Your 30s are often full of life changes, whether that's buying your first home, starting a family, or simply re-evaluating your career choice. Unlike your 20s, where exploration and experimentation are expected, a career change at 30 requires a more strategic approach. 

As someone who has changed their career twice by age 40, I can tell you that it won't be easy, but it will be better than being stuck in your current job that has left you dissatisfied. This guide will provide actionable strategies and tips to help you transition from the job you've been doing to the job you're meant to do.

Tip 1: Conduct a Thorough Self-Assessment

Reflect On Your Past Work Experiences

Before diving headfirst into a new field, take a moment to reflect on your current career and past employment. What roles or aspects of the jobs did you enjoy the most? What helped you be successful? On the other hand, what didn't work for you in past positions? Identifying these factors will help you gravitate towards a more fulfilling career.

Uncover Your Passions and Strengths

What are you good at? Explore career assessments, personality tests, and interest inventories offered online or through career counseling services to help identify your strengths. What is something you love to do and would never grow tired of? Consider your hobbies and free-time activities and how you might be able to use those talents in a new career.

Know Your Deal-Breakers and Deal-Makers

Remember to consider the practical aspects of a job and decide what is non-negotiable. Think about your ideal salary, work-life balance, and company culture. Honing in on these preferences will help you identify your ideal work environment.

Tip 2: Research Potential Career Paths

Explore Industries That Align With You

After self-reflection, explore industries that pique your interest or seem like a natural fit, given your strengths. Ask friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers about their careers and discover jobs you never knew existed. If you have a specific role in mind, research what that job might look like across various industries, too. 

Understand Market Demand

You'll want to conduct research to see if there is a high demand for skilled professionals in your desired field and check if the typical annual salary for that career aligns with your needs. Determine the competition as well as opportunities for growth. Also whether technology like artificial intelligence (AI) or automation might impact the industry or specific role. Before you invest your time, money, and energy, make sure your new career path isn't about to reach a dead end. 

Identify Necessary Qualifications

Many careers demand industry-specific software knowledge, relevant experience, or specific degrees. Skim multiple job advertisements to get an idea of what companies are looking for, and pay attention to the listed soft skills, too. Which qualifications do you already have, and which ones would you need to add to be a competitive candidate?

Tip 3: Acquire New Skills and Education

Expand Your Knowledge Base

Most likely, you will have some gaps in knowledge or skill that need to be bridged through additional learning. Online courses, boot camps, and certifications might be enough to launch some careers, but job-seekers with bachelor's or master's degrees have a distinct advantage in the job market over other applicants. If going back to school just isn't affordable right now, consider a part-time degree program and inquire about any scholarships or financial assistance programs.

Leverage Transferable Skills

Even if your new career differs entirely from your previous one, you'd be surprised how many skills from your current job can be applied to a new field. Communication, problem-solving, collaboration, technical knowledge, computer programs, research, and project management are valuable assets across industries.

Learn the Lingo

Understanding industry-specific terminology can significantly enhance your credibility. Familiarize yourself with common jargon, acronyms, and concepts used in your new field so you can understand and speak knowledgeably. Knowing the language will demonstrate your commitment and passion to potential employers.

Tip 4: Network and Build Connections

Expand Your Professional Network

Building relationships is critical to a successful career change. Attend industry events, join online groups, or connect with professionals at career fairs. Consider following hiring managers and recruiters on LinkedIn, as they often post exclusive job openings to their networks.

Find a Mentor

A mentor with experience in your desired field can be invaluable during a career transition. Follow influential leaders and top talent in your desired field on social media and engage with their content meaningfully. Ideally, find a mentor who performs a similar job or with your target company. If you're lucky, it could get you a referral for a job opening!

Join Professional Organizations

Becoming a member of industry-specific organizations offers access to valuable resources and networking opportunities. Explore online directories or ask your network for recommendations. Consider joining social media groups, subscribing to industry newsletters, or attending conferences or symposiums.

Tip 5: Gain Relevant Experience

Start Small with Part-Time or Freelance Work

Immerse yourself in your new field by taking on part-time or freelance projects. Approach smaller businesses in your area and offer your services at a competitive rate. You could even work for free to build your skills and showcase your initiative to potential employers.

Consider Internships or Apprenticeships

You might be interested in exploring internships or apprenticeships!  Although they are harder to come by if you aren't currently enrolled for college credit, these short-term opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience and get your foot in the door.

Build a Portfolio

Create a portfolio to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Include relevant work samples from previous jobs, volunteer work, personal projects, or even spec work that targets a pain point for the industry or company.

Tip 6: Update Your Resume and Online Presence

Revamp Your Resume

Reframe your past experiences and transferable skills using terminology and jargon specific to your new target industry. Read job descriptions for commonly used software, programs, required skills, and industry-specific concepts, and sprinkle those keywords in your profile. 

Adhere To Best Practices

Keep your resume simple, concise, and formatted for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan. Avoid fancy fonts, colors, or infographic templates that look great but can hinder readability. Also, remember to check for consistency, grammar mistakes, and spelling errors that could leave a less-than-stellar impression. 

Optimize Your Online Appearance

Update your LinkedIn profile headline, summary, and experience sections to reflect your new career aspirations, once again sprinkling keywords and skills throughout. Since hiring managers often check social media accounts as well, make sure your photos, posts, and comments are appropriate or show you in the best light.

Tip 7: Prepare for Job Applications and Interviews

Tailor Your Applications

Take the time to customize your cover letter and resume for each job you apply for. Highlight specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description and demonstrate how you can help further the company's mission. Personalization helps communicate your eagerness and excitement for that specific role or company. 

Ace the Interview

Preparation is critical to a successful interview. Research the company and the specific role beforehand. Anticipate common interview questions and prepare thoughtful answers. During the interview, emphasize transferable skills and relevant anecdotes from past work experience to illustrate your competence, judgment, and interpersonal skills.

Showcase Professionalism

First impressions matter! Dress professionally for your interview, maintain confident body language, and arrive on time. Treat everyone you meet with respect and politeness, from the doorman and janitor to the secretary and CEO. Follow up with a thank-you email after the interview, reiterating your interest in the position.

Ready to take the first step?

Head to Appily Advance and take their free career quiz to discover potential career paths that align with your skills and interests. Unleash your potential and embark on a fulfilling new chapter in your professional life!