According to President Obama, this is the era of change. Indeed it is, in more ways than one. Some of us may be getting more change than we had bargained for, what with the economic downturn, the many employment layoffs, and a new crisis confronting us every day. Given the changes and the economic meltdown, more than a few laid off employees are looking for work. Some are looking to move from one industry to another.
Small wonder. The recession has revealed the sad fact that certain industries or at least certain sectors in the related industries are obsolete or close to it. Like Elvis, there are jobs that have left the building and are never coming back. This change affects a great many industries, and more to the point the people working inside them. It has become necessary for tens of thousands, maybe millions of workers to find employment in other industries. This isn’t as easy at it may sound. And, frankly, it doesn’t sound all that easy. But it can be done, and many people are doing it.
Moving from one industry to another requires a change of attitude, a different perspective. I know senior executives in everything from the entertainment industry to the apparel manufacturing industry who are reluctant to make the switch. There are psychological issues, identity considerations. Simply put, you see yourself in this capacity, your friends see you in that capacity, and suddenly you are working in an altogether different sector. It’s tough on the brain, and it’s tough on the emotions. But then not making the change is tough on the wallet and when the dollar is down and money is short, that’s the hardest one of all.
Of course an employment candidate must list his job skills. As the candidate, you should discard the job skills that apply only to a specific industry and isolate the skills that will help in a transition. Be honest about which skills will make the cut, and which skills will not. Then you must arrange those skills in a viable personal marketing package. This is your sales pitch or part of it. Let’s face it, you will be convincing someone in a different industry why you should be considered as a viable candidate. Often you are asking for consideration over the other viable candidates who are also looking for work and have actual experience in that particular industry. If you have an advocate or friend working in another industry, it may be easier to get your foot in the door. But, honestly, with so much competition for every job out there, this may be just a slight advantage. At the end of the day, it is up to you.
So you better polish every aspect of yourself so you are irresistible to any employer. Since you are asking them to overlook your lack of previous experience in their industry, your other skills, your talents, personality, and personal appearance have to really shine at the moment of truth. Nothing like a bad economy, and lousy job market to induce people to put on their best impression.
Now, here’s the sticky issue. It may have been awhile since you were lst looking for work. You may have forgotten about those little faux pas in your personal history. You may have forgotten that little drug or alcohol issue, now vague in your memory. Your credit may be lousy. Your driving records may leave something to be desired. There have been or are presently law suits against you. You got really upset one night and posted some regrettable information on your social networking site. Regrettable now, but…nevertheless….
Most employers will run background checks. If nothing else, most employers have more stringent preemployment screening programs than they had in place a couple of years ago. There is a last labor pool from which to recruit, and there are any number of disturbing incidents out there they would just as soon not bring into the work place. So, besides realigning your skill sets, adapting a better sales pitch and networking to transition from one industry to another…clean up your act. Know what you did and when you did it. Criminal record histories and other background searches can all but ruin your chances of finding work. Forget about lying about your education and the degree you never got. Not in those five semesters of enrollment at the local community college. Because in today’s world, whatever lies your tell will probably be discovered.
And then you are back to go. In the unemployment line.
Employers do check them out before they hire.
