How to navigate a career field change
You’ve been in your field for a while, but something seems to be missing. Whether you’re burned out, aren’t satisfied with your company anymore, or are simply looking for something new, making a career change can feel like stepping into uncharted territory.
From entry-level transitions to executive rebrands, we’ve seen one common truth: with the right mindset and strategy, a career change can be a powerful catalyst for growth.
Here’s how to make the transition with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Start with self-assessment
Before updating your resume or firing off job applications, take a step back. What’s prompting this change? Is it burnout, lack of growth, misalignment with values, or something else?
Ask yourself:
- What energizes me at work?
- What are my non-negotiables in a job or company?
- Which skills do I enjoy using most?
Tools like career assessments, personality tests, or a conversation with a recruiter can help clarify your direction. Knowing your “why” makes it easier to identify roles that truly fit, not just ones that sound good on paper.
Identify transferable skills
One of the biggest misconceptions about career changes is that you need to start from scratch. You don’t.
Your current experience holds more transferable value than you might think. Whether it’s project management, team leadership, data analysis, or client relations, many skills cut across industries.
For example, a former teacher moving into learning and development, or a retail manager transitioning into operations — these moves are not only possible, but they’re also increasingly common.
Close the knowledge gaps
Once you know what direction you’re headed in, identify any gaps between your current skills and those needed in your target role.
This doesn’t always mean going back to school. It could mean:
- Taking an online certification
- Attending industry workshops
- Volunteering or freelancing for relevant experience
- Joining professional associations or networking groups
Investing in your development, even in small ways, demonstrates initiative and keeps you competitive in the market.
Rethink your resume and LinkedIn profile
A career change demands a strategic refreshment of your professional brand.
Tailor your resume to highlight relevant achievements and transferable skills. Use a summary at the top that clearly communicates your career shift and goals. On LinkedIn, update your headline and “About” section to reflect where you’re going, not just where you’ve been.
Tell a clear, cohesive story across your materials, one that bridges the gap between your past experiences and future potential.
Build (and lean on) your network
Career transitions are as much about who you know as what you know.
Reach out to people in your target field. Request informational interviews. Attend webinars or in-person networking events. Don’t underestimate the power of a warm introduction or a simple LinkedIn message.
Working with a staffing company (like Addison Group), can help open doors and opportunities that aren’t publicly advertised.
Be patient, persistent, and open
Career changes rarely happen overnight. You may need to take a lateral step before you can move up or accept a temporary pay cut to break into a new field.
That said, long-term satisfaction often outweighs short-term compromise.
Keep an open mind, stay consistent with your efforts, and celebrate small wins along the way. Every interview, connection, and learning moment is progress.
Changing careers is a journey — one that requires courage, reflection, and action. But it’s also a chance to design a future that aligns more closely with who you are and where you want to be.
Ready to make a career change? Addison Group can help. For more than 20 years, our expert recruiters have been focused on quality, not quotas. Let’s talk about how we can find a job that fits your needs, not just what’s available.
