Changing Careers During a Pandemic

Right now, the world is facing its greatest challenge in quite some time. Many people are having to upskill, reskill, or change careers entirely as multiple industries come under increasing strain the world over. According to a recent survey undertaken by findcourses.co.uk, 35% of people are changing careers because of the virus. Surprisingly, 89% of people who are happy in their current roles are considering doing the same. Changing careers can be daunting at the best of times, so here are three tips on how to do just that during the time of COVID.

Look at the Field

If you’re looking to change careers, the first thing you have to do is homework. You’ll need to look at which sectors and industries are hiring and look set to expand despite the current situation. This might seem like the task of an economist, but there are tools available to help you with your search.

One great tool at your fingertips is reskilling tools. These tools ask you a series of questions about your education, experience, and skill set. They then match you with jobs in sectors that are actively recruiting. Perhaps the best known of these tools is the UK government’s Discover Your Skills and Career questionnaire.

These tools are unlikely to immediately match you with your new dream job, but they are an excellent starting point for getting the lay of the job market in these difficult times. Once you get a sense of where the jobs are, you can start looking at the base requirements.

Another great way to upskill and reskill is to search for what type of skills are the most requested in your industry. Soft skills have been one of the most valued areas by recruiters. Organizations are looking for people who are fast learners and easy to work with. You must be able to work and be part of a team, and communication is key to doing this successfully. Many use communication skills training in order to leverage their impact when doing teamwork.

See What’s Needed for Entry-Level Roles

If you’re hugely shifting careers, then you’ll probably go into your new career at the entry level.

If you already have an undergraduate degree with a good result, then there might well be a rapid entry scheme into your new profession with vocational training. Some schemes only take a year or two to complete.

Due to the current rapid shifts in job markets the world over, many governments are compiling lists of such schemes, their entry requirements, and any salary and/or funding that might be available. Take some time to look through any lists like this and see what jumps out at you.

Apply - and then Apply Some More

The only way to change careers is to apply for any and all jobs in that field that you could possibly be suitable for. Many governments are putting funding in place for apprenticeships and traineeships. This means that many organizations are now able to hire and train people where they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.

Take full advantage of these opportunities. Maybe even send in some unsolicited applications. Organizations should normally be able to apply for funding if they like the look of your CV.

The Main Points

Changing careers can seem overwhelming. But as so many people are doing just that right now, there is help out there. Doing your homework, with the help of tools, if at all possible, is your main starting point. Once you’ve settled on a role or sector, see what the entry requirements are. From there, look at how you can come to meet them - if you don’t already. Once you’ve done that, apply - and then apply some more. With a great CV, a can-do attitude, and some tenacity, you can find yourself well on your way to a new career.