7 Practical Tips for Successfully Landing a Job Outside of Your Field of Expertise

7 Practical Tips for Successfully Landing a Job Outside of Your Field of Expertise There are few things in life as frustrating as coming to the realization that you no longer enjoy what you set out to do with your life. Maybe you’ve just become bored with the same thing day after day, or maybe you’ve just realized that your passion lies elsewhere. The good news is that it’s never too late to make a career change or to pursue your passions. While finding a job in the field you are completely unfamiliar with is certainly challenging â€" it is far from impossible. Here are seven tips to help you break into a new career outside your area of expertise. Research the Industry The first thing that you need to do is make it your field of expertise. If you’re going to make a go of it, you need to learn the ins and outs of the new field. If it’s already something you’re familiar with like a hobby or personal interest of yours, you may have a head start. If not, see if there are any free courses or books that you can find that can help you gain the knowledge you need to get started in the industry. Establish Yourself as an Authority Once you’ve gotten a handle on the basics, you can start building some credibility within your field. Join a professional organization and participate in online discussion forums. Create a website and start writing a blog. Reach out to other influencers in your field and offer guest posts on their sites. Start leaving a digital trail as early as possible, so that when a potential employer searches for you, they’ll find what you’re looking to present. Make it a Side Hustle Before you throw caution to the wind and quit your current job, it might be worth it to give it a shot on a part-time, trial basis. You can apply to freelance jobs and offer lower prices to potential clients. First, it can give you a chance to see if you enjoy it as much as you hope you will. Second, it allows you to maintain your current income, while getting yourself set up and testing the waters in your new career. This way you don’t compromise your financial security while you get the bugs worked out. Look for Volunteer Opportunities One of the best ways to get started is by volunteering for an organization in the field. You may find yourself working alongside people that can impart wisdom and expertise that you might not gain otherwise. In the meantime, you’re learning and building valuable work experience that can later be added to your resume. Networking If you’ve established your credibility, started a side hustle, and volunteered, then you’re probably already on your way to building a strong network. Don’t let it stop there though. Reach out to corporations in your industry, attend a conference, and build your LinkedIn profile. Keeping in touch with your network is the best way to learn about new opportunities and updates in your industry. Focus on Your Accomplishments Instead of focusing on what you’re missing, you need to begin focusing on what you’ve proven yourself able to do. When writing resumes or cover letters, explain your strengths, your knowledge, and your soft skills, rather than apologizing for your lack of education or experience. Don’t tell them what you can’t do, tell them what you can do. Accept Entry Level Depending on how long you’ve been in your current field, you may have to swallow your pride and take a pay cut. You can’t expect to be making the same money as someone who’s been working in the field for years and has a proven track record. Just remember that entry level means that there’s room for growth and advancement. Starting over in a new industry can seem overwhelming, but plenty of people do it every day. If you’re fed up with your current situation and eager to get started on a new path, these tips can help you realize your hopes and dreams. About Audrey: Audrey Robinson works as a finance and career consultant, helping people make right career choices and protect their personal finances. Currently supporting Learn to Trade an educational resource for investors, Audrey is easy to find online, where she participates in various discussions and shares her ideas and suggestions. If you wish to learn more, feel free to pm her at @AudreyyRobinson.