Are you contemplating a career change?

​Are you stuck in a dead end job? Do you want to change careers but are uncertain of which direction you should take?
 
These 12 steps will help you transform your career and land your dream job:

1. Adopt a can-do attitude. Believe in yourself and know you are capable of achieving career advancement. Write goals and affirmations, tape them to your mirror, and read them aloud daily.
2. Brainstorm about alternative career paths. List five choices. Which career is attainable and would be most satisfying to you? 
3. Read The Occupational Handbook and major business publications to determine the availability of jobs in your chosen field. A publication of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The OOH can help you find career information on duties, education and training, pay, and outlook for hundreds of occupations.” 
4. Research target companies. Glassdoor.com is a good starting place or search Google for 
   "Top 50 Employers" in your area. Identify 10 companies of interest and follow them on LinkedIn. Set Google Alerts to receive emails with news about the companies you've identified as prospective employers.
5. Search Indeed.com and print out 10 job posting in your chosen field. Analyze the job postings to discover common skill sets.
6. Use Mission Possible’s Fit-Gap Analysis Spreadsheet to uncover skills gaps between where you are today and where you want to be in the near future. 
   ​(Download a free copy at http://www.writtenbyapro.com/resources.html).
7. Conduct informational interviews with people working in your chosen industry. Ask their advice on which courses and certifications are most useful in their line of work.
8. Enroll in courses to bridge any skills gaps required for employment in your chosen field.
9. Think positive. Cast your fears aside. You are capable of learning new skills at any age.
10. Be persistent. Study diligently to gain the skills you need to be successful in your new career.
11. Hang out with successful people. Join professional organizations, attend meetings, and build your network. Join LinkedIn groups and participate in group conversations. 
12. Prepare your resume and cover letter. Ask your network contacts for introductions to people who have the capacity to hire you. 

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Source: U.S. Department of Labor, The Occupational Handbook. Retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh.