How to nail your transition job search

Nov 29 2006 by Patricia Soldati
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Let's be honest here. Job hunting is about as enticing as going to the dentist. And for career-changers, it is even worse.

All job searches require you to believe in yourself and to market yourself with energy and credibility. WHat's more, you need to convince the hiring manager that you are an exceptional candidate for the open position.

But career-changers have an additional challenge: How do you convey why you spent 10 or 20 years doing one thing and are now intent on doing another? In other words, what is your 'transition story' -- that makes good sense AND emotionally grabs the hiring manager?

The situation requires you to prepare a story that is rational, succinct, compelling and totally positive. You must be able to share it in a couple of minutes. And, there must be an emotional component that captures the imagination of the interviewer.

So here's an easy, three-step format that shows what facts to present and how to incorporate the emotional component.

Step 1: I had a great career…

The facts: Spell out your key accomplishments.
The emotion: What personal growth did you experience as a result?

Step 2: I'm changing because…

The facts: State the values you are honoring.
The emotion: Convey why you've always wanted this.

Step 3: The value I bring is...

The facts: Spell out your transferable skills.
The emotion: I'm willing to do whatever it takes to be successful.

And An Example

A former client, John Taylor, transitioned from business owner of a film production company to university professor in communications. Here's how the model came into play for John:

		The Facts	The Emotion
Step 1	I had a great career...	film/production professional 20 years conceived, wrote, edited, produced documentaries, films & commercials successful business owner long list of awards & recognition	wonderful, challenging years learned & grew stretched myself felt great to make such an impact in people's lives
Step 2	I'm changing because...	with technology, the industry has changed dramatically after 20 years, I'm ready for a new chapter	part of me has always been a teacher and mentor
Step 3	The value I bring...	masterful communicator hands-on, practical perspective to the theory intimate with every aspect of creative development and production prestige of having received the industry's top awards	Eager to contribute to a new generation of storytellers I'm ready to do what it takes to be successful in a related field.

Road test your story on friends and family and make changes accordingly. Refine it until it sounds natural and personal for you. You can even update the facts in Step 3 to correspond to the specific position for which you are interviewing.

Maybe best of all, the very process of crafting your story will summarize your unique contributions to the world – and remind you of why you have worked hard to make your transition in the first place.