How to Pivot Career
“I am looking to pivot my career from one field to a different, yet related field. What is the best way to do that? How are those types of applications viewed by hiring managers? Is it actually possible?”
There are a couple places to start - you could use any/all of these. If you give a specific industry/field I can hopefully give you better ideas. The important guiding factor is that experience is important, but some companies are also open to applicants that are eager to LEARN their industry, and are open to being taught. For an employer, this can be a cheaper, viable option.
1. Find a networking group or organization in this field. Join, pay your dues and attend all events. You are doing this to learn, for great networking but also to start shifting your resume to that field.
2. Volunteer in that field. This might be easy or hard to find due to the field. Say you are a graphic design who wants to shift into programming. Find a local "Teach Kids to Code" program at a school, non-profit, etc. Sign up and start helping! If you can't code, tell them you can't code but find ways to help. You could use your graphic design skills, help fund raise, sweep the floors, etc.
3. Start getting online certifications in this field. This is a no-brainer. Even if you already have the experience, get some real credentials for the area. You don't need a college degree to be a developer, but showing the level of commitment to earn certificates for learning, mastering, etc goes a long way.
4. Make it clear on your resume what your new interests are. I don't always think a resume needs a "Mission Statement" or a cover letter, but something short - 1-3 sentences, sharing your pivot, passion, steps taken, and INTEREST in their company, contributions you can make and goals will go a long way.
5 Be open to lower-paying jobs. You are, in a way, starting from scratch. Maybe your new field pays better/worse, but be willing to take a chance on a company that is taking a chance on you. New job pays $5,000 less a year but you get to work in your area? Think of it as a cheap college degree/resume builder.
