Career Pivot Planning
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After you have decided that it is time for a career pivot and completed a self-assessment, it is time to build a plan. In this article, I cover four basic steps needed to create an effective pivot plan. Planning is an iterative process, as you learn, you will make continuous adjustments.
Step 1 – Write a Job Description
The foundation of a successful career pivot is knowing what type of job you want. Internet research takes many forms. Look at job postings and write down the common requirements. Look at LinkedIn profiles of people who hold positions similar to the one you want. Conference speaker and presenter profiles are other great places to look.
As you are gathering this information, don't focus on job titles. Titles vary based on company and industry. An Associate Director at one firm may carry an AVP title somewhere else. What matters is factors like the type of work performed, the level of authority, budget, global responsibility, etc.
Step 2 – Write Your Story
If you had an interview tomorrow, what will you say to convince that person that your experience, training, and personal capabilities demonstrate the ability to do the job they want to fill. This is your value proposition. How you will make your target organization more successful is the important message you need to send.
Do not fall into the trap of talking in the past tense. "At Company Widget Ltd., I did a, b, and c." What you need to say is: "I can get done what you need to get done because of the work I did at Company Widget Ltd." Your history is proof of your ability to perform your current job. Your experience does not tell them why are right for the job you want.
Step 3 – Look at the Gap
By definition, a career pivot means there is a gap from your current role to your aspiration. Put yourself in the position of the hiring manager. If your story would not convince you, it will not convince them. If the gap is too big, you may need to identify an interim step.
I have worked with more than one firm, where to rise above a certain level, you had to have completed at least two international assignments. If you want one of those jobs, you have to pursue those interim positions as part of your career plan.
If you need to find an interim job, go back to step 1 and repeat the process with that in mind.
Step 4 – Build Your Presence
With your objective clearly defined, it is time to build your presence. Before you meet with a person, you will be screened based on your online profiles. Your resume is no longer your first introduction. Recruiters will find you on LinkedIn or other platforms before they ever look at your documents.
Start with LinkedIn, making sure that the About section tells your story clearly and concisely. The first three lines are critical. They have to catch the viewers' attention and incent them to click to see more. Your job history section needs to accurately reflect your accomplishments in a way that reinforces your value proposition. Use your LinkedIn profile as the source for all other only forums and employer talent systems. Inconsistency between platforms can be viewed as a negative. Even though it will be tailored for specific opportunities, your resume still needs to be consistent with our online presence.
With the story in place and your online presence set, it is time to work your plan. I will cover this in next week's article. As you work the plan, you will come back to these steps and refine your message.
Below are links to some additional articles and resources. I am not directly endorsing any product, service, or opinion. They are provided to share additional perspectives.
Follow these 5 tips if you want to make a career pivot
Five Strategies for Making a Career Pivot
