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The Full Story

5 Benchmarks to Digest

Searching for a New Career in 2022 | by Kim Zierlein | 03.20.2022

In today’s world, it is hard for people to thrive in the job market, let alone survive in it. I know from personal experience trying to change careers it has not been easy. COVID not only changed the world in health precedents but in how we view the “office” as well. Pre-coronavirus about 20% of teleworkers/office staff worked from home. After the virus that number sky-rocketed to 71% according to Pew Research results from their 2020 article.

 

That number alone is one that speaks for itself in how office workers' jobs have changed not only in how they look, but in how the workforce views flexibility and availability for work. Working from home offers less travel, less expense, less time carved out of your personal space, and more time to flex your work hours.

 

But what does that mean for some of us looking at a career change, or better-paying jobs in the non-existent high-rises of the big city? It means that we need to learn how to navigate a new job market and interview field. It means that some of us will have to hunt hard for those remote jobs that will understand our work ethic since we were not in the field pre-pandemic times in America.

 

There have been some hard realities to wanting to shift in a career when you are economically responsible for a mortgage, a child, and have transition work to do to leave your current profession in good hands. How you transition speaks a lot about how you are as a person and how you will be as a new employee.

 

I have compiled a list of quick tips and reflections on my journey to finding that perfect new niche I have been searching for in the job market. After over75 applications, 12 Zoom interviews, 5 live interviews, and working two to three jobs in a combination of my full-time day job and other part-time and freelance opportunities There is a definite science to not settling for anything less than you really want in a career change.

Benchmark 1

Never undermine your opportunities remotely to build your resume.

 

There is something to be said for the side hustle. In a world of social media and e-opportunities, you need to capitalize on expanding your resume with options that can supplement your income. In doing so, you can build foundational know-how in remote work. You can also experiment in different professional fields within your interest to find out exactly what you are looking for in a career change.

Benchmark 2

Work on your presentation

 

Practice makes perfect is an old adage. It is true. You need to practice your presentation in how you represent your resume. You are the personal connection to how you look on paper. Don’t just know your information, but bring it to life. Interviews that have gone well for me are ones where I AM my resume.

Benchmark 3

Understand the variety that matches

your degree of choice.

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You need to do research. Carve out so much time weekly. Personally, I have committed a couple of hours a week to search for jobs on Linkedin.com and other online job markets that have been verified for remote work and areas I would move to across the country. You need to know the market and amenities. Know what you need for your family and start crossing off the list. Knowing the housing market, the schools is necessary, the activities and recreational options for everyone involved in the move of a family. Know the jobs that you want to pursue and find key areas they are offered and how you can grow in your career. Research is important before committing. They are not just interviewing you; you are interviewing the area and the employer.

Benchmark 4

Compile a list of skills that you know you have, and brainstorm a secondary list of skills you have taken for granted.

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If you understand your skillset that is great! But do not rule out things that you might take for granted that others see as a versatile and priceless skill they would love to have in a job candidate. In an interview recently in Colorado Springs, the employer admired my direct communication that was straightforward. Most of my past employers have told me it is my downfall, but this current position’s manager loved how direct and to the point I was not wasting anyone’s time with my answers and talking around a subject. Just a side note: the job was not a fit, but it was a great interview experience in knowing what kind of work environment I would or would not thrive in.

Benchmark 5

Remember…Patience; it will take

time to find the right fit do not rush

or force opportunity.

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The last tip I leave you with is common sense: patience. You need to just be calm and understand you are not Carrie Bradshaw or a Tessa Young that will land that perfect writing or editing job with just falling in love! There is a fit out there for you. Sometimes it just takes time to really research and know what you are looking for in a career move.

References

 

Parker, Horowitzz and Minkin. Pew Research Center. December 9, 2020. “How the Coronavirus Outbreak Has and Hasn’t – Changed the Way Americans Work.” Retrieved from: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/12/09/how-the-coronavirus-outbreak-has-and-hasnt-changed-the-way-americans-work/

 

Kahler, Karl. Resume.io. “Top 10 remote jobs that let you work from home.” Retrieved from https://resume.io/blog/top-10-remote-jobs-that-let-you-work-from-home?ga_utm_source=google&ga_utm_medium=ppc&ga_utm_campaign=996263450&ga_utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjwoduRBhA4EiwACL5RP3x2D1VLg_0sQo_SiCO8W9DuGrVBh6U7my0rxIQsaUf_9YUjV7ayIRoCK-sQAvD_BwE

 

Smart, Leah. Podcast: In the Arena. March 18, 2022. Episode: Ask Yourself this to be happier. Webpage on LinkedIn to podcast and writings: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahasmart/

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