Peak Performers by Tiffany Uman

How to nail your career pivot

April 29, 2024

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A career pivot is not just about a change of job, but a transformation of identity and purpose.

It often comes at a moment where you crave something new, different, or where your past experience no longer aligns with what energizes and motivates you.

That is absolutely normal and part of the fun of career pathing. Starting your career in one field does not mean you must remain there for your entire career. In fact, that is rarely the case.

A career pivot can look different for everyone.

→ Perhaps it is a change of function but remaining within your existing company.

→ Perhaps it is a change of function and company but remaining within your existing industry.

→ Perhaps it is a change of function, company and industry all at once.

There is no right or wrong answer. What is most important is getting clear on what you want and viewing your career pivot as a springboard towards accelerating your future goals.

Additionally, exposing yourself to new arenas can open up opportunities that bring out your fullest potential. Ultimately, it is about aligning your professional life with your evolving personal aspirations.

That said, the thought of pivoting can be both exhilarating and daunting for many. It represents a leap into the unknown—a journey from the familiar into the potential of what could be. However, like any significant life decision, a career pivot requires more than just courage.

"If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try." – Seth Godin

Contrary to what many believe, making a career pivot does not mean you need to start from zero, go back to school or take a pay cut.

You simply need the right roadmap to transition as smoothly and effectively as possible. I have coached hundreds of countless clients to make successful pivots in record time, while negotiating more income than they ever earned before. And it is 100% possible for you too.

Remember, do not confuse inexperience with inability. Just because you have not done something yet, does not mean you are not fully capable of doing it well.

Peak performers recognize this key distinction and understand that success is about making informed, strategic decisions that propel them forward, especially in times of change or uncertainty.

Here's how.

Key mistakes preventing a successful career pivot

While the allure of a new professional path can be exciting, time sensitive or inevitable, it is crucial to approach this transition with eyes wide open.

Misjudgments in this phase will not only derail your journey but also cost you time, resources, and morale. Building a strong mental game, resilience and focus are integral to set you up for the most success in this process.

That said, here are 5 mistakes hurting your chances for a successful pivot:

→ A lack of self-understanding: Jumping into a new career without deep self-reflection is a recipe for disaster. This will lead to misalignment between your skills, passions, and your chosen field, potentially resulting in job dissatisfaction and another necessary pivot shortly thereafter.

→ Inadequate market research: Failing to research your new industry or role adequately can bring up more questions and uncertainty than answers. This typically results in unrealistic expectations about the opportunities available and the challenges faced in this new field.

→ Underestimating the learning curve: Overlooking the skills and knowledge gap when entering a new industry is a pitfall amongst many career pivoters. This can easily lead to overwhelming challenges that may discourage continued pursuit in this new field.

→ Neglecting networking: Not building a network in your new field or industry is detrimental. Without a robust network, transitioning into a new career will feel significantly harder, where you lack the needed support, guidance, and job opportunities to succeed.

→ Rushing the transition: Trying to pivot too quickly without adequate preparation is likely the most common pitfall I see. You must slow down in order to speed up, otherwise you run the risk of ending up in a similar situation where you lack motivation and fulfillment in your work. This can also lead to burnout, and potential failure, without the necessary groundwork in place.

3 strategies to nail your career pivot

1/ Hone in on your transversal skills

The ability to identify and leverage your transversal skills — those valuable skills that apply across various fields and roles — is paramount.

These skills often include communication, problem-solving, leadership, and adaptability.

In the context of a career pivot, these skills bridge the gap between where you are and where you aim to be, serving as your strongest allies in transitioning smoothly and effectively.

Understanding and honing your transversal skills can significantly enhance your appeal to potential employers in a new industry. They demonstrate your ability to contribute immediately, even without extensive direct experience in the field.

Moreover, these skills underscore your capacity to learn and adapt, qualities that are highly prized in today’s dynamic job market. Focusing on these skills can greatly expand your career opportunities and help mitigate the risks associated with a career change.

Here are 5 steps to leverage your transversal skills during your career pivot:

→ Conduct a skill audit: Start by listing the skills you have acquired over your career. Categorize them into technical/hard skills and transversal skills (often more soft skills related). This will help you visualize which of your current skills are adaptable and valuable in your new industry. Reflect on past roles and projects to identify examples of how you have also successfully applied these skills in various contexts.

→ Highlight your skills in your resume and LinkedIn profile: Once you have identified your strongest transversal skills, tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile to emphasize these skills, using specific examples that demonstrate your expertise and adaptability. Cross-reference your target job postings to ensure you are emphasizing the most relevant transversal skills based on their needs. This approach can catch the eye of recruiters and hiring managers in your new field, showing them that you possess the foundational skills needed to succeed.

→ Bridge skill gaps through targeted learning: If your skill audit reveals gaps that could hinder your transition, take proactive steps to fill them. Enrol in courses, attend workshops, or engage in self-directed learning to enhance critical skills. This not only improves your proficiency but also signals to potential employers your commitment to excelling in your new career path.

→ Seek feedback and mentorship: Connect with professionals in your target industry to gain insights into which transversal skills are most in demand. Seek feedback on your current skill set and where you might need to improve to further your chances of nailing your pivot sooner than later. Mentors and industry contacts can also provide guidance and advice on how to effectively present and enhance your skills during your pivot, especially if they navigated something similar.

→ Practice through volunteering or freelancing: Applying your transversal skills in real-world scenarios through volunteering or freelancing can be incredibly beneficial. These opportunities allow you to strengthen your skills, add relevant experience to your resume, and demonstrate your ability to operate in the new industry. It also helps you to validate if this is a path that aligns better with your values and motivations.

2/ Network purposefully

Pivoting into new opportunities is not just about what you know, but also who you know and who knows you. A well-curated network can open doors to insider knowledge, hidden job opportunities, and valuable endorsements that might otherwise be out of reach.

Networking with intention means moving beyond casual connections to forge relationships that are mutually beneficial, targeted towards your career goals, and aligned with your professional values.

For career changers, networking serves as a critical bridge between your past experiences and your future ambitions. It helps you gain insights into the culture, expectations, and key challenges of your new field.

Additionally, networking allows you to present yourself as a capable candidate who, despite a lack of direct experience, brings a wealth of transferable skills and a fresh perspective. As a result, effective networking can significantly reduce the time and friction typically associated with entering a new field or industry.

Consider these 5 practical action steps:

→ Identify key influencers and organizations: Research and identify key players and organizations in your target industry. Use platforms like LinkedIn to find individuals whose career paths inspire you or who hold influential positions in your desired field. Follow these individuals and engage with their content to start building visibility.

→ Attend industry-specific events: Make it a point to attend conferences, seminars, and workshops relevant to your target industry. These events are excellent opportunities to meet industry professionals face-to-face, which can lead to more meaningful connections than online interactions alone. Prepare an elevator pitch that succinctly explains your background, your reasons for pivoting, and what you are looking to achieve in your new field. Controlling this narrative is key.

→ Leverage existing contacts: Inform your existing contacts about your decision to pivot careers and ask if they can introduce you to anyone in your target industry. Often, your current network can serve as a bridge to your new one, and a personal introduction can make a significant difference in how receptive someone is to helping you. [Check out my recent newsletter on How to secure amazing referrals]

→ Offer value: Remember that networking is a 2-way street. Think about how you can offer value to the people you connect with, perhaps by sharing insights from your previous experience that could be applicable to your new industry, or even offering to assist with projects or initiatives. Showing genuine interest and willingness to contribute can make you memorable and forge stronger connections.

→ Follow-up and foster relationships: After making new connections, follow up with a thank you message referencing something specific about your conversation to reinforce your interest and gratitude. Keep in touch by sharing articles of mutual interest, updates about your progress, or upcoming events. Building meaningful relationships takes time, and regular, thoughtful communication can help maintain and strengthen these new ties.

3/ Actively engage with your target field or industry

Engaging deeply with your new field or industry not only accelerates your understanding of the new sector but also enriches your professional profile with industry-specific knowledge and insights that are crucial for success.

This can be done both internally in your company or externally if you are full-time job searching.

When you immerse yourself in the culture, trends, and challenges of your new industry, you demonstrate not just a passing interest, but a committed investment in your future role.

This can significantly distinguish you from other candidates who may not have direct experience but also lack the initiative to deeply understand the field.

Active engagement with your industry helps to bridge any gaps in your experience by showing potential employers your ability to quickly adapt and absorb new information. It reflects a proactive approach to learning and an eagerness to contribute meaningfully right from the start.

Moreover, this engagement fosters a better appreciation of the industry’s dynamics, which is invaluable for making informed decisions and offering innovative solutions once you are part of it.

Here are 4 action steps to put into place:

→ Subscribe to industry publications: Make a habit of reading industry-specific journals, magazines, newsletters, and blogs. This will help you stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and debates within the sector. Being well-informed will not only boost your confidence but also enhance your conversations with industry professionals in your networking efforts and interviews.

→ Participate in professional groups and forums: Join professional associations, online forums, and social media groups related to your new field. Participating in discussions and networking events hosted by these groups can provide valuable insights and connections that could lead to job opportunities.

→ Engage in continuous learning: Enrol in courses and certifications that are respected in your new industry (where relevant). This not only develops your skills but also shows your dedication to fully understanding and excelling in the field. Pro tip - vet this with those already in your target field or industry to determine if this is a nice-to-have or must-have in strengthening your candidacy.

→ Attend industry conferences and seminars: These gatherings are goldmines for learning and networking. They provide a platform to learn directly from thought leaders and innovators in your new field. Try to attend as many relevant events as possible, and do not hesitate to engage with speakers and participants.

How will you nail your career pivot?

As you embark in your career pivot, remember that the journey is as rewarding as the destination. The strategies shared here are your roadmap to not only navigate this change with confidence but also to thrive in your new career path. Embrace the process, stay committed to your growth, and watch as new opportunities unfold before you in your chosen field.

You've got this!

This week's mission is aimed at helping you nail your career pivot, whether in your current industry or new path altogether. Leverage the below prompts and action steps to propel you forward and ensure your transition is as strategic and smooth as possible.

1/ Refine and expand your skillset:

Spend 30 minutes reviewing your current skill set. Identify at least 5 transversal skills that are applicable to your new industry and write down specific examples where you have demonstrated these skills in your current or past roles.
Cross-reference these skills with your target job postings/roles to ensure a clear alignment that will reinforce your candidacy.
If needed, evaluate courses to support you in enhancing a key skill needed in your new field. This is most often required for roles that are technical in nature or place much value on particular certifications.

2/ Purposeful networking:

Revise your LinkedIn profile to reflect your career pivot. Highlight your relevant skills and express your enthusiasm for your new industry in your "about me" and "experience" sections.
Identify 2 industry professionals you admire and reach out to them for an informational interview. Prepare thoughtful questions that can help you gain insights into the industry and build meaningful connections.

3/ Engage in your new field:

Subscribe to at least 3 key publications or online communities specific to your new industry. Actively participate in discussions or forums at least 2x a week to build your presence and learn from current trends and challenges.
Find an upcoming webinar or virtual conference related to your new field and register for it. Attend the event and actively engage by asking questions or networking with other participants, aiming to make at least 3 new contacts.

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