Career Workshop: Career Transition

I recently attended a Career Workshop that catered to people looking to transition careers. I went with an open mind hoping to learn valuable tips, use them and then share them with you. Sadly, the event felt less like a optimistic workshop and more like an AA meeting. Everyone seemed depressed and most of the anecdotes were about struggles and frustrations rather than about what tactics are working for people.

The average age in the room was a bit unsettling as a majority of the attendees were in their middle-ages (Unemployment and career frustration is no fun for anyone, but I imagine it is even more daunting when you are 45+. It seems like the deck is even more stacked against you.). I got the sneaking suspicion that most of the room was not voluntarily looking to transition their career, but rather, like me, in need of a new career.

I am not trying to sound all high and mighty when it comes to job searching (I am unemployed and clearly not succeeding at finding employment), but the event did not provide me with any new tactics. However, it was nice to hear that most of what I am currently doing matches the strategies taught during this workshop. Simple things like:

• Leverage your network
• Work to increase your network through social networking sites (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
• Read industry-specific blogs and keep up to date on industry trends, business dealings, and news
• Use Job Postings to alter your resume, but try and apply through a company contact rather than through a job site
• Create a personal cover letter that incorporates company knowledge and shows a clear correlation between the job requirements and your experience
• Understand this transition takes time, and do little things on your own to help increase your opportunities (go to industry networking events, take skill-specific classes (i.e. Excel, Photoshop, Flash, etc), attend tradeshows, go on informational interviews)
• STAY POSITIVE!

One big tip from the Career Workshop and one strategy that I believe is important to follow is this: Whenever possible, find a power player in the company you are applying to and try to connect directly with them.

You will have better luck reaching out directly to the Department Head (DH) of the area you want to work in than going through HR. If you can, write the DHa personal letter and attach your resume and cover letter. Follow my Interview Tips (one, two and three) for how to draft this letter, how to format it and when to send it. Worst case scenario, you get no response, in which case, apply online. Best case scenario, you get a direct response from the DH. Most likely, the DHwill forward your information to HR -- HR will be more inclined to review your information since it came directly from the DH.

I know getting the DH's information may be difficult. I have some strategies to help here as well and hope to share them next week.