6 Ways to Land a Job in a Field You Have No Experience in

If you’re looking to land a job in a new field with no experience, it is particularly important to go beyond job boards and enlist new strategies. These six tips can help you to more easily break into a new field. 

1. Network, network, network.

Changing careers can be tricky, especially if you’re relying on your resume to tell your story. Without direct experience, it is rare that your resume can showcase your skills as well as you can in a conversation. It’s time to get out there and talk about what attracts you to your new field and why you’re a good fit. Conduct informational interviews or join industry groups as a way to learn about your new field and show potential peers and hiring managers that you’re a smart, confident professional with the skills to add value in your new role. This will increase your odds of getting a personal referral to a role, rather than applying online and crossing your fingers that an applicant tracking system will understand why you can do the job. 

2. Be proactive.

.Get in front of hiring managers and your target companies before a role is posted. Share that you’re interested in working for the organization, the skills you bring and why you would be a good fit. Ideally, you’ll be asked to apply for a role, rather than scouring careers pages and job boards to see if something opens up. 

3. Learn industry terms.

If you’re changing industries, it’s important to speak their language. Make note of common jargon and acronyms, so you can easily fold them into your resume, cover letter and conversations. It will show that you have done your research and increase your confidence when speaking with others about your new field. 

4. Highlight transferrable skills.

You’re excited about your career change and confident that you can do the role. So, rather than sharing what you’ve done in the past, share the skills that will help you in your new role. Focus on the future to bring attention to the things you’ve done that will easily translate to the role. Moving from sales to teaching? Rather than focusing on how much you’ve sold, share how you’re able to build relationships, tailor your message and educate customers about your product. This will demonstrate how past experience will help in your new role.

5. Use social media. 

Start to connect with peers, follow experts, share articles and comment and like posts about your new industry. Engaging with relevant content and sharing your opinion can help people see the value you’ll add in your new industry. You’ll also pick up useful information and connections along the way. 

6. Tell friends and family.

Friends and family are a great starting point to talk about your career change. They already know and love you, so why not see if they can make a relevant introduction? We regularly dismiss these close connections as people who don’t know anyone who can help, but it’s worth it to give them the chance. It could be your sister-in-law’s best friend who gives you that big break. 

Changing careers is all about positioning. How can you help people understand why this transition makes sense? Start with these six tips to show exactly why you’re the right person for your new role!  

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Alyson Garrido is passionate about helping women advance their careers and find jobs they will enjoy. As a career coach, she partners with her clients to identify their strengths and create a path toward a more fulfilling career. Alyson provides support around preparing for interviews, performance reviews and salary negotiations, ensuring that you present yourself in the best possible light for job search and career advancement. Learn more or book a session with Alyson by visiting www.alysongarrido.com.