60
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
Pivoting career paths
Since being furloughed in late March, I have taken it upon myself to take a deeper look into where I want my career path going. I updated my resume, reached out to a recruiter, and I am now midway through a 10 week certification course for Python programming. I am aware that a paycut will be in my future as I will likely have to start at an entry-level type position, but my question is how in the world do you get employers to take you seriously as a candidate? I would imagine it is difficult to switch careers without a pandemic occurring, so I'm trying not to feel defeated as I receive automated "we went with another candidate" emails again and again. Any advice?
(My particular switch is moving into a product analyst or data analyst position. I have a BBA in marketing (2012), where the positions I want to move into look for computer engineering, math, or stats as the major. My background is in buying/ planning for the retail industry.)
Farah BajwaManager | Mentor | Consultant | Coach
340
08/01/20 at 2:22AM UTC
I'm in a similar situation - laid off, took the time to get to know myself and what I really want (Iky said it above: "What Color is Your Parachute?" was at the heart of this), now pivoting out of the aerospace industry and targeting the software one. Networking is important. Connect and establish rapport with people from companies you want to work at and ask them for advice on who you can improve your candidacy (people respond better to asking for advice than asking for a job). Tailor your resume to highlight your transferable skills. Attach a cover letter clarifying what you are wanting to do and showing that you're taking action to make yourself more marketable. I've had a good share of interviews but so far not the right fit but the more you try the more your chances are of finding what you want and someone seeing the value of your skills and experience. I feel I'm getting close. Have faith and confidence in yourself - it will happen!!
Eva SteortzDisney Executive Turned Executive Coach
828
07/31/20 at 11:02PM UTC
I just read a Linkedin research stat that 85% of jobs are filled via networking SO network like a wild woman. Linkedin allows you to find and email with people doing the type of work you are seeking. I call this networking with strangers. After you apply to a role, email someone in that same area and ask if they would be willing to give you some tips and help get your resume to the right place. This often works!! Good luck!
Anonymous
07/30/20 at 6:17PM UTC
Pivot, readjust, reset, repeat. Continue to evolve in your career path. It's not where you start-- but where and how you finish. I am on my 7th career change and still evolving.
Cathy ColliverMarketing & MBA
199
07/29/20 at 12:46PM UTC
I recently built a portfolio site, after I found journo portfolio, which has a free version and works almost like blog articles, so it's a bit easier to highlight non-design work. You could outline projects and highlight skills you used in each with an eye towards those skills that are transferable. https://www.journoportfolio.com/ I used mine to highlight specific areas within marketing where I have skills that might not be as obvious from looking at my resume. https://cathycolliver.journoportfolio.com/
IkyUnlock & Amplify Your Greatness | ikychan.com
903
07/29/20 at 12:41AM UTC
Lots of great advice here.
Have you checked out "What Color Is Your Parachute?" by Richard N. Bolles? It is one of the most practical manuals for job-hunters and career-changers.
Assuming you are working now, is it possible for you to volunteer for projects or assignments within or outside of your group that would allow you to develop the skills you need for your next job?
Keep looking and don't give up. Good luck with everything!
Lindsay HayesAnalytically driven with a love for zero waste
60
07/29/20 at 12:55AM UTC
Thank you, Iky! I will have to check it out. I am currently furloughed, so I’m looking online at how I can build a portfolio out. I was supposed to move into a position that would have made this change much easier just before the Pandemic occurred and the position was then cut. Keeping my head up and looking forward to learning! Thank you again!
Siobhan StephanProduct Owner in California
228
07/28/20 at 11:24PM UTC
Lots of great advice and discussion, and I am taking notes!
Lindsay HayesAnalytically driven with a love for zero waste
60
07/29/20 at 12:56AM UTC
Agreed! Same!
Pragathi BalasubramanianSenior PM
94
07/28/20 at 10:05PM UTC
I'm in this job hunt with you (for a different position) right now and I know exactly what you feel. I chatted with a dozen or so PMs to learn the following tidbits:
- Cold application conversion rates are low. (I've been looking since November and the chances my application turns into an interview is between 3-5%)
- However, if you have a referral, this number changes dramatically. A fellow PM measured this during her job search and found that 80% of her referral based applications turned into interviews.
Here's what I would recommend as best steps:
1) Evaluate what your unique expertise is and evaluate how big of a leap it is to move from where you are to where you want to go. Let's say you have 8 skills and only 2 of them overlap with a job you want. Catalog it as your dream job and apply. In the meantime, prioritize jobs that use more of your existing skills while helping you learn the other skills needed for your dream job.
2) Expand your network. Join Womxn in Tech, Womxn in Product and any other facebook or slack group. Gather a list of job boards that focus on community building. These communities tend to post jobs regularly and likely have a point of contact for the posting. Reach out to this point of contact for a brief chat, more often than not, they're likely to give you a referral by the end of it.
3) Don't be shy to ask your network for contacts in companies that you're interested in. If you don't know who works there, your friends might!
I have put together a more detailed summary that I'm selectively sharing out (because it isn't polished just yet). If you're interested, I can share the doc link with you.
Lindsay HayesAnalytically driven with a love for zero waste
60
07/29/20 at 12:56AM UTC
Wow, this is amazing! Thank you so much for your detailed response. I would definitely be interested! I’m trying to soak everything in!
Pragathi BalasubramanianSenior PM
94
07/29/20 at 1AM UTC (Edited)
Of course, happy to help! Here's the doc I've put together. Feel free to add comments and such - it's intended to be a living document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eoi3avLTiIt3Gr_0vVZhgwM_eEveneKNCMTxJBgr35I/edit?usp=sharing
Lindsay HayesAnalytically driven with a love for zero waste
60
07/29/20 at 1:24AM UTC
Amazing! Thank you so much!
Sarah Berczuk
23
07/28/20 at 9:49PM UTC
I agree with Anonymous above - just updating your resume sometimes isn't enough. It's important to make sure you are using the right keywords and instead of showing you are completing tasks, showcasing how your work was valuable to that company. Showcase the results you helped to achieve, the clients you were able to help bring in, etc. Just being able to check-off tasks on your to-do list is not nearly as impressive as making sure you are highlighting what you can bring to the table that sets you apart.
Lindsay HayesAnalytically driven with a love for zero waste
60
07/28/20 at 10:06PM UTC
Thank you, Sarah! Totally agree. I had a resume professional go over mine a few years ago and they gave me great advice and insight on how to compose a compelling resume :)
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.