The recent surge in tech layoffs has left thousands of employees searching for new opportunities. It’s a tough job market out there, but with the right skills and strategies, you can make a successful career pivot. Here are some tips to help you on your journey.

DEEPER DIVE: Here’s how Arizona jobs are trending upward

Identifying and Improving Transferable Skills:

Your transferable skills are the abilities and traits that you can bring to any industry or job. To identify these skills, think about the tasks you perform regularly, the projects you’ve managed, and your general strengths. Some examples of transferable skills include problem-solving, communication, time management, and leadership. To improve these skills, consider taking courses, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship opportunities.

Deciding Which Industry to Switch Over To:

It’s important to choose an industry that aligns with your passions and skills. Do your research by reading industry news, attending events, and talking to professionals in the field. Also, consider industries that are growing and have a high demand for talent. In Phoenix, some of the fastest growing industries and positions are in the Semiconductor space and non-clinical medical positions.  Once you have a few options, reach out to individuals in those industries and ask about their experiences and the skills they think are necessary to succeed.  You can even ask them how they got their job and if they can connect you with someone in their organization.

Strategies to Help Your Job Search 

Now that you know which industry you want to pursue and have improved your transferable skills, it’s time to start your job search.  I recently conducted a poll on LinkedIn to find out how candidates found their current position, here are the results:  

• 33% said they found their position on LinkedIn

• 25% said they worked with a recruiter

• 22% said other, with networking as the most common form of “Other”

• 20% said they found their role on a job board

Reach out to friends, family, former coworkers, and industry professionals for advice and leads. It’s also important to update your resume to highlight your transferable skills and to showcase your experience in a new light. Consider working with a professional resume writer or a recruiter.

Finally, be patient and persistent. Making a career pivot can be a challenging journey, but with the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next opportunity.

Identifying and improving your transferable skills, deciding which industry to switch over to, and utilizing the right job search strategies can help you find a new opportunity that aligns with your passions and skills. Good luck!

Author: Blake E. Quinlan is owner of Express Employment Professionals.