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In the wake of COVID-19, 600,000 workers have disappeared from UK payrolls according to government figures. If you’re one of the people whose job has been affected during the pandemic, is it time to think about changing career?
We take a look at the pros and cons of finding a new occupation, plus the best ways to make the change.
Should You Change Career?
The unemployment rate is holding steady thanks to the current furlough scheme. However, experts say we’ll feel the full extent of the employment crisis when the scheme ends in October 2020.
The hospitality and leisure industry is currently the worst affected, with widespread venue closures to prevent the spread of the virus.
Careers in IT and Computing, retail, construction, media, and property are among the other sectors suffering most.
If you’ve felt the impact in your industry, ask yourself these questions before changing career:
- How bad is the situation in your industry? Are things just quiet now because of lockdown or is your sector likely to take a long time to bounce back? How adaptable is your career to new restrictions on our way of life? If you don’t see a future for your career, it might be time to change.
- What else can you do? Are your skills very specific to your current job or are they transferable? Do you have any skills that might work in a different environment? You might be surprised at your CV’s adaptability.
- Can you afford to retrain? If you don’t have the skills or qualifications you need, can you afford to go back to school? Changing career can be costly and time-consuming. Is it definitely a better option than waiting for a new job in your current industry?
How to Change Career
Have you carried out a full career assessment and decided it’s time to move into a different environment? Here are our top tips for a smooth transition:
- Identify your transferable skills – No matter your industry, you’re likely to have skills that will serve you well in another career. Cabin crew with good communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure? You might excel in sales or customer-facing roles. Now is not the time to be humble, identify what you’re good at and shout about it!
- Start retraining – If you’re currently out of work or in furlough, now is the perfect time to start learning new skills or working towards new qualifications. If you’re facing a financial barrier, look into grants that could help you move forward.
- Network – Be creative in your approach to your new career. Utilise social media to start networking with people already in your desired industry. Ask them for tips, advice, or mentoring.
- Be realistic – While it’s important to champion yourself, know your limits when applying for jobs or working with a recruiter. You don’t want to end up in a role you don’t fit – it’s as detrimental to you as it is to your employer.
- Seek expert help – Don’t know where to start? Get help. A good recruiter can work with you on tailoring your CV to your new role or preparing for interviews. We’re out here, you just need to find us.
Let Us Help
Changing career isn’t easy – no one can stroll into a completely different industry without a lot of hard work, existing connections, or financial support. But, if you’re willing to be persistent, you can find a stable career post-coronavirus.
Does this sound like you? We’d love to help. Get in touch now to find out how we can support you in finding your fresh start.
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