So you’re contemplating a career change?

If you’re contemplating a change, ask yourself a few questions first.

Are you in the right headspace?

You should be emotionally prepared for this change. Avoid making a decision if you’re not in a calm, rational place.

Can you do it financially?

Review your budget and make sure you can sustain your current cash flow needs as you transition between jobs. Do you have an emergency fund you can fall back on? How long will it last? Also think about your financials in the ideal new position. Research the average salary, benefits packages, transportation expenses and other financial requirements unique to the role. Would the new position be able to support your future cash flow needs?

Is your current work environment motivating you to seek a change?

If your challenges are a result of current market or economic events, they may fade as those events subside. Also consider if the challenges are unique to your current job or if you may encounter them in other roles or industries.

Is the grass really greener on the other side?

Leverage your network and get in touch with someone currently in the role or industry you want to pursue. Ask them for the good, the bad and the ugly — it’s important to get an honest perspective.

The current job market may feel more competitive than in the past, which is why it’s essential you come prepared and show them what you’ve got.

Here are my 6 secrets for putting your best foot forward.

1. Assess your hard skills and soft skills

Hard skills are formal knowledge gained through training, education and experience, and soft skills are your abilities to work with others, engage and problem-solve. Soft skills tend to be more transferrable to new roles than hard skills.

If you want to build your skillset, look into free or low-cost online resources to get started. Popular examples include LinkedIn Learning Opens in a new window., Khan Academy Opens in a new window., Coursera Opens in a new window. and Alison Opens in a new window., among others. Volunteering projects can also build skills and look good on a resume — just look for opportunities that introduce you to the skills you want to refine. A popular resource for finding volunteer opportunities in Canada is CharityVillage Opens in a new window..

2. Be open to entry-level positions

If your dream job is in a new industry, there’s a chance you’ll have to start in a entry-level role to build that knowledge and experience. Don’t let this discourage you. Work toward that dream job step by step.

3. Consider positions where you don’t check 100% of the boxes

Did you know that women tend to only apply for roles they feel 100% qualified for, whereas men tend to apply for roles they feel 60% qualified for?² If you have at least half the required skills, you may be able to build the rest while in the role. For the interview, practice articulating why your past experiences have prepared you to take on the new challenges the role will bring.

Also keep in mind there’s a variety of different titles for essentially similar roles, so rather than focusing on job titles, pay more attention to job descriptions.

4. Grow your network to include new industries

Take a step back and see what industries your current network covers. Are there any new industries you want to consider? Build your network by leveraging more distant ties who may already be part of industries you’re interested in. New contacts may be able to provide a fresh perspective on where your skills and experience can be a good fit. Consider engaging with your alumni network, professional organizations or peers from volunteer opportunities.

5. Identify your biggest accomplishment

What’s your biggest accomplishment? This may reflect where your strengths are. Practice communicating this accomplishment when networking or being interviewed. By being vocal about your accomplishments, you open yourself up to more opportunities, explains Sally Helgesen Opens in a new window., a best-selling author, speaker and leadership coach. Rather than thinking of it as bragging, you’re actually providing useful information to others who can advocate for you later on.³

6. Refine your online presentation

Use a professional-looking business headshot in all profile pictures. For interviews you're asked to do virtually, ensure your background is clutter-free and dress to suit the industry or sector that interests you. In addition, the interviewer will receive fewer visual cues since you’re not in the same room as them, so make an extra effort to engage with them by nodding, actively listening and asking questions.

Planning on taking the entrepreneurial route? Several Canadians have successfully launched businesses despite challenging market events. Take Kerin John, founder of Black Owned Toronto Opens in a new window., for example. She turned a passion project into a thriving platform for sourcing Black-owned goods and services in the Greater Toronto Area, all during the pandemic.

If you’re ready to get your business off the ground, our business experts are ready to help. For everything you need to know about starting and running a thriving business, check out our Smart Advice for Business.

If you’re ready to take on this new adventure, we’re ready to help. Our advisors can build a plan to help you manage your finances through a career change. Contact your advisor today to begin the conversation.

¹ Source: Lighthouse Labs Survey Finds More than Half of Canadians Would Reskill Into A New Career If Given the Opportunity Opens in a new window.

² Source: New Report — Women Apply to Fewer Jobs Than Men, But Are More Likely to Get Hired Opens in a new window.

³ Source: How Women Rise With Sally Helgesen Opens in a new window.