Here are some great tips for making a career change, from Matthew Meath, who started out as an award winning hair dresser and is now a top software provider. He’s done it, he knows!

Top 10 Tips

1.

  

If there is going to be a period of retraining/education, make sure you can fund your life and education.

 

 

 

2.

  

Have an honest look at what skills you have and choose a direction that complements your skills.

 

 

 

3.

  

Choose a direction where there is growth in the market - Growth in the market = shortage of labor = more opportunities for people that do not have the classic background for what you want to do.

 

 

 

4.

  

Wear your past with pride...Often business is conservative and will try to use your non classic background to knock you back. Get on the front foot and tell them why it is an asset.

 

 

 

5.

  

Expect knock backs and knockers...toughen up!

 

 

 

6.

  

Go to industry events and build networks ASAP even if you don't have a job. Friends will give work to friends much easier.

 

 

 

7.

  

If you have a data base of clients, let them know what you are doing and that you will contact them when you have a new life. Most of them will take it well and you will be surprised who they know that can help.

 

 

 

8.

  

Be open to opportunities as they are presented even if the opportunity is not exactly what you started out to achieve.

 

 

 

9.

  

Approach companies that are not advertising employment. You never know they just may have an opening and if they do your application will not be swallowed up by the masses.

 

 

 

10.

  

Do it today...it won't be any easier tomorrow.

 

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