You’ve finished your training and now it’s time to find that first job in your new career. Easy, right? After all, you’ve learned a lot, tested your skills through your education and training. Maybe you even have some experience through an externship. But how do you actually land that first job that could pave the way for all the others to come?

Customize Your Resume to the Position

You’ve written your resume for the job you have. Now it’s time to write your resume for the job you want. Take a moment to think about how your experience and skills will transfer to your new field. For example, if you’re ready for a career as a Medical Assistant, your skills from an office or retail job might be transferrable. Highlight them on your resume. Or, if you’d like a job in Information Technology, do you have the problem solving and critical thinking skills that will be required? Show how the skills you already possess will help you find success in IT. Once you know what skills and experience will be valued the most in your new career, be sure to give them a prominent place on your resume and speak to them during your interview.

Practice the Job Interview

Your future employer will want to know why you’re interested in switching careers. This is your opportunity to show that you understand your new field and what will be required of you in your new job. This is also a chance to explain in greater detail how your current skills will benefit your new workplace. At Porter and Chester Institute, our Career Services advisors help all of our students prepare for their job search, including providing resume writing tips and mock interviews.

Set Up Your Online Job Search to Find Your Opportunity

To find that first job, start with your externship. Are they hiring? Do they know anyone who is? Then, create accounts on job sites so you can save your resume and cover letter for a quicker application process. Build a LinkedIn profile and connect with the professionals you know as well as others in the field you’d like to enter. Sign up for job notifications on the platform and check it every day. You can also find job opportunities by asking your instructors if they know anyone in the industry who has a position available.

Network with Professionals who Offer Career Assistance

The wider your circle, the better your chances of finding people ready to hire someone with your skills. Get online and connect with people who are already in the field you’d like to be in. Look for in-person and online professional meetups in your area. Consider asking someone to be a mentor. People who are passionate about what they do often love to share their knowledge and experience with those coming after them. And as you get to meet more people, get out the word that you’re for hire!

Consider Volunteer Work to Help You Find a Job

Do volunteer work in—or out of—your field. If you find something in your industry, it could help you get your foot in the door and give you more experience for your new career. If it’s unrelated, you still get to meet people and add to your network. Win-win. Similarly, you could job shadow or take any job that will give you the knowledge and experience that employers demand in their new hires.

Get an Education to Develop Job Skills

Acquire the skills you need for a new career. Many employees won’t even consider hiring you if you don’t have foundational skills, training, or experience. An education shows employers that you’re serious and passionate about your new career and that you have the skills to start on day one working on the tasks of your profession.

At Porter and Chester Institute in Connecticut and Massachusetts, we offer training programs in Automotive, Healthcare, Computers, Cosmetology, and the Trades. Our faculty consists of industry professionals who have years of experience in their fields and are ready to prepare you for your new career. Fill out the form to request more information on our programs.