Six Strategies for Reinventing Yourself During a Job Search

Nancy Anderson
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If the same old strategies have not been successful during your job search, it may be time to reinvent yourself to kick-start a new career. Focus your efforts on learning as much as possible about your field, networking with professionals and crafting your application materials to stay one step ahead of the competition.

1. Boost Your Credentials

Whether you are seeking a better position within your current industry or changing your career path completely, boosting your credentials makes you more employable. Seek out educational opportunities at local colleges and universities to hone your skills. Participate in industry-related workshops, seminars and conferences to learn more about the industry and connect with professionals in the field. The more you expose yourself to the inner working of the industry, the more prepared you are to boost your career while reinventing your professional image.

2. Rebrand Yourself

Establish an online presence that displays your area of expertise during your job search. Create a blog and share posts that are relevant to your career field. Build a following on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Interact with professionals in your chosen career field, and share posts that are insightful and professional. Reinvent yourself by jumping into online discussions, join groups and forums related to your field and comment on industry-related articles to get your name and experience recognized.

3. Hone Your Narrative

Think critically about your professional story. How do you want potential employers and industry experts to view you? This information is crucial to use during job interviews, but it can also help you develop an elevator pitch to use when attending professional seminars and workshops. Create a list of your most noteworthy accomplishments related to the field and the skills you possess that helped you find success in previous positions. Once you have a clear grasp of who you are professionally, it is easier to communicate your narrative to others.

4. Network, Network, Network

The harsh reality of the job search is that more opportunities arise based on who you know. Expand your professional network while reinventing yourself. Attend local networking events to meet and greet people in your industry. These small and intimate get-togethers are designed to spark discussions among professionals, which can ultimately lead to employment opportunities. Trade business cards at job fairs, seminars and workshops. Follow up with the professionals you meet by calling them personally or sending invites on social media. Make sure your name and your brand is in the forefront with the professionals you know.

5. Test-Drive Your Career Path

Jump in headfirst when changing careers by gaining experience directly related to the industry. Sign up for volunteer opportunities such as serving on the board of a nonprofit agency in the area or joining professionals from your network volunteering in the community. Opt to complete an internship to gain more experience and test-drive this new career. You may find that an internship provides you with inside information about the industry and allows you to explore if this is the right move for your career.

6. Broadcast Your Reinvention

Share your goals with family, friends and professionals in your network during the job search. Word-of-mouth may produce job opportunities, but it may also help redefine your professional image. Be clear about your new career goals, and practice your elevator pitch while sharing this exciting news. Share your expertise while increasing your opportunities. Make a name for yourself by offering to teach professional seminars or continuing education classes at a local community college. The more people you connect with, the more opportunities for employment may arise. In addition, by sharing your expertise, you establish yourself as an expert in the field.

The job search can be challenging when you are taking a new approach. Exploring new strategies allows you to analyze your career goals while also increasing your job opportunities. Establish yourself as an expert and make branding a priority to enhance your professional image.

Photo Courtesy of Carl Holscher at Flickr.com
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  • Jacqueline Parks
    Jacqueline Parks •

    In my experience, a combination of education and volunteer work can really move your job search along. I have taken a variety of training seminars that not only taught me new skills but also exposed me to contacts in the industry. Volunteer work in the field has given me the same benefit, some free training along with the chance to network with others in places where I hope to find a job.

  • Erica T.
    Erica T. •

    I just recently started making some changes in my career - I want to stay in the business writing field, but I want to move into an editorial role. There aren't many of these opportunities in my current job, so I've started attending networking events and I'm volunteering with a local non-profit to edit/manage their monthly newsletter. My question is how often should I contact people I meet at an event or a business meeting? With multiple ways to reach out to people these days, I don't want to come across as desperate for a job, but I don't want them to forget about me either.

  • Mike Van de Water
    Mike Van de Water •

    Very interesting advice at the end suggesting to actually go and teach your skills to others while you're between jobs. That had never even crossed my mind, but it's brilliant! It keeps your skills sharp and allows you to demonstrate your expertise to people who are also interested in your field. I'll be sure to recommend this to others!

  • Erin H.
    Erin H. •

    I think boosting your credentials by taking additional classes and extending your knowledge base is key here. I think Katharine M makes a valid point. If you're constantly "rebranding" yourself you may not be taken seriously, especially by your peers. Continuing your education expands your knowledge base and is a tangible step toward rebranding.

  • Katharine M.
    Katharine M. •

    Agreed that sometimes a "reinvention" is in order, but I think there can be a danger of acquaintances not taking you seriously if you seem to always have a new identity and be looking for a job in a new field. You should only rebrand yourself if you are very sure you want to commit to a new field and are prepared to learn a lot about it/pay your dues.

  • Jane H.
    Jane H. •

    I used to spend a lot of time on forums, but they used anonymous handles, and I eventually drifted away as I just didn't have time to continue pursuing what felt more like building someone else's brand instead of my own. Since you mention in the article about using internet forums as a means to build credibility, I'm curious how much time and energy you propose people should put into posting items and comments before it approaches a point of diminishing returns?

  • delscha m.
    delscha m. •

    Thanks for the information it's been very helpful

  • Duncan Maranga
    Duncan Maranga •

    I like the concept of wide-scope networking as a way of increasing the prospects of finally clinching that dream job. I believe the networking process is, in itself, some kind of beforehand training on different activities taking place in the corporate arena to prepare you for that job. Insight from professionals already in the industry actually keeps you posted while, at the same time, increasing your contacts.

  • Shaday Stewart
    Shaday Stewart •

    Internships are fairly easy to find for introductions to entry-level jobs, but many companies specify recent grads and don't even consider people who have a longer work history. Although I believe this is actually an illegal practice, it seems to be pretty standard and goes unchecked. Many companies also don't seem to advertise their associate trainee programs, so it can be difficult to learn about them unless you are already familiar with the company. Can you offer any tips for finding higher level internships or training programs suited for career changers?

  • William Browning
    William Browning •

    I think the first strategy is to have a plan about the direction in which you want to go. Otherwise, your reinvention may start out aimlessly. Start with your goal and work backwards with an outline that shows incremental steps to get from point A to point Z. Setting goals is what works for me, no matter what I try to achieve.

  • Lydia K.
    Lydia K. •

    I definitely agree with the importance of rebranding. If you've been in a field for at least 10 years, you've probably worn many more hats than even show up in your official job descriptions. So if you're trying to sell yourself based on old descriptions and not getting results, it is probably time to rewrite your resume and your entire presentation. Check your skills description to make sure you're using the latest terminology. This can be the difference between getting interviews and having your resume overlooked.

  • Shannon Philpott
    Shannon Philpott •

    I cannot agree more that networking is extremely important during the job search. However, I don't think it is necessary to rebrand yourself online, especially if you have already created a presence on social media sites. I understand the importance of refreshing your skills, but you don't have to completely change your area of expertise or brand in order to attract hiring managers. It may be that you just need to boost your presence online.

  • Abbey Boyd
    Abbey Boyd •

    When boosting your credentials, whether taking courses at the local community college, participating in workshops, or attending seminars and conferences, how do you ensure you are getting the best information? I imagine most colleges are a fairly safe bet, but other resources may not be so reliable. What are some things to look for when searching for a reliable, current source of industry-specific knowledge?

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