7 tips for a career change in the second half of life

The difficult economic situation has led more workers to make career changes in mid-life. It's not easy to change careers or move into a new industry later in life. If you are an older student or considering a mid-life career change, finding work can be even more difficult than for younger students.

A mid-life career change

A mid-life career change can present unique job search hurdles, and you'll need to stand out from the crowd of younger applicants. Below are seven strategies for making a midlife transition and finding a job in your new career field. For more information about making a career change, check out these career change tips and career change advice from workplace experts across the country.

Ways you can stand out

1. Academic achievements: One way to stand out as a job candidate is through exceptional academic performance. With top grades and a first-class degree, you can apply for some of the most sought-after positions despite your age. If you're studying law, taking part in the Law Review can open doors to interviews you might not otherwise get. In any course, taking part in extracurricular activities such as student government, the school newspaper or other activities can help you develop new skills and gain useful experience.
2. Use your skills: Your previous work experience has given you a variety of skills that you will likely be able to use (or not) in a legal position. Use the skills from your previous jobs to find a new job in your current field or to change fields entirely. Emphasize these skills and any relevant experience on your resume, networking conversations, and interviews. For example, if you're a lawyer pursuing a writing career, you might highlight your experience with law journals, legal writing awards, and writing-intensive internships.
3. Speak to the right employers: If your mid-life career change involves a change in industry, you should approach the right employers. Small law firms and public interest organizations tend to be more open to second-stage lawyers than large law firms.
4. Networking: Whether you are still studying or have already graduated, connecting with classmates, peers, teachers, and colleagues can help you learn about opportunities. Depending on the extent of your career change, you don't have to start from scratch in your networking efforts; Be sure to take advantage of the networking contacts you have cultivated throughout your decades-long previous career(s). Job shadowing - where you step into the shoes of an employee in your target job for a day - can help you make new contacts and learn more about your desired position. Also use online social networks.
5. Design your resume correctly: Design your resume so that you can use the skills and experience you gained in your previous job for a new position. If you e.g. For example, if you move from sales to legal, you can highlight your ability to attract new customers, your extroverted personality, and your marketing skills.
6. Gain relevant experience: Nothing can advance your job search faster than experience in your new field. Employers want employees who are ready to work right away and are reluctant to spend money on training these days. Internships, external internships and internships are valuable opportunities to gain experience during your studies. If you are changing careers but not returning to school, consider volunteering for an organization or cause related to your career goals. Temporary and contract work is also an option.
7. Stay positive: When it comes to career changes in mid-life, the negative aspects are often in the foreground ("I'm too old", "There are no jobs", "I can't compete with younger workers"). A positive attitude will have a positive impact on you and help you shine in interviews. Instead of focusing on the disadvantages of age, show potential employers the advantages you have over younger workers, such as: B. Maturity, stability, commitment and reliability. If you believe in yourself, employers will too.