Changing Jobs
14 April 2009
Read by 1709 persons
Some things to keep in mind to avoid mistakes and succeed in a career change.
At the start of a project, there are probably as many good reasons to change jobs as not to change. On the one hand, the desire to move, on the other hand, the risk-taking that accompanies this change. Christian Héreault, former head of human resources and training for large companies, and consultant at the Cité des métiers in Paris: "most people who come to see me want reassurance, they want to test scenarios. However, the question is not "can I change?" but to look at what can be done with this more or less strong wish". Also beware of trends. Ten years ago, the environmental sector was popular for a conversion, then came the multimedia craze. Today, it is the social professions.
Explore your project. Unless urgency dictates a reorientation, for example following a layoff, you need to give yourself time. The approach is that of an assessment. One job idea, several ideas, an unfulfilled dream? It doesn't matter, it's about "pulling on the thread", imagining "scenarios" ("I could see myself in this job, in this sector, self-employed..."). "You need to take the time for a complete examination of your project, go all the way in the analysis so as not to have any regrets. A dream or a project, it is fulfilled or it is properly eliminated by checking whether it is feasible or not: by putting a cross on it, a clear cross, you can move on to something else. In change, this is a fundamental attitude".
Think about a strategy. We all possess "transferable" skills from one job to another. Being comfortable with accounting or IT, having a sense of organization or coordination, DIY or listening... To become aware of these assets, you need help. "At the Cité des métiers, we play the role of trigger. From the ideas and desires expressed, we provide a method", explains Christian Héreault. This strategy, in summary, consists of:
• investigating the envisaged profession with professionals;
• moving forward in small steps, rather than in leaps and bounds (do not change everything at once, job, sector, region);
• validating a project and not wavering between several ideas;
• placing yourself in training or job searching as soon as the project is finalized and validated.
Posted on April 14, 2009
Emploi France 5
At the start of a project, there are probably as many good reasons to change jobs as not to change. On the one hand, the desire to move, on the other hand, the risk-taking that accompanies this change. Christian Héreault, former head of human resources and training for large companies, and consultant at the Cité des métiers in Paris: "most people who come to see me want reassurance, they want to test scenarios. However, the question is not "can I change?" but to look at what can be done with this more or less strong wish". Also beware of trends. Ten years ago, the environmental sector was popular for a conversion, then came the multimedia craze. Today, it is the social professions.
Explore your project. Unless urgency dictates a reorientation, for example following a layoff, you need to give yourself time. The approach is that of an assessment. One job idea, several ideas, an unfulfilled dream? It doesn't matter, it's about "pulling on the thread", imagining "scenarios" ("I could see myself in this job, in this sector, self-employed..."). "You need to take the time for a complete examination of your project, go all the way in the analysis so as not to have any regrets. A dream or a project, it is fulfilled or it is properly eliminated by checking whether it is feasible or not: by putting a cross on it, a clear cross, you can move on to something else. In change, this is a fundamental attitude".
Think about a strategy. We all possess "transferable" skills from one job to another. Being comfortable with accounting or IT, having a sense of organization or coordination, DIY or listening... To become aware of these assets, you need help. "At the Cité des métiers, we play the role of trigger. From the ideas and desires expressed, we provide a method", explains Christian Héreault. This strategy, in summary, consists of:
• investigating the envisaged profession with professionals;
• moving forward in small steps, rather than in leaps and bounds (do not change everything at once, job, sector, region);
• validating a project and not wavering between several ideas;
• placing yourself in training or job searching as soon as the project is finalized and validated.
Posted on April 14, 2009
Emploi France 5
