Transitioning careers can both create excitement for the possibility of a new life ahead and anxiety, often testing your confidence. I have personally changed careers a couple of times while maintaining personal projects on the side, and it’s definitely a challenge.

It’s not always easy, especially when the job market is uncertain and you still lack confidence in your skills in the new field. To get a job they ask for experience, and to gain experience you need a job. Talking about a catch-22 situation.

It’s always helpful to remain confident in uncertain times but this is easier said than done. So here is a list of strategies and exercises that have helped me in the past navigate this journey with self-assurance.

1. Resume rephrasing: Discovering your hidden gems

One valuable exercise during a career change is obviously revisiting your resume to adapt it to the new job you are pursuing. In addition to this, one exercise that really helped in the past, as suggested by my coach at the time, was to rephrase my resume, not by listing all my achievements, but rather my learnings.

The idea is to dive into your past experiences, skills, and achievements to uncover the hidden gems that define your professional journey.

Here’s how to do it:

• Start by listing all your past job roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments. I would recommend adding any part-time or volunteer positions that had an impact on your life.
• Consider the skills and qualities you’ve gained from each job. Were there any challenges you successfully overcame? It could be a difficult personal relationship with one of your colleagues or bosses, or setting boundaries for clients. These are the hidden strengths you need to recognize.
• Now think about what you learned about yourself in those experiences. For instance, you may have discovered that you hate doing repetitive tasks. Or that you don’t want to be connected all the time like a social media manager might need to be.
• Through this process, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for the unique strengths you already possess and clarity on what kind of characteristics your new dream job needs to have. These are the assets that will carry you through your career transition.

2. Seek feedback from colleagues and friends:

Often, the image that we have of ourselves might be a bit different from the one perceived by others. And it’s usually very helpful to receive feedback from people who have known you for a while. You might be surprised by what you find out!
My coach also suggested this exercise and I definitely appreciated the answers. To make it easier for them to be honest, I created a Google form so that they could reply anonymously.
When reaching out to friends and colleagues for feedback, it’s important to ask open-ended questions that encourage thoughtful responses. Here are some questions to consider:

• Can you name three of my strengths?
  Realizing the strengths that others perceive about you will help you build confidence in your qualities.
• What are three areas for improvement?
  Feedback on areas for improvement enhances self-awareness, identifies growth opportunities, and boosts adaptability and confidence. Embrace feedback with an open mind, this information is actually going to help your personal and professional development.
• Do you remember a time when I handled a challenging situation effectively? How did I do it?
  Insights into how you handle challenges can shed light on your adaptability and problem-solving skills.
• Do you think there are areas where I’ve consistently excelled in my current or previous roles?
  This question helps identify your core competencies and strengths and will help you craft a compelling narrative.
• Can you provide examples of times when you’ve seen me demonstrate leadership or teamwork skills?
  Leadership and teamwork are often transferable skills that are highly valued in various careers.
• What strengths or skills do you think I possess that could be valuable in a new career?
  This question prompts them to reflect on your qualities and how they might apply to a different profession.

3. Connect with professionals in your desired field:

This is probably one of the most strategic activities you can do when considering a career change. When I was thinking of getting into UX, back in 2015, I thought the only solution was to study design and become a UX Designer.

However, after speaking with some professionals in the field, I learned that I could also specialize as a UX Researcher or even continue with my experience as a Project Manager focusing on UX teams. (Apparently, UX Writing wasn’t still a thing in Spain at the time, or at least no one told me about it until three years later).

In the last years, I’ve had a few people approach me on LinkedIn regarding becoming a UX Writer/Content Designer and I have been happy to give a piece of my mind, as I know how helpful it was for me.

When interviewing professionals in your desired field, come prepared with thoughtful questions that not only show your genuine interest but also provide you with valuable insights. Here are some questions to ask:

• What inspired you to pursue a career in this field, and how did you get started?
  This question allows you to understand their career journey and what motivated them.
• What are the key skills and qualities that are highly valued in this industry?
  Understanding the skills in demand can help you tailor your skill set accordingly.
• What are the usual challenges you face in this career, and how did you overcome them?
  Learning about their challenges and how they tackled them can provide valuable guidance.
• Are there any specific resources, books, or courses you would recommend for someone looking to break into this field?
  Recommendations can guide your further education and preparation, which will help you feel more confident about getting a job.
• What advice do you have for someone in the midst of a career transition like I am?
  This open-ended question, coming from someone with experience can help by providing wisdom and encouragement and also bring some reality check.

If you don’t know anyone personally, don’t be shy to connect people on LinkedIn or similar platforms and ask for their insights. People are usually happy to help.

4. Attend networking events and workshops and join online communities:

Similarly to directly connecting with professionals in the field, attending networking events and workshops helps you build a valuable network, gain insights from experts, and access job opportunities. Meanwhile, joining online communities offers global reach, constant access to resources, and a supportive peer network.

I’m an active member of several Slach channels, LinkedIn, and Facebook groups and it has helped me expand connections and stay updated.

If you’re considering a career transition or you are struggling with breaking into a new field, I recommend joining my workshop Confidently Creative: From Passion to Purpose — A Playful Exploration designed for individuals seeking to revitalize their resumes, cultivate their creativity, and boost their confidence all the while forging meaningful connections within a supportive and inspiring community. Follow me on Eventbrite to get notified about the next edition.

5. Find a mentor or coach:

A mentor can provide invaluable guidance and support as you navigate your career change. You will still need to work hard on yourself and your skills, but being able to have an expert in the field or a professional who understands the challenges of a career transition is definitely an invaluable asset.

I don’t think I would have made it without some support during most of my career transitions.

I personally mentor UX Writing students and I can see how my experience can help them better understand how to navigate breaking into the field.

Conclusion: you can do it!

As we have seen, the best approach to gaining confidence during a career change is a combination of self-reflection, connection with other professionals, and getting valuable feedback.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your resume, boost your confidence while looking for a job, or simply connect with a supportive community. I recommend checking when my next workshop is coming up so you can feel supported in your career transition.