In this episode of Career Conversations, our guest is Sheila Barr, a Careers Advisor specialising in the Springboard Programme. Siobhan and Sheila discuss the topic of career transitioning - how best to approach a change in career and the struggles to overcome.  They provide useful tips on how to tailor your CV and LinkedIn to give you the best shot at moving into your desired field.

Episode six was recorded on 30th January

This episode was produced with the assistance of Maeve Fortune (Second Year Communication Studies Student).

0:00-0:50 IntroductionIntroduction of speakers Siobhan Murphy (DCU Careers Advisor) and Sheila Barr (DCU Careers Advisor, Springboard Programme)Quick introduction of today’s topic: Career Transition
0:50-3:08 Phrasing a Career Transition correctly on your CV (2mins)Importance of transferable skills All your past experience will stand to you, it just needs to be phrased correctlySkills based CV rather than chronological 
3:08-7:47 Skills Based CVInclude personal details and professional profileThere usually is some logical narrative that you can capture in your profileFind the commonality between the sector you’re leaving and the sector you’re moving intoLook at skills required by job description and shape your achievements/skills around thoseExample: Commercial AcumenMost impressive/important points first, create an early positive impressionProvide evidence of each skill
7:47-10:08 Master CVIt is crucial to match your CV to each job application Have a master CV of 2/ 3 pages with everything you’ve doneFor each application, extract and adapt from the masterSpeed reading is key, reader should know you after a 10 second glance (Ask a friend to check for you)Use bullet points, ability to communicate with clarity is universally valuable
10:08- 13:50 Demonstrating a career break on your CVTime out to look after family, rear children, and move abroad. Gaps in CVsSheila’s personal approach after two career breaksDetail in bullet points what you did during break (committees, attended classes, voluntary work, upskill)Skills from extracurricular/voluntary work just as valued
13:50-14:56 Most important element Look at the role you are going for and what they are looking for.Demonstrate that you have the skills they’re looking for with your history
14:56-17:00 Dovetailing your LinkedIn profile to communicate career transitionGet involved in your new sector, reading, discussion groups, writing posts Use LinkedIn to position yourself for that career pivotAlways tell people your story, encourage others

17:00-20:37 Easing strugglesWorking your way up the ladder to realise… “I’m on the wrong ladder?” Don’t see a future in the sector you’re inWork on project/ committees that might help adapt to new areaTry things in that area to make sure it’s what you wantUnconfident? Persevere and take one step at a time,surround yourself with support
20:37-23:20 Training in a new areaGo easy on yourself, takes time to adjustRemember your strengths, skills, gets you through times of doubt, stressEverything before now has shaped you, no learning is ever wastedSteve Jobs example: Calligraphy class gave him look and feel for fonts for apple
23:20- You’re making the right decisionTake joy that you’re moving into what you wantNothing wrong with changing, we are more than one thing Keep yourself informed