How to Successfully Pivot Your Career into Tech
Today's edition is for all my peeps trying to pivot careers.
I've worked with a lot of clients who pivoted into tech from various careers like teaching, retail, non-profit, healthcare and more.
The ones who are successful have a few things in common that set them apart and help them successfully pivot.
If you are trying to pivot careers right now check out the tips below.
How to Successfully Pivot Your Career into Tech
Making a career pivot can feel daunting, especially when trying to break into a competitive field like tech without prior experience or a built-in network.
The good news? With the right job search strategy and mindset, it’s possible to make the leap.
First let's look at what companies typically look for in assessing candidates who are pivoting:
Track Record of Success: Employers want to see that you’ve excelled in your previous roles, even if they’re in a different industry. Success is often a transferable skill, signaling that you can achieve results in any environment.
Evidence of Relevant Skills: While your prior experience matters, companies also want proof that you have some skills aligned with your new field. This doesn’t mean you need years of experience but rather demonstrable evidence of your capability (i.e. a portfolio).
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Side note: As a pivoter, be willing to take a pay cut or contract work at first.
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Here are 5 critical tips to pivot successfully:
Map your skills to your target role - Identify the skills you’ve gained in your current career that are transferable to your new field. Always be able to show the impact and achievements from past roles and make sure you know how to use the lingo of your new role.
Optimize your LinkedIn and Resume - Tailor your LinkedIn profile and resume to align with the role you’re targeting. Use industry-specific keywords and focus on optimizing for clarity and scanablity.
Leverage your network - Your network is one of the most powerful tools in your job search. Connect with people in the tech industry, attend events, and ask for informational interviews. Many opportunities arise through referrals, so make it a priority to build genuine relationships.
Use a strategic job search process - Be intentional about the companies and roles you target. Instead of mass-applying, focus on reaching out to hiring managers and pitching yourself.
Show evidence of your new skills - Provide tangible proof that you’ve invested in developing skills relevant to your new field. The easiest way to demonstrate this is through a portfolio or by building in public. For example:
Create case studies or projects that showcase your ability to solve problems in your target industry.
Share your journey on LinkedIn or other platforms, highlighting your progress and learnings.
Btw, in a hot job market career pivots are easier because companies are more open to taking risks on candidates with unconventional backgrounds.
But tbh, it's possible in any market, if you want to do it don't wait.
TL;DR
Take charge of your career pivot by being proactive, strategic, and relentless.
Showcase your transferable skills, implement a strategic job search process, leverage your network, and building a compelling personal brand.
You don’t need to wait for permission to succeed. You can create your own opportunities and land your dream role in tech.
Pick yourself, and go after what you want with confidence this year.
Whenever you're ready, here are more ways I can help you in your job search:
Learn all the job search strategies I teach clients in this workbook.
Apply for 1:1 coaching to see if there's a fit for us to work together.
Get one-off coaching to sharpen your interview skills, book here.