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Contacts are crucial if switching careers

Job hunting is never easy. Even with the right experience and professional contacts, it can take months to land a coveted position. So imagine the challenges when you’re trying to break into an entirely new career. Where do you begin your search? And how do you compete with more-qualified candidates?

Don’t kid yourself: You won’t catapult to the top of your new field right away, even if you’ve made headway at your company.

"If you’re making a complete career change, you have to be prepared to do your time at the bottom," said Alexandra Levit, author of They Don’t Teach Corporate in College: A 20-Something’s Guide to the Business World (Career Press, $14.99), who also writes a Web log on GetTheJob.com.

Yet employers want to see firm evidence that you’re committed to their field — not just following a whim because you’re bored. And there’s nothing like doing the least glamorous tasks — sometimes for little or no pay — to prove your devotion.

Here’s how to get going:

Develop contacts: It’s no secret that the easiest way to get a job is by a personal contact, someone already in the industry who can clue you in to openings or vouch for you to an employer. You’re probably familiar with networking, but you’ll likely have to think of a few new resources to change fields completely.


Start with the obvious: Ask friends, family and alumni organizations for leads. If that fails, Levit recommends researching names and e-mail addresses on Web sites of companies within the industry. Reaching out to a stranger may feel awkward. But you’re not asking for a job; you’re asking for advice on how to get into an organization or field.

Build experience: You also can use your contacts for insight on how to gain experience. One of the best ways is to offer to work for free. Are there any projects you could do? Could you shadow an employee? If you’re used to a salary, it may be a shock to volunteer your labor. Employers, however, will see it as tangible proof of your interest. And once a company grows used to your help, it may hire you.

Rejigger your resume: Because your previous jobs may not be related to the career you’re seeking, your resume likely will require major retooling. Generally, you’ll have to ditch the traditional format and take an approach that plays up your new skills.