It’s like watching a caterpillar who was always told they’ve be a caterpillar transform into a butterfly.
A Desire for a Career Change
When my client first approached me, she was feeling unfulfilled in her role as an Executive Assistant.
She had been working in this position for several years and felt like she had hit a plateau. Despite her dissatisfaction, she wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to do next and how to go about it.
However, one thing was clear: she was incredibly smart, capable, agile, quick to learn, strategic, and thoughtful.
These were qualities that would serve her well in any field, but she needed direction on where to apply them for her career pivot.
Exploring Career Change Possibilities
We began by identifying her strengths and interests through a series of exercises and discussions.
I connected her with people in my network across different industries so she could ask questions and gain insights into various career paths.
She attended networking and social events to explore different possibilities, listening to others’ experiences and gauging what sparked her interest.
During our sessions, we delved deep into her interests, both minor and major, using “imagine a world” exercises that allowed her to dream big without limitations.
This approach helped her envision different career paths and understand what truly excited her.
Gradually, we narrowed down her interests to focus on the product world. She found the Product Marketing Manager role to be creative but also analytical. She could use every part of her brain in new ways.
She felt passionate about pursuing it – it was clear that product marketing resonated with her desire for a dynamic and creative career change.
Identifying Transferable Skills for a Career Pivot
Once she decided to pursue a career pivot into product marketing, the next step was to identify her transferable skills. I helped her analyze her experience as an Executive Assistant, highlighting the skills that would be valuable in a product marketing role.
Her experience managing schedules and coordinating complex projects showcased her organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Her background in supporting marketing initiatives gave her a foundational understanding of marketing strategies.
Moreover, her strong communication skills and attention to detail were crucial for any product marketing role.
“One of the ways that Heather helped most is convincing me that I could pivot in any direction I wanted to go. Then, she showed me the exact steps I needed to take, build a powerful brand around my goals so I could get seen in a completely different light. My old career seems like a world away from where I am now.” – Hannah O., Product Marketing Manager
Building Her Brand for a Career Change
With a clear direction in mind, we moved on to repositioning her personal brand. I provided her with a wealth of information about the Product Marketing Manager role, its expectations, and where my client uniquely fit.
Together, we revamped her LinkedIn profile and resume to highlight her relevant skills and experiences.
We framed her achievements and her unique point of view in a way that demonstrated her strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and readiness to transition into a new field for a career change.
Preparing for a Successful Career Pivot
To ensure she was prepared for the job search and interview process, we worked on her in-person communication strategies.
We conducted several mock interviews tailored to product marketing scenarios, which helped her refine her answers and boost her confidence.
She learned how to effectively communicate her value proposition, aligning her skills and experiences with what potential employers were looking for.
With her new branding and polished interview skills, she began applying for product marketing roles. It wasn’t long before she received a job offer for a Product Marketing Manager position with an IT team — along with a 45% salary increase!
Ready to land 30% or higher salary increase? Grab interview prep here!
Tips for Making a Successful Career Change or Career Pivot
If you’re considering a career change or looking to pivot careers, here are some steps you can take to set yourself up for success:
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Do a little bit of soul searching. Identify your strengths, skills, and what you enjoy doing. Use this self-awareness as a foundation to explore new career paths.
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Research potential careers. Look into different industries and roles that align with your interests. Talk to professionals in those fields, attend industry events, and gather as much information as possible.
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Actively network. Leverage your existing network and seek out new connections. Networking can open doors and provide valuable insights into your desired field.
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Identify transferable skills. Analyze your current role and determine which skills can be applied to your new career. Highlight these transferable skills in your resume and LinkedIn profile.
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Enhance your knowledge. Take courses, attend workshops, or get certifications related to your new career path. This shows potential employers that you’re committed to learning and growing in your new field.
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Update your personal brand. Reposition your LinkedIn profile, resume, and other professional materials to reflect your new career aspirations and showcase your relevant skills.
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Prepare for interviews. Practice common interview questions for your new field and rehearse how you’ll articulate your career change. Show confidence in your ability to transition successfully.
Making a career change or deciding to pivot careers can be daunting, but with the right strategy and support, it’s entirely possible to make a successful transition.
Ready to get started and pivot into something that fuels your passions, and brings the love your work back to the forefront?
I’ve got you. Start here for a free strategy call.
About Heather Constantine
Heather Constantine is a seasoned career coach with 14 years of marketing experience in building brands through strategic positioning, interview prep and job search strategies.
If you’re ready to equip yourself with customized career solutions to land an incredible job offer, schedule a strategy call with Heather today.
