You’re feeling restless. Your job doesn’t excite you anymore, and every Sunday night you dread Monday morning.
If you’ve been daydreaming about changing industries but worry about losing your momentum, you’re not alone!
Career paths, career goals and the ‘dream job’ will change as you evolve as a person, and there’s nothing wrong with switching careers at any stage!
In this article we’re diving into how to change careers across industries - how to jump ship into a completely different role, and surprise… you are more qualified than you think! We’re sharing our career transition tips
Is It Time for a Career Change?
Whether you’re in your 20s or changing industries mid career, industry transitions are becoming more common than ever. According to a LinkedIn survey, 61% of workers in their 20s have already changed industries at least once.
The good news? You can change industries without starting from scratch. This guide will walk you through how to navigate a smooth industry change while using the skill set you’ve already mastered.
Changing Industries Doesn’t Mean Starting Over
First things first: changing industries doesn’t mean losing everything you’ve built. A lot of the skills you’ve gained in your current role—communication, leadership, problem-solving—are highly transferable. It’s all about framing those skills for your new industry.
Think of it like this: you’re not starting over, you’re leveraging what you’ve learned in a different environment. And guess what? That’s exactly what employers are looking for—new perspectives.
According to a Career Builder report, 77% of employers value soft skills just as much as hard skills—so don’t worry if you haven’t ticked every box on the job description.
Let’s say you’ve been working in retail for the past few years, but now you’re eyeing a move into project management. Sure, you haven’t been managing “projects” in the traditional sense, but you’ve been managing shifts, juggling inventory, and making sure operations run smoothly. Those are all project management skills in disguise.
Steps to Prepare for an Industry Change
1. Research New Industries (What’s Hot, What’s Not)
Before jumping ship, make sure you know where you’re headed.
Research industries that align with your strengths and passions. Want a fast-growing field? Look into tech, renewable energy, or healthcare. Want flexibility? Remote work roles in digital marketing, content creation, or even UX/UI design could be the perfect fit.
If you’ve been working in education but are fascinated by tech, start by looking into edtech companies, where you can combine your teaching expertise with tech innovations. Look for roles like instructional designer or learning and development specialist, which could be a natural fit.
Pro Tip: Use platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn to see what companies are hiring and what skills they’re looking for. Don’t forget to check salaries, work culture, and growth potential.
2. Identify Your Transferable Skills
Here’s the game changer: transferable skills. These are the skills that move with you, no matter the job or industry. Start by taking stock of what you’ve already mastered:
- Communication: Written, verbal, and non-verbal skills are crucial in every industry.
- Project Management: If you’ve handled deadlines, managed tasks, or juggled responsibilities, you’re already project-managing.
- Problem-Solving: Have you been the go-to person when things go wrong? Employers love problem-solvers.
If you’ve been working in hospitality, and now you want to move into corporate communications, you’ve already honed your customer service and problem-solving skills—repackage those as client communication and conflict resolution.
Boom, you’re halfway there!
3. Upskill Before the Jump
While transferable skills will give you a head start, you might need to brush up on some industry-specific knowledge. Don’t worry—there are tons of free or affordable ways to do this.
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on everything from project management to digital marketing.
Want to transition into the tech world? Take a Google Analytics or SEO certification course. Not only will it boost your resume, but it’ll show potential employers you’re serious about the switch.
Pro Tip: Look for certifications that make sense in your new industry. For example, if you’re moving into IT, a certification like CompTIA or Google IT Support could make all the difference.
How to Frame Your Resume for a Career Change
A career change calls for a resume revamp. Your goal is to highlight the skills that matter most for the new role—even if they come from a different industry.
1. Write a Skills-Based Resume
Instead of focusing on your work history, lead with a skills-based resume. Start by listing your core skills—those that match the job posting description—and then show how you applied them in your previous roles. Focus on results and achievements, not just duties.
For example, if you’re transitioning from sales to marketing, you might write: “Used persuasive communication to increase product sales by 20%, a skill that translates well into content creation and marketing strategies.”
2. Tailor Every Resume to the Job
No more copy-pasting!
Every resume should be tailored specifically to the job you’re applying for. Scan the job description for keywords and mirror them in your resume. This makes sure your application gets past the automated screening software and lands on the hiring manager’s desk.
Pro Tip: Use online tools like Jobscan to analyze job descriptions and optimize your resume for ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software.
3. Showcase Accomplishments, Not Just Roles
Employers don’t just want to know what you did—they want to know how well you did it. Instead of listing responsibilities, show how you added value in your previous jobs.
For example, instead of writing, “Managed a team of five,” write, “Led a team of five to increase project efficiency by 15% through improved communication.”
Networking: Your Secret Weapon for Industry Changes
When you’re switching industries, who you know can be as important as what you know.
Building a professional network can help you get your foot in the door and learn more about the industry you’re moving into.
Tap into LinkedIn
LinkedIn is your best friend here. Connect with people in your desired industry, join groups, and engage with content. Commenting on posts or sharing insights can help you get noticed.
For example, if you’re moving from finance to marketing, start following thought leaders in marketing, engage with their posts, and share industry-relevant articles. It’s a great way to build connections and show you’re serious about the switch.
Informational Interviews
An informational interview is a fancy way of saying, “Can I pick your brain for a few minutes?” Reach out to people in your new field and ask for advice.
This can give you insider knowledge on how to break into the industry, lead to job referrals and potentially result in a kind of informal career coaching relationship which can be invaluable in climbing the ladder.
Pro Tip: Keep it simple: “I admire your work in [Industry] and would love to learn more about your journey. Could we chat for 15 minutes? Your insights would be incredibly valuable to me.”
How to Ace the Interview in a New Industry
Congrats, you’ve landed an interview! Now it’s time to prove you’re the right fit, even if you don’t have years of experience in the new industry.
Focus on Transferable Skills
When they ask about your experience, don’t panic. Highlight your transferable skills and show how they apply to the new role. Remember, employers aren’t just hiring for technical skills—they want people who can adapt, communicate, and solve problems.
Example: “I may not have direct experience in [Industry], but in my previous role, I managed a team of 10, handled complex client negotiations, and exceeded sales targets by 25%. These skills translate well into the leadership and problem-solving aspects of this position.”
Use the STAR Method for Answers
The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is your best friend for interview questions. Use it to frame your accomplishments in a way that’s easy for interviewers to follow.
Example:
- Situation: Led a team during a product launch that had a tight deadline.
- Task: I was responsible for managing timelines and communication across departments.
- Action: Implemented a new task management system and held daily check-ins.
- Result: We launched the product on time and increased sales by 20% in the first quarter.
Overcoming the Fear of Starting Fresh
Changing industries can feel like jumping into the unknown, but you’re not starting over—you’re building on everything you’ve already learned. Here’s how to overcome the fear and take the leap.
Don’t Let the “Experience Gap” Hold You Back
You might not have years of experience in the new industry, but you have something just as valuable: a fresh perspective. Companies are always looking for creative thinkers who can approach challenges differently.
Take Small Steps Toward Big Changes
If a full career switch feels overwhelming, start small. Take on freelance projects, contract roles, or volunteer opportunities in your new industry. These can give you hands-on experience and help you build your network.
For example, want to get into graphic design? Start by taking on freelance gigs for friends or small businesses. This will help you build a portfolio and gain real-world experience.
Career Changer, You’ve Got This!
Making a career change can be daunting, but it’s 100% doable.
With the right planning, skill development, and a killer network, you can transition industries without losing out. Remember: you’re not starting over—you’re building on the foundation you’ve already created.
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FAQs
How do I change careers to a new industry?
Research your target industry, identify your transferable skills, and tailor your resume and job applications to highlight relevant experiences.
What are the best transferable skills for an industry career change?
Transferable skills like communication, leadership, problem-solving, and time management are highly valuable across industries.
How long does it take to change industries?
The timeline for changing industries varies depending on factors like skill development, networking, and job search efforts. It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.
Do I need to go back to school to change industries?
Not necessarily. Many people successfully transition into new industries through online courses, certifications, or self-study without going back to full-time education.
How can I transfer my skills to a different industry?
Identify your transferable skills and showcase them on your resume and during interviews, focusing on how they apply to the target industry.
Is it possible to change industries without starting at an entry-level position?
Yes, if you have strong transferable skills and relevant experience, you may be able to secure mid-level roles in a new industry.
What industries are easiest to transition into?
Industries like tech, marketing, and project management often value transferable skills and are more open to candidates from diverse backgrounds.
How do I find job opportunities when transitioning industries?
Use job boards, network within your target industry, and attend industry events to discover job opportunities that align with your career goals.
How do I address a lack of direct experience in a new industry?
Focus on your transferable skills, highlight relevant projects, and emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt in the new field.
What mistakes should I avoid when changing industries?
Common mistakes include not researching the new industry thoroughly, failing to tailor your resume, and underestimating the value of networking.
