[custom_adv] Hadis Fouladvand When you look at people who’ve achieved stunning success in their fields, it’s difficult to imagine that they weren’t always hurtling down those paths. But each of these five famous figures started off doing something else. Hadis Fouladvand [custom_adv] Bahareh Kian Afshar Now that you know you’re ready to change careers—and you’re ready to follow your gut—it’s time to start a job search. But you don’t want to apply to any ol’ job in your new chosen field, or you could end up back where you started—unhappy and looking for yet another change. Bahareh Kian Afshar [custom_adv] Reyhaneh parsa So, when you launch your job search, “be clear on what you want, why you want it and what qualifies you,” even if this is a brand-new field for you, advises career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide Roy Cohen. Reyhaneh Parsa [custom_adv] Shaghayegh Delshad Because, “without clarity from the very start, virtually every stage that follows will be based on little more than a hunch—and that is an extremely fragile foundation for navigating a dynamic job search.” Shaghayegh Delshad [custom_adv] Parastoo Salehi Because, “without clarity from the very start, virtually every stage that follows will be based on little more than a hunch—and that is an extremely fragile foundation for navigating a dynamic job search.” Parastoo Salehi [custom_adv] Bhareh Rahnama A big no-no when networking is coming right out and asking someone you've just met for a job. Sure you may be eager, but nurture the relationship a bit before launching into asks. While speaking directly is important in business, being this direct is downright presumptuous and rude. When networking, it’s risky to ask for a job from a new acquaintance. Bhareh Rahnama [custom_adv] Kamand Amirsoleimani It’s just as risky to request a reference, especially if you’ve just met the person. Networking should yield a mutually beneficial relationship, not an Aladdin and the genie arrangement. Your wish is not their command. Kamand Amirsoleimani [custom_adv] Behnoosh Bakhtiari Instead of looking specifically to cultivate your network, try to find ways to meet more people organically through your interests outside of work. Join a running group or start talking to the regulars at your yoga class. Volunteer or attend a fundraising event in your community. The point isn’t to talk work — it’s just to expand the group of people you know. Behnoosh Bakhtiari [custom_adv] Katayoun Riahi As you’re choosing your new career—and applying for new jobs in your chosen field—consider setting up a few informational interviews with people who are doing what you’d one day like to do. They can give you solid advice on how to enter the field and impress in an interview, which is invaluable information to someone completely new to the industry. Katayoun Riahi [custom_adv] Nafiseh Roushan You can start your research online, with government publications such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Also look at whether a particular specialty within your potential new field is in demand. For example, perhaps school districts in your area aren't hiring many elementary school teachers, but they may need special ed teachers. Nafiseh Roushan [custom_adv] Sanaz Tari For example, many careers, ranging from interior design to financial planning, may involve selling your services in addition to performing them. Or you may be enticed by the high average salary of your dream job, only to find that it's a field where a few people make a lot and most people make very little. Sanaz Tari [custom_adv] Niousha Zeyghami To get the real story, talk to people who work in the field you're targeting. You can find them though your college alumni association, professional associations and schools with programs in the field. Niousha Zeyghami [custom_adv] Elham Pavehnejhad Not all career changes are equally difficult. The hardest is to move to a field where none of your previous experience is relevant. Often, though, you can find a way to build on your previous experience while doing something new. Elham Pavehnejhad [custom_adv] Matin Sotoudeh Consider staying in your industry but moving to a new role so you can play up your industry knowledge. Or you could keep working in finance, for example, but for a biotech company instead of a publisher. In that case, you can show that you have already done the job, even if the industry is new. Matin Sotoudeh [custom_adv] Linda Kiani If returning to work after the Christmas break has left you feeling unmotivated, rather than raring to go, then it could be time to move on. But first it is important to identify whether your dissatisfaction is temporary or seasonal. Linda Kiani [custom_adv] Homeira Riazi If you are having doubts about your current role, or feeling uncertain about what to do next, it can be helpful to talk through your options with a confidant. Once you have decided you want to leave, the often long process of finding a new job – and the rejection that comes with it – can be demoralising. Gregory says it is important to take the pressure off. Homeira Riazi [custom_adv] Elham Hamidi A big no-no when networking is coming right out and asking someone you've just met for a job. Sure you may be eager, but nurture the relationship a bit before launching into asks. While speaking directly is important in business, being this direct is downright presumptuous and rude. When networking, it’s risky to ask for a job from a new acquaintance. Elham Hamidi [custom_adv] Zohreh Fakoursabour As you’re choosing your new career—and applying for new jobs in your chosen field—consider setting up a few informational interviews with people who are doing what you’d one day like to do. They can give you solid advice on how to enter the field and impress in an interview, which is invaluable information to someone completely new to the industry. Zohreh Fakoursabour [custom_adv] Anahita Nemati Instead of looking specifically to cultivate your network, try to find ways to meet more people organically through your interests outside of work. Join a running group or start talking to the regulars at your yoga class. Volunteer or attend a fundraising event in your community. The point isn’t to talk work — it’s just to expand the group of people you know. Anahita Nemati
