What drives us to make a switch? How is it done? What gives us the drive to do it?
We do it cause we are bored or we seek something new and thrilling?!
Well, I find myself at a great crossroads in my life. I recently decided to switch careers and here I am, dabbing into the great unknown. The switch from a teacher/translator/multitasking freak to an HR field is scary. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. But I questioned myself. About my strength. About my best qualities, and my capabilities. I decided I’m willing to put in the time and effort to make the switch and change my career. And this is how I started.
Tell people you are looking for a job. Update your LinkedIn profile or improve it. Update your resume. As you prepare to apply for positions in your new field, consider changing the format of your resume. For example, a functional resume highlights your skills rather than the jobs you've held. This can make hiring managers recognize how your transferable experience has prepared you for a career in HR, which can help get you an interview. Follow up with new contacts. To make the most of your time at professional networking events, consider following up with new HR contacts by giving a compliment, asking a question, or making an insightful comment via email or over the phone. It’s an essential tool.
Join HR groups on social networks. Get human resources certifications or try enrolling in professional development courses online or taking classes with a professional association, try attending workshops and professional conferences.
Pursue continuing education. Knowledge really is power. And in today’s world, information is your weapon. Information is changing within seconds and it’s important that you are up to date.
Join a professional association. When you're changing careers, making connections with professionals in your new industry is essential for success. Networking is the key. Expand your network of professionals.
Define your career goals. Determine exactly which type of HR position you're interested in. Then, find a few job descriptions and identify skills to develop, certifications to acquire, and experience to earn. Don’t be discouraged. If you're moving to HR from a significantly different industry, adapting to your new field may take some time.
Create online profiles on LinkedIn, Indeed, and Fiverr.
The most essential skill that a successful HR person can have is communication. Work on that.
HR professionals maintain, promote, and shift a company's brand to recruit new employees and retain current employees. HR creates the company’s culture.
Success doesn’t come overnight, it happens with hard work and believing in yourself.
And lastly, even if you’re scared, even if you hold your breath every time you apply to an ad and send your resume if you hand shiver when you get a new email, remember, you are brave and willing to change and you deserve this. So take a deep breath, smile, and go for it. Life is short.