When Recruiters Can’t Help

People approach recruiters when they’re exploring new job opportunities. Presumably, this is because they’ve successfully worked with a recruiter in the past.  

However, in specific situations, using an executive recruiter is not always your best choice. 

For example, if you are hoping to switch career fields, a recruiter won’t be an effective resource for you.

Some people find it disconcerting to hear recruiters won’t be able to help them move into a different field. But there is an excellent reason for this.

Why Recruiters Can’t Help You Make a Career Change

Have you ever paid for recruiters help?

Doubt it.

It would be unusual if you’ve paid anyone to help you get a job. Mostly, that business model ended decades ago. 

Employers enlist recruiters to headhunt candidates with specialized experience, skill sets, and industry expertise.

This is the main reason why a recruiter won’t be the best option for you during a metamorphosis stage.

This doesn’t mean recruiters won’t call you, they will. But they’ll call you about the positions you’re hoping to move away from. They’ll call about jobs that are very comparable in function and industry to the position you’re in now.

They won’t call you about roles outside your current competence.

Even though recruiters can’t help you make a career change, we can give you powerful ideas that will support your move into a different industry or job function.

Remember, it won’t be easy starting over again, but if you remain confident and enthusiastic about making a change, you’ll be on a new career path sooner than you may imagine.

Four Pragmatic Ways to Make a Career Transition When Your Resume Won’t Help You Open New Doors

Switching career tracks is hard work. In most instances, you’re expected to establish yourself all over again which possibly means accepting a salary reduction. Yikes! 

You will take a temporary step backwards into a candidate pool that has limited to little experience. Because you lack the experience required for your dream career, your resume won’t help you open any doors.

You must depend on alternative job search techniques 

#1—Look to Your Current Employer for New Opportunity & Learning Experiences

The most salient path to switching careers is starting with your own employer. Is there a way for your present boss to help you shift into another area?

Can you to pick up additional responsibilities in a different group? If so, you‘ll get to know more teammates who can further your career in a different direction.

#2—Reach Out to Your Personal Network

If looking within your own organization isn’t feasible, the next best thing is tapping your own network. Tell everyone you know about the type of position you’re seeking to take on next.

The people who are familiar with your character, work ethic, and versatility will be the most prone to helping you find work in a new field. 

#3—Pitch Yourself to Employers

Sending an off-target resume is the surest route to rejection. The recruiting team reviewing your resume will wonder if you applied for the wrong job.

The best approach to engage a prospective employer when you have no experience in the field is to call them and introduce yourself.

You can follow up with an engaging cover letter and tailored resume. Highlight your work ethic and your ability to adapt and learn new skill sets. This calls for a clear amount of courage.

Yet if you stick to it on a consistent basis it will pay off. 

Making a career transition takes grit, flexibility, and motivation. There is no real magic in the process itself. It’s always exciting to meet others who are driven, motivated, and passionate about your occupation.

So use this to your advantage as you reach out and contact new people. 

#4—Attend Industry Conferences, Trade Shows and Join Industry Associations

Say you’re trying to move into software sales and you currently sell medical devices to doctors. You might have success growing your network by going to an industry conference.

There are plenty to choose from and they take place multiple times throughout the year.

Try sending out emails to the people you want to meet and find out if they will be available to meet at the conference for a quick introduction. After the conference is over, you can follow up with a phone call.

Thank them for taking the time to meet with you and express your interest in networking with them further about opportunities in the industry.

This is a fantastic way to get in front of the people who can help you with your career.

You can also seek out membership in industry associations. Network with individuals in the field you‘re hoping to move into. 

You‘ll not only learn more about your new field, but you‘ll begin to develop relationships with people in the industry.

Get off the Easy Road Now

Doing something different with your career takes tremendous focus. Unless you’re completely miserable, it can be tempting to stay in the space you’re already in.

That’s where you’ll be paid the most and have the most opportunity to advance.

On the flip side, if you continue to feel uninspired by your current career choice, why put off making the switch to something else? Five years from now, you’ll be right back in the same situation unless you get to work now on building a new path for yourself.

How will you use these four powerful tips to transform your career?