How to Change Careers Fast

Research your options. Before you dive into your new career, prepare yourself with the facts. Talk to people currently working in that career. Investigate your new career's economic outlook on websites like the U.S. Government's Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Wall Street Journal's Career Journal.

Search for examples of résumés of other applicants in the same field. Learn from what skills and education they've highlighted to get an idea of what strengths you should play up in your own cover letter and résumé.

Translate your previous experience and skills into relevant material for your job hunt. Now that you know more about your new career, it's time to build your experience on paper. Even if you've never done that particular job before, certain skills translate very well across many careers. Excellent people skills, effective communication, problem-solving and technological proficiency are in demand in most careers. On your résumé, highlight those skills most marketable in your previous work experience.

Document what you know. If you've already done quite a bit of research in your new career field or if you've been doing the work in another capacity (as a hobby, for example) then you can document your skills and update your résumé by taking online tests and certifications. Go to sites such as Brainbench and ExpertRating for more information. These websites specialize in helping workers document their skill sets. Both sites offer some free tests, as well as moderately priced skill tests, and subscriptions for unlimited assessments.

Learn more from professional association websites in your field. You can learn basic Microsoft Office skills by searching for tutorials on Microsoft's web page. Find free classes by searching Moodle's main website. (Moodle is an Open Source course management system (CMS) to help educators create effective online learning communities.) Also search low cost learning options at the Universal Class website which has classes on thousands of topics.

Network. Join professional organizations in your new career field. Find and talk to people who already work in that profession. Learn as much as you can from people who have the most knowledge. Sign up for conventions and local chapter meetings to get to know people in the same career.

Tips

If you're suffering from test anxiety, search for test-taking skills tutorials online to learn how to cope with test fear and to pick up great tips.

Read free technology/security texts to study at The Security Portal for Information System Security Professionals Website.

Don't use your old résumé to find a job in a new career - always start fresh and write specifically for that audience (hiring manager).

Contact your references and let them know first, that you are using them as a reference, and second, that you are changing careers. It would also be helpful to let them know what qualities prospective employers may want to ask about. Make sure they are comfortable acting as a professional reference for you.