How to Change your skill set into a new Industry
Maybe you’ve accomplished everything you set out to do in your position and the thrill or challenge is no longer there, or maybe you’ve always thought about doing something different with your career?
For me personally, it was about growing as a recruiter. I wanted to move from In-House to Agency. I wanted to be submersed in different types of people and roles. Changing industry is terrifying … exciting…but TERRIFYING. You feel like you could walk in to the role and pick it straight up, i mean …. it’s the same role… right?
Industry knowledge is key in recruitment so the pressure was on! But as a recruiter you have to also understand the different types of people that suit different roles – For example, the type of person that is going to be successful as an affiliate manager is probably not going to be the same type of person that would be a Back-End Developer.
The job search is a big undertaking, and when you don’t know the industry yourself or you’re not a “known commodity”, it can feel near impossible. So, what’s best to do?
After giving it some thought, and now having successfully changed my skill set to a new industry, I’ve put up the best steps i took to settle in. So, before you start to browse any position openings, it’s time to prepare and lay some solid foundations.
Get prepared
Your first step towards making this transition is to do homework on the industry that interests you. Diving headfirst into research can be overwhelming and very confusing! So, start by making categories of what you want to find. Who are the customers, and why do they need these products or services? Who are the major companies serving these customers, and which are the biggest players? Who are the newcomers? Is the industry growing or slowing?
Track and follow companies making major moves, executives you admire, and thinkers who are influencing trends, and start regularly reading industry news, publications, and reports. LinkedIn will be your best friend – you can find almost everything including the latest news on the industry, knowing the way the sector works, the company’s size and who the hiring managers are. Get connected. Have your profile on LinkedIn filled with relevant skills, highlight languages and the holy grail – have a professional photo.
Recruiters will be your Saviour
Like it or not, recruiters are sales people. But, to be a successful recruiter, you have to be a people’s person. Being a recruitment consultant that is dedicated to a certain industry will have many benefits, besides having to know the industry inside and out.
We as recruiters are driven in our careers, and will tell you if you have the right skills and what client your personality would suit! But…. be careful – do your research on the recruitment agency. Make sure they are partnered with good companies and make sure the agency is not the type to just fire you to anyone for anything. Take your time, meet for a coffee, a good recruiter will always want to take their time too.
Get Seen
You’ve studied up and you’ve built an online presence, and now it’s time to be where the action is: In-person.
Find networking events in your area by engaging with professional organizations and using social media. Then, show up with some good questions to ask the people you meet. While you should plan to approach the big players, connecting with fellow attendees is just as important because they are likely to become your peers or co-workers if you make the transition. Even after starting a role, networking will be a blessing to you and you will be surprised of how much industry knowledge you can retain.
And that’s that..
And that is that. I have had 1 month in to a new industry and i love it. I love how the IGaming sector is fast passed, but i also really love how the industry retains a community spirit along with healthy competition. I have researched and expanded my network. I have reached out and prepared solid questions for my seniors. I also was able to attend the IGaming Idol awards here in Malta – Great networking!
If anyone is interested in moving in to IGaming or looking to make a change within the industry lets meet for that coffee.
Jordan Foxwell