How to Get a Job in an Industry You have no Experience in was originally published on Fast Company
If the past few years have taught us nothing else, it’s that change is constant: priorities shift quickly, companies cut personnel when budgets are strained, and nothing lasts forever. As we face an evolving economy and uncertain future, people also need to pivot, reevaluate, make changes, and forge new paths ahead.
It was recently reported that somewhere between 3 and 4.5 million U.S. employees quit their jobs every month—and for good reason. Making a jump to a new industry can lead to success, both for you and the company. Whether in search of better pay, benefits, culture, or simply something new, the challenge a new industry brings is something many workers are searching for.
I believe that the specific industry someone works in is becoming less relevant in the new economy, as most skill sets are translatable across the board, and employers continue to search for new talent and energy that can drive concrete results and momentum.
When you move to a new industry, you inherently bring with you new perspectives and experiences that may not otherwise be present on a team that’s been siloed in one vertical for years. This can be mutually beneficial: You have the opportunity to bring value and succeed; the company gains a competitive advantage.
Many companies are searching for ways to challenge the status quo, and are questioning any assumption that might be holding them back. If an organization cuts their head count, as many have done recently, chances are they’re looking to lock in a small but mighty team of motivated, ambitious, and creative individuals. Pairing a fresh perspective with someone who can get things done is very attractive to employers right now. This is where the advantage lies in the hands of the job seeker.
Professional skills are easily transferable, especially at higher levels. Your executive philosophy, interpretation of macro and micro trends, and ability to project manage are transferable skills, none of which are industry-specific. While there will always be nuance from one industry to another, competencies are often functionally parallel, and even if there are job-specific elements that need to be mastered, most of what drives a successful career is industry agnostic.
Beyond maintaining the confidence that you have something of value to offer a new industry, making this change can prove to be beneficial in the long term. While former generations spent their entire careers within one vertical, today’s economy frowns upon pigeon-holing yourself because it can potentially cause you to miss out on valuable opportunities and growth. Industrial diversity on your résumé can open countless doors throughout your career and allows you to showcase your ability to translate expertise and impact from one industry to another.
If you’re approaching a career transition with any apprehension or lack of direction, widen the landscape of your search and be open minded to opportunities outside of your comfort zone, keeping in mind these helpful strategies:
Invest time in preparation. Put some thought into where your skills may easily translate into a new arena. Certain departments, such as marketing, communications, and sales, are often present within any organization. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel.
Do your research. Evaluate industries that are in a growth phase, and familiarize yourself with the big names of that industry. Search your network for connections that may be able to shed some light on their experience within a particular industry or even working for a specific company.
Identify and prioritize your values. Start narrowing down your prospects as you would with any job search. Ask yourself: what are your non-negotiables when it comes to benefits, company culture, work environment, and the team itself? There will be aspects of the job that help alleviate some of the growing pains or discomforts of the transition along the way.
Be prepared to explain your change, but not defensively. As you would with any interview, be prepared for certain curveballs that may come your way. In this instance, a hiring manager could question your pivot. Remember that hiring managers value candor and honesty, so a willingness to be straightforward goes a long way.
Following your instincts to chase a new opportunity can pay dividends, and with proper preparation in pursuit, both you—and your new organization—will be better equipped to forge a new, successful path ahead.
