Embarking on a career change can feel like navigating uncharted waters. The security of a familiar job may be comfortable, but the desire for something new often outweighs that comfort. However, pinpointing the next step in your professional journey can be confusing and overwhelming. You might feel stuck in a cycle of uncertainty, unsure of the opportunities that even exist outside your current field.
One of the most effective avenues for unlocking new career possibilities is your professional network. However, your network’s ability to assist you hinges on your clarity about your goals. Vague aspirations lead to vague results.
This article won’t provide an exhaustive guide to self-discovery, but it will equip you with tangible tools that have proven invaluable to many navigating career shifts. If you’re seeking structured guidance, resources like “What Color Is Your Parachute,” “Do What You Are,” “Designing Your Life,” and “Finding Your North Star” offer comprehensive frameworks for self-assessment and career exploration. Furthermore, exploring articles on leveraging your network to define your path can also be beneficial.
Below, we delve into a powerful example – an email that exemplifies clarity and direction in a career transition. This email, shared by a professional after leaving her education technology company, showcases how to effectively communicate your needs and aspirations to your network. Understanding the components of this email can serve as a crucial tool in your own career shift.
After reviewing the email, we will dissect its key elements, transforming them into actionable tools you can utilize to empower your network to support your career transition effectively.
Hey Darrah,
Hope all is well! I’m back from the Burn – was a blast as usual (see some photos below).
I’m now on a full time job hunt and would love to solicit your help. I’ve applied to 2 jobs so far – one at XYZ to head up their Oakland initiative, and one at a nonprofit called ABC to manage strategic partnerships. I realize I need to expand my search beyond these.
So, I’d love your help in two ways:
1) Where can I find lists of jobs besides the obvious? What repositories are helpful? Do you know anyone who is a recruiter, and do you think that would be a good route?
2) After looking at a lot of job postings that aren’t a fit, I’ve put together a set of criteria, listed below, for which I’m seeking. Does anything come to mind? Any people I should talk to?
If this is easier over the phone, let me know. As always, thank you SO much for your help!
Love,
Tess
Type of organization:
- A sustainable, highly-functional nonprofit org
- A social impact company, or a similar purpose within a department of a large company
- If it’s a startup, would have to be past Series A in funding
- A progressive government entity
- 20+ employees
- Local, not distributed team (people working remotely)
The kind of work I care about:
- Local impact in the Bay Area
- Connecting the Bay Area’s tech and corporate world to its surrounding community in meaningful ways
- Creating inclusive company cultures and diversity in hiring
- Empowering women and minorities to start businesses
- Women’s issues in education and the workplace
- Sexual health and education, combatting sexual assault
- Civil rights and human rights
- Spreading stories through documentaries, podcasts/radio and other long-form journalism to raise awareness and spark change
- Urban planning, specifically affordable housing and transit-oriented development
- College/life counseling for teens who need it the most
I want my role to look like:
- Connecting people, connecting the dots
- Building partnerships between people and/or organizations
- Creating strategy and/or participating in strategy sessions
- Teaching and coaching
- Writing and speaking
- Planning events
- Managing projects and/or people
- Research
I don’t want my role to look like:
- Fundraising and schmoozing
- Working in isolation
- Traveling a ton (5ish work trips a year would be manageable)
- Commissioned sales or account executive
- Customer support
- Busywork, paperwork, computer all day long
- Analyzing spreadsheets
Collaboration with other employees:
- I want a manager who is a mentor I respect and learn from
- Manage a small team
- Work with others, in person, on a daily basis
Company culture:
- Diverse staff, or prioritizing diverse hiring practices going forward
- Respects employees’ boundaries (no calling over the weekend)
- Flexible vacation policy
- Prioritize accomplishing tasks over time spent at desk
- Can work from home or remotely every so often
- Employees respect one another and socialize outside of work
Location:
- San Francisco
- Oakland
- Berkeley
- South Bay to where BART ends – Millbrae (no Caltrain)
- Accessible by public transit, preferably BART
Salary: $75k+
Start date: October 1
This detailed email was instrumental in Tess’s successful career transition. Her clarity allowed her network to effectively identify and facilitate relevant opportunities. Let’s dissect the key takeaways from this email, transforming them into actionable tools for your career shift.
Key Tools for Effective Networking in a Career Shift
1. Personalized Outreach: The “Be Personal” Tool
Tess’s email begins with a personal touch – addressing her contact by name and including a warm, brief personal update. This immediately sets a tone of genuine connection rather than a mass, generic request. The “Be Personal” tool emphasizes tailoring your outreach to each individual in your network. Avoid generic, mass-produced messages. Instead, reference past interactions, shared interests, or anything that demonstrates a personalized connection. This approach significantly increases engagement and willingness to help.
2. Direct Communication: The “Be Direct” Tool
The email swiftly gets to the point: Tess needs help with her job search and specifies two concrete ways her contact can assist. There’s no ambiguity or beating around the bush. The “Be Direct” tool encourages you to clearly articulate your needs. State upfront that you are seeking a career change and explicitly describe the kind of assistance you are looking for. Whether it’s informational interviews, introductions to specific companies, or advice on job search strategies, directness is key to effective communication.
3. Demonstrating Initiative: The “Be Intentional” Tool
Tess highlights her proactive approach by mentioning the jobs she has already applied for and her efforts to define her criteria. This showcases initiative and seriousness about her career change. The “Be Intentional” tool involves demonstrating that you are actively engaged in your job search. Before reaching out to your network, conduct preliminary research, apply for relevant positions, and define your career goals. This demonstrates to your network that you are not passively waiting for opportunities but are actively pursuing them.
4. Defining Your Non-Negotiables: The “Be Specific” Tool
The bulleted lists in Tess’s email are a masterclass in specificity. She meticulously outlines her desired organization type, work focus, role responsibilities, and even location and salary expectations. The “Be Specific” tool is about creating a detailed list of your “must-haves” and “deal-breakers”. This list serves as a filter for opportunities and provides your network with concrete parameters to guide their assistance. Consider factors like company culture, work-life balance, industry, role type, and compensation to create a comprehensive list.
5. Focused Search Criteria: The “Be Narrow” Tool
While Tess’s criteria are detailed, they are also focused. She narrows down her search by specifying industries, values, and role characteristics that align with her aspirations. The “Be Narrow” tool emphasizes the importance of focusing your job search. While remaining open to opportunities, defining your target industries, roles, and company types helps your network understand the specific direction of your career shift. This focused approach prevents your search from becoming too broad and unfocused, making it easier for your network to identify relevant connections.
6. Appreciative Communication: The “Be Gracious” Tool
The tone of Tess’s email is consistently gracious and appreciative. She expresses gratitude for any help offered and acknowledges the value of her contact’s network and opinion. The “Be Gracious” tool underscores the importance of expressing gratitude throughout your networking process. Acknowledge the time and effort your network invests in assisting you. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in fostering positive relationships and encouraging continued support.
7. Targeted Network Selection: The “Be Discerning” Tool
The original article advises being selective about who receives this detailed request. It emphasizes sending it only to individuals with whom you have a comfortable and trusting relationship. The “Be Discerning” tool highlights the significance of strategically selecting your network. Not every contact is equally suited to assist with your career change. Focus on individuals who know your work ethic, understand your skills, and have connections in your desired field. Prioritize quality over quantity in your networking efforts.
By utilizing these networking tools, inspired by Tess’s effective email, you can significantly enhance your career transition. Clarity, directness, and a focused approach are crucial when leveraging your network for a successful career shift.
Expanding Your Toolkit: Additional Resources for Career Shifters
Beyond networking strategies, several other tools can be invaluable during a career transition:
- Skills Assessment Tools: Online platforms and career aptitude tests can help identify your strengths, weaknesses, and transferable skills relevant to new career paths.
- Online Job Boards and Professional Platforms: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and industry-specific job boards are essential for discovering opportunities and researching companies.
- Resume and Cover Letter Builders: Utilize online templates and tools to create professional and impactful application materials tailored to different industries and roles.
- Interview Preparation Resources: Practice platforms, mock interviews, and online guides can boost your confidence and refine your interview skills for a successful job search.
- Career Counseling and Coaching: Consider seeking professional guidance from career counselors or coaches for personalized advice, support, and strategic planning throughout your career transition.
In conclusion, navigating a career change requires a strategic and well-equipped approach. By embracing tools like clear communication, targeted networking, and continuous self-assessment, you can confidently embark on a fulfilling new professional chapter. Take the initiative to define your goals, leverage your network effectively, and utilize available resources to pave the way for a successful career shift.
