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.

Interviewed for Job When Someone Else Was Already Chosen

“Here is a question for you that have been driving me nuts. I applied for a job last year which I was really qualified for and got the interview. One of the requirements was to come in to the interview with 3 personal references. So I called one of my colleagues and asked him if I could use he. He said yes of course. He also asked me to send him the job posting which I did right away.

The next he texted me and told me that another colleague of his is also interviewing for the same position, let’s call him JC. JC was told by the hiring manager that he is going to get the job but the interview is merely to satisfy HR requirements. I thought I should cancel the interview, but I was also prepared and felt like I could be a good fit and thought maybe I could impress them or at least get offered another position if they are dead set on taking JC.

So I interviewed with an HR person and two managers. The hr person did most of the talking the two hiring managers didn’t even look at me. They asked very complicated questions about internal company policies which I have no way of answering.

In short my 1 hour interview lasted 20 minutes and then I was excused. The following week I found out that JC got the job.

The question is, if everybody knew this was the case, why couldn’t you just offer JC the job directly?? I never felt belittled in my life. Mind you the person who told me about JC didn’t even work for that company.

Also, should I have asked a question about if there are preferred candidates? Is that even allowed?”

That is really frustrating - I'm frustrated for you just reading that.

To start I'll say this - maybe you should feel THANKFUL that you aren't working with those people now that you've experienced this.

Yes, JC was a shoe-in but they had to show that they explored all options. The two managers thought the interview was wasting their time which was reflected in their attitude. I think the HR person was probably screwing with you a little bit and throwing out questions no one could answer so that you didn't "perform well".

At the end of the day I'm proud of you for still going to the interview. It will probably the most difficult interview you will face, so it's all down hill from here. Interview practice is important - that interview was GREAT practice for you.

There was no need to ask about other candidates - you wouldn't have gotten a helpful answer.

Applying for Multiple Positions - Which One?

“I am looking to get into a particular company. There are many jobs listed I am qualified. When I applied for the first, one of the questions I was asked and If I would like to be considered for other positions and I indicated yes. Should I apply for others I am qualified , or do I just wait and see if I am contacted ?”

I would wait a little longer and see if you are contacted. Before your first interview, write out a list of why you are a good candidate for the other jobs. Position yourself as "open to whichever position will help the company the most" while you discuss this.

If you don't hear back within the next couple weeks, apply for your next favorite job.