How to Translate Your Skills Into a New Career - US News
IF YOU’RE THINKING about changing careers, you're probably wondering how to present yourself in the right way in order to make the switch. You also need to make it clear – in an appropriate manner - why you are making the change. This can feel like a daunting prospect. It’s not easy to translate what you do today into something you would rather be doing or feel is better for you in the long run.
On your computer or by hand, make a three-column chart to help you cross-reference your current skills and those required of you in a new field. Label the column on the left “Current/Past Skills,” the middle one “Required Skills” and the last one “Connections.” Then do this:
Make a list of your job duties. Before you begin writing information in your chart, create a separate comprehensive list of your current and past job duties. Don’t think only about what is required of you in your current or last job or what was/is on your actual job description. What are and were you responsible for on a daily basis? What tasks and duties have you taken on that are outside of what you were hired for?
Record accomplishments. On that same paper, list specific accomplishments. They do not have to be quantifiable. Did you save a colleague time by helping him or her complete a task? Did you help compose a proposal that won the company new business? Think of small and big achievements. If you’ve been recognized informally or formally for a job well done, write it down.