The Career Academy22/07/25

Are you contemplating a job change in 2024?


Changing jobs is a significant step that requires careful planning and preparation. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, these five essential steps will help guide you toward a successful career transition.

1. Self-Reflection: Understanding Your "Why?"


Before you start scrolling through job listings, take a moment to understand why you want a change. Ask yourself:

  • What aspects of my current job do I enjoy, and what do I want to change?
    Example: "I enjoy collaborating with my team but feel my creative skills are underutilised in my current role as an administrative assistant."
  • What are my core values and interests?
    Example: "I've always been passionate about health and wellness, suggesting a natural fit in healthcare administration."
  • How do my skills align with my career aspirations?
    Example: "My attention to detail and love for problem-solving are ideal for a course in accounting or bookkeeping."

Reflecting on these questions clarifies your goals and ensures your next move aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.

2. Market Research: Identifying Opportunities


The job market evolves rapidly, especially in today's digital age. Research industries and roles matching your skills and interests by considering job demand, growth potential, and required qualifications.

  • Industry Reports:
    Detailed documents analyzing trends, challenges, growth opportunities, and future outlooks of specific industries. Use them to make informed decisions, identify areas of demand, and understand necessary skills.
  • Online Forums:
    Platforms for sharing experiences and advice, such as:
    • LinkedIn groups: Join industry groups for networking, job postings, and trend discussions.
    • Reddit: Communities like r/nzjobs, r/newzealand, r/Careerguidance, and r/TheCareerAcademy let you ask questions and share insights.
    • Quora: Get answers from professionals on career paths, industry questions, and job advice.
    • Industry-specific forums: For example, GitHub Discussions (tech), Wall Street Oasis (finance), and more.
  • Networking Events:
    Whether virtual or in-person, these events help you meet professionals, learn about job openings, and get insider perspectives. Explore local events via Eventbrite, Meetup, and The Networkers’ sites.

3. Experience First-Hand: Test the Waters


Before making a major move, gain direct experience in your target field:

  • Internships or Part-Time Roles: Get practical experience and understand the daily reality of the job.
  • Volunteering: Build skills and connections risk-free in your sector.
  • Job Shadowing: Observe professionals and learn about the work environment and daily responsibilities.

4. Resume and Online Presence: Your Professional Persona


Your resume and LinkedIn profile are crucial first impressions for potential employers. Make sure they reflect your new direction:

  • Highlight transferable skills and relevant experiences.
    Example: If moving from admin to bookkeeping, emphasize experience with financial processes, data entry, and attention to detail:
    "Efficiently managed financial record-keeping for a small business, leading to a 20% reduction in accounting discrepancies."
  • Tailor your resume for each application.
    Example: Transitioning from retail to bookkeeping? Highlight skills like financial record-keeping, detail orientation, and experience with point-of-sale systems, e.g., "Managed daily sales reconciliation with 100% accuracy."
  • Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete, professional, and engaging.
    Example: A digital marketing hopeful should showcase relevant coursework, certifications (like Google Analytics or Certificate in Digital Marketing), and freelance work. Use a summary such as:
    "Aspiring digital marketer combining recent certification in SEO and SEM with a strong background in sales and customer engagement."

5. Strategic Job Search: Navigating the Market


Approach your job search with a strategy:

  • Use both general and niche job boards.
    Example: For health and wellness, search broadly on Indeed and narrowly on HealthJobsNZ. Tailor your search terms for your qualification and desired role.
  • Network actively, online and in-person, to unlock hidden opportunities.
    Example: Join LinkedIn groups like "New Zealand IT Professionals," attend relevant local meetups or conferences, and participate in discussions to broaden your contacts and access job leads.
  • Prepare thoroughly for interviews.
    Focus on how your background and skills set you apart:
    Example: For project management roles, highlight how event planning honed your abilities to manage timelines, coordinate teams, and solve problems under pressure. Use specific stories, like organising a community event, to illustrate your competencies.
    Learn more about getting interview-ready in 5 easy steps.

In Conclusion


Changing careers is a journey of self-discovery and growth. By following these steps, you’ll be better prepared for a successful transition into a fulfilling new role. It’s about building a future that matches your passions, skills, and life ambitions.

Need Personalised Advice for Your Career Change?


Starting a new path can be both exciting and overwhelming. For tailored support, contact one of our expert career advisors for a free consultation (Call 0800 342 829) and begin your 2024 career journey with confidence! Our advisors are here to help you navigate every stage of your transition and make well-informed choices for your future.