No matter when you make the decision, changing careers in the D.C. area is a daunting task. Whether you are simply burnt out in your current industry or are looking to make the jump from a mid-level position to an executive role, completely changing your life to attain a new job is overwhelming for many people.
That shouldn’t stop you from getting the job of your dreams, though. Career building for women is often more difficult than it is for their male counterparts, but there are ways you can better your chances of doing so successfully. If you’re ready to take the next steps in your professional journey, these useful tips will help you accomplish your goals.
Modern resumés are often run through applicant tracking systems (ATS) before an actual person ever sees them. These programs filter out unqualified applicants by scanning verbiage used on the document. Before sending out any applications, optimize your resumé for the field you’re hoping to transition to by researching commonly used keywords in that industry. Include ones applicable to you in the skills section of the resumé and throughout the descriptions of your work history.
Networking is imperative when making a professional transition. You never know who might have a connection to a new job opportunity, so tell your friends and colleagues that you are trying to change jobs. It’s also helpful to attend networking events whenever possible. These events are the perfect time to meet industry insiders, form connections, and learn valuable insights about the field.
Searching for job openings is a time-consuming process, but there are simple ways to learn about new opportunities without spending hours browsing the internet. Let online resources like LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and CareerBuilder do the work for you. You can set up job alerts based on industry, job title, location, and desired salary and receive emails that provide possible matches on a regular basis.
A typical career building problem for women is gaining the required experience needed to obtain the new job. One way around this hurdle is acquiring the experience through internships or volunteer roles. Becoming a board member of a charity shows you have the skills required to transition to an executive position, and spending a few months at an internship in your desired field provides experience you can include on your new resumé.
One of the best ways to succeed in your new job is to seek the advice of someone who is already successfully filling that role. Reach out to individuals in your field and ask for advice. More often than not, people are happy to help whenever they can. You can also shadow professionals on occasion. That allows you to see firsthand what the work entails and learn valuable insights about the career.
However, with the help of Moulton Executive Coaching, you can ensure you’re spending your time wisely and give yourself the best chance of successfully transitioning to a new position. Carol Moulton specializes in helping women in the greater Washington D.C. area obtain their personal and professional goals, and she’ll provide you with impactful tips to help you navigate the entire process. Visit her website to learn more and take the next steps in your professional journey.
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