If you have a rough idea of your career path, and you know which way your career is headed – or will head, to gain employment in your chosen field you need to sit down and think, what skills do I already have? Do my skills need to be improved or updated? And what skills will I actually need in my new career.
Remember you may already have a good set of skills behind you, so you’re not starting from scratch. Many skills are *transferable* and can be applied to many employment opportunities. Some examples of skills that can be applied to, or found in different careers include.
*Management and Leadership experience
* Time management and being able to effectively manage your time
* Good communication skills – including both written and verbal skills
*Being computer literate
*Public Speaking
*Having a second or third language skill
*The ability to resolve conflicts
*Research skills
Never limit yourself to just what you can do at work. When you sit down and think about the skills you possess, include those outside of work, such as any hobbies you have, life skills and perhaps you have done volunteer work. When looking for employment you need to provide as much positive information about yourself as you can, so be sure to include anything relevant to you career. While you may not have gained formal skills in your past employment you may have had experience founding a club, organising help for a charity, such as a fund raiser or toy drive, that shows you have these skills and you have been using them.
List any and all of your accomplishments and skills you think might fit in and be suitable for your new career. Don’t worry about adding them all to your resume at the moment, just start thinking about the skills you have. You’ll probably be surprised to see what it is you can do, what you have achieved and how many accomplishments can be added to your new career. You’ll probably find your confidence is given quite a boost when you see what you can do, and what skills you have that can help you gain employment.
Why not sit down with friends or family, or even co-workers and have a *brainstorming* session. Often we overlook things no matter how hard we try, or how much information we think we have covered and you might be surprised that your family, friends or co-workers are able to suggest other skills you may possess – that perhaps you didn’t even look upon AS a skill
Remember that your search for new employment or for a whole new career may take time. So always take care of yourself, get plenty of sleep, stay active, and stay positive. If you are currently working and looking for that career change it will happen, but it won’t happen overnight. Be prepared for knockbacks, be prepared not to make it to an interview, or be prepared not to be called back. Do stay focused on your goals, have all your information clear in your head, from the skills listed in your resume to the skills you want to mention in an interview. Your new career is just around the corner; never lose sight of your goals.
When looking for work do you consider every skill you have? For example, while you may never have worked in a sandwich shop, perhaps you have been making school lunches for your children or for brothers and sisters for years…. it’s still a viable skill and suited for the role. Have you been able to obtain employment from skills learnt elsewhere?
