How to Tell Your Story When Transitioning to a New Industry
Tell me about yourself.
This can be a stressful request to navigate–even when you know yourself and your relevant experiences. But what about when you have little to no context? What story do you tell when you’re making a career leap from the known to the unknown?
“We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are.” –Max De Pree
The first thing to realize in a career transition is that your story does not start or end on that application, with your resume, or in that interview. It starts with your decision to change direction.
Once you have determined what you want to do and what you can bring to the table, think about how to describe the new “who” of where you are now. “I wanted a change,” could apply to anyone looking to move up or simply move on from something else.
In fact, a flurry of surveys in the last part of 2022 indicated anywhere from 25 to 95% of people were looking to make a career change in 2023. As layoffs continue and more talent enters the labor market, you need a succinct, strategic summary of what sets you apart.
One way to do this is to create your brand statement. It may feel strange to view yourself so explicitly as a product or service. But storytelling in the business world generally falls in the realm of marketing. Market yourself by using your brand statement to define how you see yourself, what you value, and your goal(s).
“Purposeful storytelling isn’t show business, it’s good business.” –Peter Guber
Making a big move is bold, but risky. And not just for you. While it’s good to communicate your passion, it’s equally good to prove to a potential employer that this is not a whim.
One of the rules of good storytelling is “show, don’t tell.” Don’t just talk about how you want this opportunity and are willing to work hard for it. Show how well you’ve mapped out the “why” of your change.
In a 2022 Gartner report, 36% of HR professionals said their sourcing strategies were insufficient. Make it easier for them to find and appreciate you. Research what is happening in your new industry and with your potential employer and explain how it intersects with who you are.
You have your brand statement. You have crafted a compelling “why.” Together, they constitute your elevator pitch. This is, in essence, the introduction to your new story.
“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” –Malcolm S. Forbes
Once you have teased your narrative and have your audience on the hook, it is time to address the elephant in the room: your learning curve. How do you show that you are an immediate asset while acknowledging that you will need to develop deeper knowledge and skills in your new industry?
Good storytellers explore other stories to help hone their own craft. In this case, look at job descriptions for your target role and similar positions across the industry. By understanding the story employers are telling, you gain specific insight into what is actually needed.
The next part of your story draws on this information to demonstrate how your experiences in another field are either universal (e.g., project management experience that indicates broader skills in organization, budgeting, time management, leadership, etc.) or additive (e.g., you overcame a hybrid workplace infrastructure challenge in your old world and your target industry has yet to effectively manage that issue).
The other benefit to this exercise is to see where there’s a consistent need in your target role that you can’t meet. The remedy might be as simple as doing a software tutorial or it might involve investing time in volunteer or intern activities to gain the desired skills. Either way, your commitment highlights the parts of your story that speak to who you are and why an employer should take a chance on you.
“A story is how we construct our experiences.” –Doris Lessing
Once you have worked out the who, the why, and the what of your story, it’s time to tackle the “how” of telling it.
- Resume. Revising your resume to reflect the new you means distilling your experiences into an accurate representation of what you have done, while at the same time indicating what you can do. Your second resume challenge involves planning for an applicant tracking system (ATS). According to Jobscan, nearly 99% of Fortune 500 companies use one, and a Kelly OCG survey indicates 66% of large companies and 35% of small organizations rely on recruitment software. The key is to keep your resume format simple and straightforward in outlining your achievements in each role. Include keywords so that whether your resume is scanned by an ATS or a human, it opens the door for a deeper dive into what you have to offer.
- LinkedIn. Many people overlook a key storytelling opportunity with LinkedIn. Their “About” section reads like a summary of skills and roles instead of hinting at the whole person by highlighting their journey. According to LinkedIn, 8 people are hired from their platform every minute. Make the most of that opportunity by setting yourself apart with your story. And with a little more breathing room here than on your resume, expand on those keywords related to your target role as well as supplemental training and experiences.
- Portfolio. Storytelling is not just about words. Graphic designer? Content manager? Photographer? Visual artist? Share images. Audio engineer? Voiceover artist? Podcaster? Share recordings. Editor? Scriptwriter? Social media manager? Share video. In short, use a portfolio to add color to your story–share whatever relevant examples show your versatility and are relevant to your goal.
“Know where you want to go and make sure the right people know about it.” –Meredith Mahoney
You are probably feeling a mix of emotions. You got swept up in the excitement of possibility. Then you suddenly realized the big difference between a story outline and a happy ending. Because once the planning and preparation are done and it is time to put yourself out there, things become real.
So it is equally understandable if you feel doubt creeping in. Don’t let it paralyze you; you’ve come this far. Give yourself permission to NOT have all of the answers.
That is what your network is for. Don’t just lean on the people you know to help you emotionally as you take on this transition. Lean on them to help you succeed in your transition.
Practice your pitch on your partner. Get your eagle-eyed friend to review your resume and LinkedIn profile for errors or inconsistencies. Most importantly, remember that humans are inherently social beings. Everyone knows someone.
According to a CNBC report, 70% of jobs are not published publicly and 80% of jobs are filled through connections. Put the word out about what you’re looking for and take advantage of introductions and learning opportunities that come your way. (Remember that informational interviews are just that–a way for you to gather more information to position yourself as a viable candidate!)
Be patient. Be persistent. Be prepared to edit and polish your story as needed. Your new chapter is right around the corner.
In Summary:
- Tell the “who” of your career transition story with a brand statement to define how you see yourself, what you value, and your goal(s).
- Tell the “why” of your career transition story by showing how what is happening in your new industry intersects with who you are.
- Tell the “what” of your career transition story by demonstrating how you are an asset now, even before you gain deeper industry knowledge.
- “How” do you tell your career transition story? Through a resume optimized for ATS review, a LinkedIn profile that’s a narrative instead of a list, a portfolio if it is applicable to your role, and leveraging your personal and professional network.
I understand the pressures of a career pivot–I’ve lived it. If you are looking for someone to help you navigate this transition, I can help. Learn more about my coaching services here.
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