Reorientation: how to make the most of your previous experiences?

Leave everything behind to raise goats in Wales. Does that appeal to you? Without going so far as to make such a radical change, you may be dreaming of retraining and taking a different career path. What are your chances of getting the job? How can you put yourself forward to convince recruiters that, even without experience in the field, you have the skills and adaptability required to meet their expectations? Here are some tips to help you succeed in this change of direction.

Why do you want to change careers? 

Ideally, the first step is to think through your career change ideas. You will have to prove that you are taking a well-thought step, and that you have the means to adapt to your new position. You will not be able to convince anyone of the coherence of your choices if you are not convinced yourself. 

Do not neglect your academic background 

If you have a long academic background, put it forward, even if it is in a completely different field of study from the one in which you want to change careers. It is also a good idea to mention any professional training you may have received in the course of your previous experience. Give as much detail as possible about the areas of education and work you have done, as this will make your professional skills more interesting. 

Put the emphasis on cross-cutting skills 

Emphasise that you are a person interested in learning more and in being trained, so as to be operational as soon as possible. Through all the different experiences you have had, you have a different perspective on your work and the company and this is part of what you will bring to the team. Even though you are starting from scratch, you have an ability to get to the point, to be focused and to understand the levers of efficiency which be of help in your next job. Moreover, you have the maturity to quickly acquire the required skills, which you have certainly already developed to some extent in another environment before. 

Finally, highlight your career transition process. Through it, you prove that you are curious and determined, and a person who knows how to adapt, which is synonymous with motivation for the recruiter. You know what you want, and these are qualities that your future employer is looking for. 

Your strength: multiple past experiences 

Your main asset lies in the multiplicity of experiences you may have had. Whether it's several years' experience or more occasional jobs that could be similar to the one you are applying for, talk about it. Indeed, knowing that you have already been close to the job, or that you are aware of the company's expectations because you have already had some experience, gives meaning to your application. 

In addition, your various experiences prove your knowledge of the business world. You may be a newcomer, but you have experience. And this allows you to have some perspective on your work and to quickly understand the expectations of your colleagues. 

Finally, these work experiences prove that you have been able to integrate into very different environments. You may have to show your future employer that you can be loyal to the company. If you decide to change environment, this does not mean that you will leave your new job in a few months. Rather, it means that your application is the result of a reflection on your career. You know how to work with people with different backgrounds and working methods. You are able to meet, share and move in the same direction as people you know little about. You can even be a driving force for these people, providing them with a fresh, external point of view. In short, you have a lot going for you. 

Form is essential

During a career change, your cover letter plays a crucial role in the application. It allows you to explain your approach and to give the recruiter proof of your ability to occupy this new position. Write it with care.

The CV is a showcase tool to highlight your profile. It is essential to include a title that includes the title of the position for which you are applying, as this is not visible in your experience. Think of adding a “goal” section to make your application more relevant. You can also indicate some “key skills” to make your profile cross cutting. Avoid technical terms specific to your previous job(s) and prefer more general, easily transposable descriptions of these. 

Finally, don't get discouraged during your vocational retraining, it is a long-term reflection on yourself and your expectations of your professional life. It is also a long-term choice for the employer, which is the reason why recruitment processes can sometimes be lengthy. But if you do know what you want, no doubt you will achieve your goals.