In this post, I am sharing with you 6 easy tips for changing careers in your 30s.
So you're back on the job hunt, huh? Or at least thinking about it?
Maybe your current position just is not working out - or mayble you're simply looking to do some else? I get it. I've been there.
So listen up, friend: The job hunt and changing careers in your 30s is no easy feat.
Especially if you've be in the same position for several years now. I mean, many of us haven't sat through a job interview since our early 20s!).
So your job hunting skills may be a little rusty.
But never fear - I've got you covered.
Read on to discover 6 easy tips that'll help you make that career change and land that perfect new job!
This post is about tips for changing careers in your 30s.
Update your resume.
I won't harp on this one because it's pretty common knowledge.
Before you begin reaching out to companies and/or applying for new positions, please make sure your resume is at least updated.
And if you're switching industries, make sure you're adopting your new industry's lingo, too.
Admittedly, your resume doesn't really matter. But providing a resume is a formality in the job seeking and hiring process, so just make sure yours is up-to-date.
If anything, it demonstrates competence. And if you can't demonstrate competence, there is no way you'll be competing for a job any time soon.
You need to be on LinkedIn.
If you are trying to change careers in your 30s, but you aren't on LinkedIn, you need to change that as soon as you finish reading this post.
(I'll even make it easy for you: click here to access LinkedIn in a new tab.)
While -- sure -- it's possible to change careers without being on LinkedIn, you're just making your life harder by avoiding the platform.
Use your pre-existing network.
If you are trying to change careers, I have one word for you: Connect.
Connect, connect, connect. I cannot say it enough.
Leverage your pre-existing professional network to get your name in front of hiring teams. After all, who you know is far more important than what you know.
But your pre-existing network doesn't only include people you know personally. Your pre-existing network also includes "friends of friends."
So if you know someone who knows someone, leverage this relationship to make a new connection. Name drop. Build bridges.
Seriously. Your network can make or break you.
Don't be scared to reach out to possible future colleagues.
When it comes to networking via LinkedIn, don't just reach out to recruiters. In fact, I bet you'll have better luck if you reach out to future colleagues.
Because most companies have some sort of employee referral program, connecting with a current employee may prove mutually beneficial.
You may land a new job, and they may land a nice little employee referral bonus.
However, even if there's nothing "in it" for the current employee (such as a bonus), most people on LinkedIn are willing to chat as long as you don't come across spammy and/or desperate.
So if you're active on LinkedIn but having no luck connecting with recruiters, try connecting with future colleagues, instead.
Connecting laterally works wonders on LinkedIn.
Be open to every opportunity. Even the ones you don't initially envision.
If you're limiting yourself to "certain" roles, you're also limiting your future career path options.
By remaining open-minded to other positions -- even ones you don't think you'd have much interested in -- you're opening the door to find a path you love but would've never sought out yourself.
If a recruiter contacts you about a position, at the very least, hear him or her out. You may be pleasantly surprised.
For instance, when I left teaching last year, I never envisioned moving into an international sales position. I swore I was going to land some some of corporate training or curriculum design position.
But lo and behold: Here I am, loving my job in international sales. Had I remained hellbent on training or curriculum, I would've never even considered this opportunity.
So take it from me: remain open to any and all positions.
Embrace discomfort.
Changing careers is not a fun or comfortable thing to do. Especially if you've been in your previous position for a while, things are going to feel strange.
At times, you even may feel like you're suffering from imposter syndrome.
But just know that this is normal and this is passing.
So now, my fellow 30-somethings, I'm wondering: If you've also changed careers, what tips or advice do you have for folks on the job hunt? What easy tips for changing careers in your 30s would you give a friend? Let me know in the comments!