1. Transferable skills
If you're looking to try something you've never done before but you've had some kind of job then you have transferable skills. It doesn't matter if you've been waiting tables or teaching. You have a valuable skill set that you haven't even considered and if you have then you're on the right track. If you were waiting tables then you can multi-task, deal with customers in a timely fashion, be efficient, reliable, and relational. If Barbara Corcoran can go from waiting tables to being a huge real-estate mogul then you owe to to yourself to try.
2. Tailor your resume
Make sure your resume is up to date. This takes a LOT of time because wording your current job can be a real b**ch. You don't want to say something you can't backup with facts and examples. Say what you really did and leave the rest for the interview. Tailor your resume to every specific job. If you're applying for a sales job then put in your past sales experiences and leave out al
l the other jobs that don't apply to that specific role. It's tempting to put all of the great positions you've held so the employer can see how bad*** you are but remember the employer is looking at hundreds of applications and really doesn't have the time.
3. Join Meetups for your field
This is a great opportunity to make new friends and also network. For example, they have a group for ladies who are familiar with user experience who meet for drinks or dinner. Maybe you'll meet your future employer or someone who has an opening at their company. This could be a great way to find some new friends if you've moved to a new city or might be feeling lonely.
4. Go to a Networking Under 40 event
NETWORK! NETWORK! NETWORK! How many times have you read that now? It's nothing new and as competent as you are, people give jobs to friends, friends of friends, and even acquaintances. It's all dog eat dog and that's not fair but that's the way it is. If you've never been to an Under 40 event then see where they are offering the next one in your area. Networking can be intimidating for everyone and out of your comfort zone (cue Here by Alessia Cara),but take a chance.
5. Take General Assembly classes
What the heck is this? "General Assembly is creating a global community of life-long learners to pursue work they love, by offering full-time immersive programs, long-form courses, and classes and workshops on the most relevant skills of the 21st century – from web development and user experience design, to business fundamentals, to data science, to product management and digital marketing." Here's the real kicker. There are tons of events that are FREE!!! Go just to learn something new and network if anything. There are also classes for $30+ and you can get $50 off if you're a first time subscriber for their e-mails.
6. Look at LinkedIn profiles
Looking to change careers and have no clue what to put on your LinkedIn profile? look at other people's job descriptions. Someone might have worded your new job description perfectly so don't be ashamed to steal! everything you need has already been done so use the crap out of google. Change your picture so you look the part. That means skip the cute photo from this past weekend. I am guilty of this. You need a picture that makes you look professional and ready to take on my new job.
7. Make an online resume
Make yourself stand out. There are a ton of resources online that will make your resume look snazzy. You want the job and if you're competing with 160+ other applicants make something to help employers remember your resume. Everyone's resume pretty much the same so make yourself stand out.
8. Write a cover letter
This is a non-negotiable. They might try to pull a fast one you and say it's optional but IT IS A TRAP. Cover letters are ALWAYS required and if they say they don't need one then it's a test to see if you really care enough to go the extra mile. Research the company and the news.
9. Follow up
Call and stay on their tails! Call every two days and be SO annoying that they either tell you to stop calling or give you a chance to come in for an interview. Another thing you can do is ask someone from the company to have lunch and ask them questions about their role and the company and do an informational interview. This way when they come across your resume they can put a face to it.
10. Believe in yourself
You can do this. If you believe in yourself then you are more than half way there. Here are valuable links.
1. https://generalassemb.ly/ (innovative education company)
2.
http://www.strikingly.com/ (build your own website)
3.
www.crystalknows.com (allows you to tailor your e-mails for specific individual's writing styles)
4.
www.Heminway.com ( Editor app that edits your writing)
