With Randstad's recent Workmonitor report revealing that over a third of UK employees would rather be unemployed than unhappy in a job, it appears that you may not be alone if you’re intent on seeking a new position.
However, only those who can rebrand themselves and market their skills and accomplishments effectively are more likely to make a smoother transition to a new role.
How to rebrand yourself.
Brands are nothing more than the stories we create to market products and services to a desired audience. Your experiences and skills are such things and you have complete control over how you present and promote them to potential employers.
If you’re looking to change career paths, having transferable skills is a necessity and presenting them in a way which appeals to new industries can be tricky. The best way to start rebranding yourself is to begin thinking about how your current skills can help bring a fresh perspective or unique insight to a new role.
How can you identify and present these skills?
1. Research your rebrand and begin to network.
Look online at the job descriptions for the roles you are interested in and think about how you can demonstrate transferable skills and unique experience. Attend industry events and take every chance to network with those in, and recruiting for, these positions.
“Talk to as many people as possible. Network all you can and seek out advice from those in your industry of choice to prepare for the move."
Alice Weightman, Hanson Search
2. Give your rebrand substance.
Contribute to social media discussions or online forums with influencers in your prospective field. Start your own blog, or use LinkedIn updates, to show your interest and knowledge of the latest issues in your new chosen field. The Randstad Career Hub is always full of up to date industry views and analysis and is always worth checking for topical material to share or comment upon.
“Many people recruit on attitude and train on skill - so you need to be able to persuade an employer that you have that potential and that your background works, even without direct experience. Do your research well and present the evidence.”
Jane Sunley, Author of “It's never OK to kiss the interviewer”
3. Tailor your CV and LinkedIn profile to suit your rebrand.
Ensure you clearly state your reasons for seeking a career change and the relevant skills and experiences you have. Only emphasise the aspects of your roles that demonstrate these.
“Most employers don't have time to read through pages and pages of text so keeping your CV concise and completely relevant to the role is crucial. Make sure that you identify the goals of the employer and then tie your work experience into this. The most important thing is to capture the employer's attention and to get them to want to find out more."
Hayley Stovold, Jobulo
4. Be prepared to answer objections.
Of course you have to illustrate your confidence and knowledge in the interview as well as grab the hiring manager's attention online or on your CV. Rehearse articulating how your skills and experiences will provide a relatively seamless transition into your new field. Prepare examples of skills that you bring that you know will add a new dimension. Above all, remain confident and passionate and let your rebrand do the talking.
“The key to a successful career transition is in identifying and leveraging your transferable skills. The competencies you developed in your current profession are not only applicable there– they can be relevant and meaningful to many employment opportunities.”
Caroline Da Cuhna, StartUp Institute
- For more advice, real case studies and tips on changing career, visit our career changes resource hub: