ready For A Career Change?

Now that you have had time to consider the above information, are you ready to change your career? Connect with recruiters in Connecticut by contacting A.R. Mazzotta. Our Connecticut staffing agency is eager to help you reach your career goals and get the job of your dreams. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you with your career change.

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