Exercise Jobs - c a r e e r r e s o u r c e s

Is This Line of Work in My Profession for Me?

If you've considered a change in your line of work, you are not alone. Today nearly 70% of American workers want to change their profession according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To successfully change your career you need to assess your skills and plan an approach.

- Assess your skills: What environments do you enjoy, what interests you and what do you find rewarding? Take a personality test to confirm your self- evaluation. Research potential new careers, do they address your needs? What makes a good match? Look at your skills and determine if your strengths match. Look at skill areas you dislike. For example, if you want to move from a clinical position into a sales position what skills would be transferable? In sales you could utilize your people, presentation and professional skills. In addition to contemplating what skills would work well, think about areas that may be challenging to you. Sales is a highly competitive field. Would being ranked against your peers encourage or discourage you? Can you handle rejection? These are some areas you may want to consider before switching careers.

- Plan an Approach: How would you rewrite your resume to find a new career? Most career consultants recommend using a functional verse chronological resume. In a functional resume you are listing your skills first. Headings such as "Educator", "Sales and Marketing", and "Financial Planning" are used rather than listing specific jobs under each employer. Focus on your strengths and experience becomes less of an issue.

Your career is part of a continuous learning process. If you are unhappy, feel under-utilized or under- challenged make a change. If you make the right career move your work performance, happiness and overall outlook will be brighter.