Even before the downturn of the economy severely altered the job market, it’s never been unusual for an individual to change careers for a variety of reasons. Some of those include better opportunities, lifestyle changes, dismal job outlook, or uninformed choices. Although there are no guarantees that switching occupations will be the best decision, there are certain steps you can take to ensure your chances of success.

Before making any type of career change:

1. Know your primary objective: Many people decide to make career changes because they need better financial security, enjoy new challenges, to learn different skills, or have a great hobby they want to turn into a business. Understand your motives before going to the trouble and expense of giving yourself a complete career makeover.

2. Assess your situation: Think about what you are looking for in your new vocation. Do you want more flexibility, less travel, to meet new people? Another consideration is whether you already have the knowledge and skills required to step into your new profession, or will need additional education or certifications before making the transition.

3. Have a plan of action: Following a dream can be very rewarding but to reach your ultimate goal you will need to develop an effective career-change strategy. Your plan of action should include research, education or training, financial assessment, and the amount of time required to accomplish these steps.

4. Develop your network: Start talking to people in your chosen industry by joining professional organizations and associations. Go to trade shows and job fairs for more insight into your field of interest. Attend conferences and seminars to learn more about the business and make new connections. Working with a career management professional can also be advantageous.

5. Learn to be patient. Just because you are ready to take the plunge into a new career doesn’t mean the timing is right. It may be to your benefit to remain in your current job with a steady paycheck while you test the waters in your chosen field by working part-time as freelancer or intern. Another consideration is that you may not begin your new career at the same level of seniority. It takes time to move up the ladder and you will have to pay your dues just like everyone else.

Making good choices about a career change also means making informed ones so as to avoid hidden pitfalls down the road. It’s important to carefully analyze the potential risks before diving into a new career or field, but with dedication and persistence it will be well worth the time and trouble.

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Copyright 2009 Charlene Davis. All rights reserved. Links to articles on this site are welcome; however, articles may not be used, reproduced, or reprinted without permission.

It’s important to realize that from the moment you step across the threshold into a recruiter’s office, you are being sized up. Dressing for success is essential because your image includes concepts, character and values projected to others - and a primary component of your image is your clothing.

Do you think you and your clothing communicates that you are a winner or a loser?  It’s important to know, because in the workplace you will be judged by the way you are dressed.  

Employers tend to associate well-dressed applicants with intelligence and achievement.  Interviewers look at your exterior as a representation of your interior; if you take the time and effort to be well-groomed, most likely you will put the same amount of time and effort into your work ethic. 

Another reason your appearance is critical to the interview is because the employer is trying to determine if you are going to fit into the culture of the organization, so you want to give the impression that you are going to blend well within the company. 

Most employers have dress or appearance policies and procedures.  It’s wise to do your homework up front and make inquiries concerning these practices to find out what attire is suitable.  If you show up over-dressed or under-dressed, you will send a message that you did not properly investigate the company’s culture. 

Paul Capelli, a former public relations executive at Amazon.com, developed his own rule for dressing for an interview:  Find out how the company dresses and go up one step.    Mr. Capelli explains, “If the dress code is jeans and a T-shirt, wear slacks and an open collar shirt.  If it’s slacks and an open collar shirt, wear a sport coat.  If it’s a sport coat, wear a suit.”  When in doubt, err on the side of formality; conservative business attire is appropriate in most industries. 

Recently, I had a conversation with a human resources manager who was conducting a series of interviews for an entry level support position. For this particular position most of the applicants selected for interviewing were women.  “I was surprised at the number of applicants who came to the interview with sleeveless, low cut dresses or short skirts with slits way up the side,” the HR manager said. “Although the interviews were conducted in the summer and the weather was quite warm, the appearance of these applicants was entirely too casual, which was duly noted by the interview team members.” So take note - casual attire is taboo for interviews.  It doesn’t matter how cute you may look or comfortable you may feel.

A number of female applicants also come to interviews with extremely long fingernails sporting a variety of loud colors or decals.  You can tell a lot about a candidate by the care given to their hands, and the appearance of outlandish or unkempt nails will be noted by the recruiter and team members.  In other words, they are going to talk about you sister.  You too, mister, if you don’t have clean, clipped nails.  If you must paint your nails, use a conservative, neutral color.  And if you must wear cologne or perfume, make sure it’s a teeny-weeny little bit.  Actually, none at all would be preferable.

Shoe styles must be closed-toe and closed-heel and in mint condition, and should be polished with no scuff marks.  An up-to-date style is essential to a professional image.  Invest in a good salon hair cut that is easy to style and will save time in the mornings.  Trim the beard, pluck the eyebrows and leave the nose ring at home.  Russ Hanlin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunkist Growers, Inc. once said, “Unconventional hair, beards, tattoos, earrings, and clothing will cost you more than a million dollars in lost income over the course of your business career.  If you want to play the part, look the part.”   

Remember, employers equate image, perceptions, impression, intelligence and achievements based on how well dressed you are.  Industry experts say that your appearance will be at least 50 percent of the grade. Once you’ve aced that, then you can dazzle them with your credentials.

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Copyright 2008 Charlene Davis. All rights reserved. Links to articles on this site are permitted; however, articles may not be used, reproduced, or reprinted without permission.