Career Transition Checklist

Whether you’re in the process of making a career transition or still trying to push that nagging voice out of your head that is telling you to make one, there’s a lot to do to make it happen. Use this checklist as a guide to get started!

1. Accountability

Career transitions require a leap of faith, risk-taking, vulnerability and a ton of time and effort. It is so easy to give up or shy away from the hard stuff. A strong accountability system is key. Whether that is a coach, mentor, partner or friend, ensure that you have someone checking in with you.

2. Informational interviews focused on the good, the bad & the actual work

It’s so easy to dream about other jobs and think they are a good fit. The last thing you want to happen is to do a lot of work and then discover that the role isn’t a great fit for you. Understand the day-to-day tasks and challenges by talking to others in the field and asking questions you may not want to hear the answers on. Remove those rose colored glasses. 

3. Clarity on your values & what lights you up

If you’re not crystal clear on what you need, you’re at risk of ending up in the same spot you’re in now, perhaps just on a different team or at a different company. It can be hard to identify what these values & needs are, especially if you’ve been feeling defeated or unmotivated for a while, but this work is foundational. 

4. A mindset that you’re in control of

As humans we are not wired to embrace rejection and our mind isn’t built to never feel defeated. Learn how your brain works and how to train it to work for you and not hold you back. 

5. Resume rewrite

Not just a revamp. You are going to need to double down on rewriting all of your old jobs to highlight the most relevant experience that aligns to the target role.

6. Your story

Craft a compelling reason as to why you are a strong candidate for the target role that erases any doubts a recruiter or hiring manager may have.

7. The right support system & boundaries

Everyone has opinions and their own tolerance for risk and change. Usually others who care about us mean well when they ‘share’ those opinions or ‘advice’ with you, but it can often cause doubt, shame, fear and defeat (“But you’re making good money! In a stable industry! And you’re 35! Leaving will be a huge mistake!”) Analyzing your support system and strategically planning how to communicate with them is crucial in times of self-exploration and change.

- Kaitlyn