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| 24-Feb-09 12:00 PM CST | ||
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Outplacement Experts at Career Partners International Provide Tips on Recareering |
Outplacement Experts at Career Partners International “Whether you are already unemployed or see the writing on the proverbial job-loss wall, the first inclination is often to take whatever job you can get as soon as possible; and that may be your best option,” said Gerriann Fagan with Career Partners International firm The Prism Group in Birmingham, Ala. “But your situation may also give you a valuable opportunity to reassess your vocational direction and see if recareering is right for you.” “In the past, we worked with clients who were recareering to follow a career they had dreamed about but never pursued,” said Nada Norval with Career Partners International firm Ratliff & Taylor in Cleveland. “Today, clients are recareering because their current career paths offer very limited job opportunities or they want to stay in the town where they live but the jobs are going away.” Is Recareering Right for You?
A good candidate for recareering is someone who has a desire to change, is open to learning new things, enjoys the exploration process and has some financial discretion. They can take a step back if necessary to fulfill a new dream or direction. Similarly, you’ll have more recareering options if you don’t mind being the new man on the totem pole (you may have to start at a lower-level position than what you are accustomed to), and you’re willing to relocate. How to Get Started “If you think there is even a chance that you could be laid off from your current job, get your action plan together,” said Fagan. “You can work on your finances and get any training you may need. Do the research you need to do.” Fagan suggests investigating possible education reimbursement programs offered by employers as well as state-sponsored financial assistance for re-education. Knowing whether or not you will receive a severance package or outplacement support is important.
Once you’ve made a decision to recareer, the first step is identifying what you want to do. Fagan said her clients benefit by going through a formal assessment process to discern their strengths and weaknesses. “Think about your natural talents, the things that you do effortlessly,” she said. “What at work gives you energy? What takes it away? What gives you the most joy? If you can find a job that has more of what you are interested in and less of what you don’t, it will be easier for you to be successful. Think about your career—if you weren’t doing this what would you do?”
With some possible new career directions to consider, the real work begins. “You need to research the field that you are interested in through the Internet and by networking with people who actually do the job,” explained Norval. “You should also network with HR professionals who understand the skills needed for the job.” Norval recommends these specific steps: • Informational interviews (talk to other people who have made career changes and people who work in your desired field) Common Mistakes When Making a Career Transition Norval agreed: “A common mistake that people make is underestimating the requirements and commitment needed to recareer. And even if you commit to recareering, there are no guarantees that you will be successful. “ Norval, Fagan and their colleagues at CPI firms across the country help people work through this process. Some people who think they are interested in recareering, after researching and evaluating realize that they were on already on the right career track. So either way, going through the process is a positive. And how can you be successful? Fagan suggested going in with the attitude of a recent college graduate. “They think they can do anything and they are generally willing to do anything,” said Fagan. “They have spunk and energy that is engaging and impressive. When making a career change—and in life--that same attitude will get you a long way.” Career Partners International (CPI) is one of the world’s largest providers of talent management solutions with more than 160 offices in 20 countries around the world and serving every state in the United States. Established in 1987, CPI focuses on talent management, outplacement and executive coaching services backed by the expertise and experience of more than 1,600 highly trained professionals.
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