In principle, career changers have good chances
If you believe the opinions of the experts, it will no longer be uncommon, especially in the coming generation, for people to pursue several professions in the course of their lives. The term “lateral entry” will probably no longer be uncommon, and companies such as Deutsche Bahn are already using this slogan in their job advertisements to attract non-specialist applicants.
According to the career bible, however, it is usually the case that career changers almost always have to assert themselves against specially trained applicants who have studied or completed an apprenticeship in the field. However, there are a few things that can help you make a successful career change.
Lateral entry needs to be carefully considered
Karrierebibel.de clearly emphasizes that lateral entry should be carefully considered and that the candidates should be aware of their wishes and goals. In addition to the professional side, this also includes reflecting on one’s private life, one’s own strengths and weaknesses. Because if the job you actually practice is still fun and there are only a lack of opportunities for advancement and prospects, you can also consider changing employers. It is not always necessary to change the subject directly. The applicant should be aware that in every job there are some tasks that people do not like to do.
However, if a career change is the only way to achieve personal fulfillment, lateral entry is an option. This step should be well thought out in advance and the goals and motivation behind it should be clear. In addition, the career changer should get together with his family beforehand, as there may be changes in the financial situation or tighter time management depending on the job change. To sum it up: There is no time pressure when you want to join the company laterally. It is important to choose this path consciously and not to send out applications indiscriminately for lack of alternatives. It should be clear where you want to go and what you personally hope for from the job change.
Tips for applying
The Human Resources Manager (HRM) portal asked a number of specialists and HR managers what needs to be considered when applying from career changers and how points can be scored with the HR department. In principle, the chances for non-specialist applicants are not bad, 88 percent of the HR managers surveyed by Monster stated that they also consider applications from career changers. Almost 40 percent of the participating HR managers also stated that they had already been actively looking for career changers.
HRM states that career changers with further training or knowledge related to the newly targeted position can stand out. It is particularly important for career changers to highlight experiences relevant to the new position, which can also come from private life.
In addition, an applicant should be able to state very clearly, both in the cover letter and in the job interviews, what goals he is pursuing with the job change and what the motivation behind the career change is. It is also helpful to emphasize that you, as an applicant, have above-average willingness to perform and perseverance, since the initial training can sometimes mean overtime.
Another plus is the meaningful cover letter and a CV that is adapted to the respective position. This is helpful in that, depending on the position, individual strengths and experiences can be emphasized more strongly.
Networking via trade fairs, XING and LinkedIn
According to HRM, active networking can also help an applicant, especially with lateral entry. Anyone who makes contacts via LinkedIn and XING or visits job fairs can already find contacts or establish a connection to the company. It often also helps to be clear about which company you would like to work for and then follow them on social media such as LinkedIn to always be up to date.
Marie-Sophie Steinbach / Editor finanzen.net
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