Are you thinking of making a career move? Not sure how to get started? Keep reading…

At some point in our careers, many of us experience a feeling of stagnation. It’s that gnawing realization that you’re no longer being challenged, that growth seems distant, and that every workday feels similar to the last. For mid-level professionals who’ve spent a considerable time in one role or organization, these feelings can be particularly intense. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone, and that change is entirely possible.

As a career coach, I’ve observed that people often start by updating their resumes when looking for a new job. While updating a resume is important, it’s not the first thing to focus on. Before jumping into job hunting, it’s key to know what you really want in a job and to understand your strengths and values. Without this clarity, you might end up in a job that doesn’t truly suit you, leading to unhappiness later on.

If you are in the process of making a career pivot and ready to take your career to another level, I want you to think strategically and intentionally to increase the likelihood of landing a job that aligns with your career aspirations and personal values.

Here are 9 Strategies for a Successful Career Move:

Strategy 1: Self-reflection

Before diving into job applications or updating your resume, take a step back and reflect. The key to a fulfilling career move lies in understanding what truly matters to you. Think of this as a chance to realign your professional path with your values, strengths, and aspirations. To get started, ask yourself:

• What values matter most to me in my work?
• What kind of work-life integration am I looking for?
• What are my greatest strengths and marketable skills?
• What do I enjoy most about my current role?
• What aspects of my job do I find less fulfilling?
• What are my long-term career aspirations?
• Am I looking for a complete career change or new challenges within my current field?
• What are my non-negotiables?

Answering these questions will help you build a solid foundation for your next steps. This isn’t just a solo exercise—sharing your reflections with a mentor or career coach can provide deeper insights and a personalized perspective to guide your journey. Take the time to reflect now, and you’ll save yourself from chasing opportunities that don’t truly align with your goals.

Strategy 2: Identify any skills gaps and  invest in your professional development to gain new skills

The professional world is changing fast with new tools and technologies. To stay ahead, it’s good to learn new skills. When you think about the jobs you want, are there skills you’re missing? If you go on LinkedIn and search for jobs, you will see the skills associated with the job post. If you have these skills, be sure to update your profile. However, for those skills you are looking to develop, consider taking online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. Attend workshops, webinars, and industry conferences to take a deeper dive. You may also find that the roles you are considering may require you to finally get that credential you have been holding off on. Perhaps you can earn a new certification or enroll in a training program.

Strategy 3: Reconnect and build your network

Reconnecting with your network can feel daunting, especially if it has been a while since you’ve reached out. It’s natural to worry about bothering people or feeling awkward about asking for help. However, these conversations can be transformative for your career journey. Your network can offer fresh insights, guidance, and connections that you may not have considered.

As you reach out, think about the roles and industries you’re exploring. Use these interactions to not only gather valuable information but also make yourself visible. Networking is about building relationships, not just asking for favors. Be genuine in your approach and focus on fostering connections.

Additionally, it’s important to share that you’re ready for a career move. Let your network know about the kind of opportunities you’re seeking and your aspirations. This transparency helps others understand how they can support you, whether it’s sharing job openings, connecting you with professionals in their circle, or providing advice.

Strategy 4: Connect and engage with professionals on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for making meaningful connections and building your professional brand. Start by reconnecting with past colleagues and engaging with professionals in your target industries. Join LinkedIn groups that align with your interests, and actively participate by sharing thoughtful comments and insights.

Leverage LinkedIn’s Alumni Tool to connect with graduates from your school who work in industries or roles that interest you. Alumni often share a unique bond and are more likely to respond to outreach, making them a valuable resource for networking and gaining insights into potential career paths.

If you’re exploring new opportunities, consider using LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature. You can customize your preferences and keep this visible only to recruiters if you’d prefer to maintain privacy. Sharing your career goals with trusted connections can also open doors to opportunities through referrals or recommendations.

Follow leaders in your desired fields, interact with their content, and send personalized connection requests that show genuine interest. Take it a step further by reaching out for informational interviews to learn about different career paths and gain industry insights.

Strategy 5: Connect with a mentor

A mentor can provide guidance, share experiences, and offer invaluable advice on navigating professional challenges. Whether it’s someone in your current organization or outside, having a mentor can be a transformative experience. Mentors can help you see situations from a different angle, ensuring you make informed decisions. They can also provide resources and introduce you to professionals in their network. Most importantly, they can brainstorm with you as you set goals and can offer a level of accountability.

Strategy 6: Re-evaluate your role

If you enjoy the company you’re with but feel limited by your role, consider seeking a lateral move. This allows you to experience new challenges without completely starting over. If you are able to speak freely with your supervisor, ask about potential opportunities.

I have worked with clients that have expressed enjoying working at their organization but have outgrown their roles. Through mentorship and transparency with their current supervisor, they were able to explore other positions using a different set of skills that aligned with their future career goals. Remember that in many cases, it is a change of environment that you may need.

Strategy 7: Rebrand Yourself

Once you know your next move and role and have done some research, you are now ready to create and update your brand. Now that you know your target audience, you can think strategically as to how you want to market your brand. This is the time to start updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and personal pitch. Highlight your skills, accomplishments, and the value you bring. This is not just for the job search but also to remind yourself of your worth and potential.

Strategy 8: Stay Open to the Unexpected

One of my favorite career development theories is Planned Happenstance, which is a theory that acknowledges the role of chance events in the career decision-making process. The concept suggests that individuals can cultivate valuable and unexpected opportunities by taking actions even in the face of uncertainty. Sometimes, the best opportunities are the ones we haven’t anticipated. Stay open-minded to roles or industries you haven’t previously considered. Allow yourself to explore. Dive into seminars, workshops, or even casual conversations that fall outside of your immediate interests.

Strategy 9: Act with Confidence

Remember, you’re in control of your career. Trust in your abilities and your strengths. As challenging as this can be, don’t second guess yourself. I understand that just as you are ready to take a leap of faith, you might fall into the trap of self-doubt and paralysis. But remind yourself of why you started this process in the first place. Be proactive, and don’t be afraid to take risks. It’s very normal to feel fear when considering a significant change, but growth often lies just beyond our comfort zone. Remember that you are not committing to anything by putting yourself out there and testing the waters – that can very well be your first step.

Believe in your strengths and capabilities. It’s natural to hesitate or second-guess, especially when on the brink of a major decision. Remember, those feelings of self-doubt are normal, but don’t let them stop you! Remind yourself of why you started this process in the first place. Be proactive and welcome risks; after all, true growth comes from stepping out of our comfort zones. Venturing into the unknown isn’t a binding commitment but rather an exploratory step, so have the courage to put yourself out there.

Let’s remember that career stagnation isn’t and shouldn’t feel permanent if that is not what you want. With reflection, action, and a bit of courage, you can pivot your career path in directions that offer growth, satisfaction, and renewed enthusiasm. Remember, every professional journey has its ebbs and flows; the key is to keep moving forward, even when the path seems uncertain.  

You got this!

If you are interested in working with a career coach, let’s schedule a consultation.  Explore my career coaching packages Career Coaching Packages to see if we may be a good fit.

Your career coach and job search ally,

Liz Herrera