Ready for a total career transformation? It’s an exciting—and potentially overwhelming—thought, but the right career transition strategies can help you make the change with confidence.
Changing careers can feel exciting, overwhelming, or maybe a bit like stepping into the unknown. It can also feel isolating at times, like you’re only one embarking on this kind of journey. But whether you're chasing a long-time passion, seeking better balance, or looking for new challenges, making a career pivot is more common (and more possible!) than ever before.
At Spherion, we know that the path to a more fulfilling career isn’t always a straight line. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate your next move with confidence—by walking you through some practical tips, mindset shifts, and smart career transition strategies to make the process smoother and more rewarding.
How to know when you're ready for a career pivot
Before we can talk about career transition strategies more seriously, we first need to talk about some of the signs that you’re ready for a career pivot. You might already know that you’re ready for a major career transformation, something totally different from what you’ve been doing thus far. If so, that’s great! But if you’re not quite sure, there are a few indicators you can keep an eye out for to help you assess whether it’s time.
If you notice you’re feeling stuck or drained at work, realize that it might be more than just a rough patch. Instead, it might be a sign you’re ready for a career change. Burnout, lack of growth, or the sense that you're just going through the motions can all point to career stagnation.
Or perhaps your role no longer aligns with your values or interests. If so, it’s worth asking yourself: Do I still find purpose in what I do? Am I energized by new opportunities, or has it been a long time since I've felt that way?
It’s also important to recognize the difference between a temporary slump and a deeper disconnect. A tough week can pass. But if the thought of staying in your current role long-term feels heavy, it might be time to consider a new path. Pay attention to what your gut—and your day-to-day energy—are telling you.
Begin by taking inventory of your transferable skills
Now that you know you’re interested in a career pivot, you might be tempted to leap headfirst into an exciting new career. Not so fast! You’ll want to take some time to recognize the skills you already bring to the table, or how you can highlight your skill transferability to show how much of your experience applies across industries.
Conduct a skills audit
For an accurate transferable skills assessment, you’ll want to list out your daily tasks, past roles, projects, and accomplishments. You can also lean on online tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or free skills assessments, which can help you see your strengths from a fresh perspective.
Spot hidden talents
Don’t overlook the skills you’ve honed outside of the workplace! Think about side projects, volunteer work, or even hobbies, all of which can reveal overlooked abilities that can strengthen your career pivot.
Group your skills into categories
Transferable skills generally fall into three buckets: soft skills (like communication, leadership, adaptability), technical skills (like software proficiency or data analysis), and industry knowledge (like regulations, trends, or customer insights). Take a look at what you’ve listed so far and see how you can group similar skills together.
Match your skills to your new path
Armed with this assessment, you can begin researching roles in your target industry and compare their requirements with your list. You’ll likely find more overlap than you expected—and that’s where your career pivot begins.
Thoroughly research your new target industry or role
Once you've pinpointed the direction you want to go, it's time to get familiar with your future field. The more you know, the better prepared you'll be to make a confident, informed career transformation.
Explore the industry
Start with online research by checking out industry blogs, professional associations, and job boards to get a feel for trends, in-demand roles, and common terminology. You might also want to set up Google alerts for keywords related to your target job to stay in the loop.
Ask for informational interviews
There’s no better way to learn about an industry than by reaching out to people already working in your desired field. A quick chat (virtual or otherwise) over coffee can offer valuable insights into what the job really looks like day to day. Ask about their career path, what skills matter most, and what they wish they’d known before starting.
Find additional learning resources
You can round out your research by referencing websites like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera, as well as industry-specific webinars. These are all great places to discover the skills you’ll need. Job descriptions are also gold mines; scanning just a few can help you to spot patterns and give you a more informed view of the industry.
Spot (and close) skill gaps
Finally, compare your current abilities with what’s listed in your target roles. If you’re missing a few pieces, that’s totally normal. Just be sure you have a plan to upskill through online courses, certifications, or hands-on projects that build experience and confidence.
Bridging the gap: Skill development strategies
Let’s take a second to dive a layer deeper into that last point: skill gaps. Closing skill gaps is vital to most career transition strategies, and there are plenty of flexible, low-pressure ways to grow into your next role.
Choose your learning style
You don’t necessarily need a new degree for a career pivot. Formal education like certificate programs or workshops can help if you want structure, while self-directed learning (think YouTube tutorials, online courses, or podcasts) gives you the freedom to learn at your own pace.
Test the waters with low-risk experience
Before diving into a certain upskilling path full-time, look for small ways to get involved. Freelance projects, part-time gigs, or short-term contracts let you explore a new field without a huge commitment.
Build credibility through volunteering and side projects
Nonprofits, local events, or personal passion projects can give you real-world experience. These not only grow your skills but also help fill out your resume with relevant accomplishments.
Show your skills!
Use platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub, or Behance to share your work. Some online courses even offer certificates or badges you can add to your profile, which are a great way to show employers you're serious and capable
Position yourself for success
Making a career pivot means telling your story in a way that makes employers excited to meet you. You’ll want to explore resume repositioning to focus on the skills and experiences that relate best to your new field. Using existing target job descriptions as a guide, and shift the spotlight to what’s most relevant in your experience, even if it’s from a different industry.
You should also be ready to explain why you’re making this move. Frame it as a natural next step, not a detour. Focus on the passion, curiosity, or goals that led you here, and what you’ve done to prepare. And if you have any employment gaps or lack of direct experience, make sure you address them directly, while also focusing on what you’ve learned or built during that time. Highlighting things like courses, freelance work, or volunteer efforts help show your initiative, and they ease any potential concerns before they arise.
Interview techniques for career changers
When you’re shifting careers, interviews can feel a bit more intimidating—but they’re also your chance to bring your story to life. One of the first questions you’re likely to hear is, “Why are you changing careers?” Rather than apologizing for the change, approach it with confidence. Focus on the “why” behind your decision: maybe you’re seeking more meaningful work, pursuing long-standing interests, or looking for a challenge that your previous role couldn’t offer. Show that your choice is intentional and thoughtful, not reactive.
Your enthusiasm also goes a long way. Employers want to know you’re genuinely interested in the work, not just passing through. Talk about the research you’ve done, the courses you’ve taken, or the extra steps you’ve gone through to prepare for this career pivot. It shows that you’re not only serious but invested in growing into the role.
Finally, don’t overlook the advantage your unique background gives you. Maybe your previous industry taught you how to manage clients, handle fast-moving situations, or think creatively. These perspectives can be powerful assets in your new field; so instead of trying to hide your past experience, use it to help you stand out.
Make sure you’re mentally and financially prepared for the transition
A career transformation is also a personal journey. It can bring up a mix of emotions, from excitement to doubt, so preparing both mentally and financially can help keep you grounded along the way.
Start by setting a realistic timeline. Big changes take time, and giving yourself space to learn, explore, and grow will ease some of the pressure. Maybe you’ll make the leap in six months, or maybe it’ll take a year. Either way, having a loose roadmap helps you stay focused without feeling rushed.
Financially, it’s smart to build a cushion. Try to save enough to cover a few months of expenses or adjust your budget while you’re upskilling or exploring new opportunities. The more you plan, the more confident you’ll feel making choices that support your goals.
Don’t underestimate the power of support. Talk to friends, mentors, or others who’ve made similar moves. Encouragement, advice, and just having someone to vent to can make a big difference when things feel uncertain.
And remember: Setbacks are normal. They’re not a sign you’re failing, they’re just part of the process. When momentum slows, revisit your “why,” and remind yourself of the vision that sparked your change in the first place. Then take small steps forward, even if it’s just learning one new thing that day.
Your next chapter starts now
Changing careers can feel like a big leap, but with the right mindset and preparation, it’s a leap worth taking. From recognizing when it’s time for a change, to mapping your transferable skills, researching new industries, and building your confidence through learning and experience, each step brings you closer to work that truly fits your goals and values.
Remember, you don’t have to have everything figured out from day one. Career pivots are built on curiosity, resilience, and the willingness to grow. You already have more tools and strengths than you realize; it’s just a matter of putting them to work in new ways. And if you need some help along your career transformation journey, we’re here to lend a hand.
