Making a career transition, particularly in a senior role, can be a difficult decision for executives to make. Job hunting is a universally challenging task, but they aren’t impossible. However, the process can get a bit more uncomfortable when you’re at the top with much more stakes at that. Half the battle is making the decision to transition to a new company, making the actual transition is where the true success is. Sure, your experience at the top of the corporate ladder has equipped you with enough to be able to tackle your line of work’s most challenging hurdles, there are however, several things that even the most seasoned of executives may not be able to handle, especially in a new role.
This blog aims to help you make a smooth and seamless career transition.
First, we’re going to debunk a few career transition myths.
Your qualifications and experience are what elevated you to your executive position. However, you might have never been aware of these common career transition myths, so let’s get them out of the way so you can pursue your next career path.
Myth #1: You’re Guaranteed an Interview Solely on Your Qualification
Career management experts have constantly made it clear that often, your chances of getting an interview call back plummets 72 hours once the post is published online. Regardless of your qualifications, making a career transition as an executive will still require you to be proactive.
Myth #2: Everything About Everything You’ve Done Will Be Needed by Recruiters
Truth is that your resume will hardly ever have everything you’ve done or that you’re capable of. The most recent achievements and specific qualifications that make it clear you’re the right person for the job is what needs to be highlighted. Make sure you’re selective when drafting or reviewing your resume, especially when you’ve been, you’re an executive trying to tell a story from two decades. Anything that won’t contribute to your hiring manager should be left out!
Myth #3: Forget About a Network, You’re Fine on Your Own
Leaving behind your network of people can be a fatal mistake. Being thrown into the deep-end and you’re now finding yourself scrambling to build a new network will make you realise that asking for help is never a bad thing. Forget your pride and be proud of what you’ve accomplished over your years as an executive.
Beginning Your Career Transition
Now you know how not to approach your executive career transition, you now want to know how to go about it. Here are our top tips for executives just getting started with their transition. Check out these three helpful guides to help you get the most out of your search.
Tip #1: Don’t Play the “Jack-of-All-Trades” Card
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that many executives further down their careers have worn several hats. That’s great, however, it is important to focus on your search when making a career change; put your energy into your marketing materials like your resume, your elevated pitch as well as polishing your LinkedIn profile.
Tip #2: Repackage Your Experience
Every industry has its own jargon, acronyms and so forth. When making an executive career transition, it is your job to figure out how you’re going to translate your experience and your past experiences to resonate with your new playing field. Do not put pressure on yourself into trying to learn everything overnight – learn just enough about the industry.
Tip #2: Rethink Building Your Network
Around 42% of hired external C-level executives with an intimate understanding of the company culture have a much easier transition. It is important to build a solid network from the outside looking in. Social media platforms like LinkedIn are the best place to start, but you need to be creative. Highlighting activities like volunteering for a non-profit can help introduce you to valuable contacts.
Tip #3: Challenge Yourself Throughout Your Transition
An executive career transition can be stressful and often uncertain. You’ll feel like you don’t have any control, but you have autonomy over how much you challenge yourself throughout your career transition. It’s important that you make it a habit to position your most recent activities, employers love that because they’ll see how it relates to what you intend on pursuing.
Now that you have a glimpse into this phase, you may be wondering where you can find executive career transition services. At Randstad Risesmart, we’re professional workforce practitioners with the sole aim of shaping businesses and people. Speak to our friendly staff about your needs today.
