5 Unbeatable Tools for Career Pivoters
(Updated 2/16/22)
We work with a lot of career changers, so I find myself pointing people to the same great resources over and over again. I figured I’d share them!
These are tools that I point people to again and again as part of my coaching practice. Every one of them is great for all types of career paths and professionals, but these resources are particularly incredible for those among you mulling over a career pivot.
My Favorite Career Pivot Resources:
So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love.
You need to read this if you’re wondering if the magic answer is to simply follow your passion (a la, do what you love so the money will follow). Cal Newport, the author of this absolute gem of a career book, is a computer scientist out of Georgetown University. He studied the statistical correlation between those who follow their passion career-wise and those who cite long-term career satisfaction.
Guess what? He discovered that there’s often an inverse relationship between those who select their next career role based on passion alone and those who proclaim that they feel satisfied in their careers (crazy, I know!) The book explores an alternate method for ensuring that you choose career moves that will, ultimately, bring about happiness and fulfillment. (This is also a great resource for people considering shifting into entrepreneurship!)
I probably recommend this job board to three or more people every week. VentureLoop is a job board that specifically features open positions within venture-backed startups. Often, the jobs you’ll see advertised here aren’t advertised anywhere else (think: less competition!)
The reason I love this job board for career pivoters is because, often, those in transition are looking for something more challenging, more inspiring, more fast-paced or an opportunity to make a more immediate impact. Startups may provide just that opportunity. VentureLoop is a wonderful, lesser known job board to keep on your radar as you work to transition your career.
I can’t speak highly enough about this absolute treasure chest of a resource for professionals at every stage, including those making a career pivot. I’m slightly biased, yes, because I’ve had the honor of serving as a columnist for The Muse for the past few years. Through that time, I’ve had a front-row seat in watching a scrappy startup turn into the gold standard, go-to resource in the career community. You’ll find endless career transition how-to articles on The Muse, a killer job board and a wide range of coaching services.
If you’re looking for a remote job, something with a more flexible schedule or even viable freelance work, FlexJobs is your job board. Not only is it the biggest game in town for telecommute options, the company hand-screens every job and company to make sure the roles they’re dishing up are high quality, professional and actually flexible (instead of just claiming to be),
FlexJobs has provided us with a special discount to offer new members. Use promo code JOBJENNY for a 30% discount on a 1-month membership, 20% discount on a 3-month membership and 10% off their 1-year membership.
And, if you're seeking step-by-step guidance to take you through the process...
Check out our self-paced video course, Change Your Career, Change Your Life. This $199 masterclass is designed to help you evaluate a potential career pivot then build and activate on a plan that will take you step-by-step from today to your successful start in that brand new role or profession.
In 20 digestible video lessons, you'll learn how to:
Evaluate your idea and narrow the definition of your ideal next job
Build a career change strategy, set tangible milestones, and find regular time for this important work
Stay organized and focused on the activities that will accelerate your process the most
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile so you make sense to your target audience
Create a cover letter that enables people to see right away why you're the perfect candidate for the jobs you want the most
Enlist the help of people you know -- and meet new people in your desired career field
Deal with those moments of fear and self-doubt that are part and parcel of this process
Interview like a pro (with specific tips on how to answer the "Why the change?" question) that will surely come up
Negotiate a solid offer, and prepare for a smooth transition
Make the absolute most of your first 90 days in your new job or career
The course also includes: sample resumes, networking letters, cover letters, and resignation letters; and a Career Pivot Roadmap worksheet.
You can check out the curriculum, review a free preview lesson and enroll in the course right here:
Note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning — we will earn a small commission for referring you. We only recommend products and services we feel will be genuinely useful and from providers we know and trust.
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