By Simon Macfarlane
Over the past few months, my networking has resulted in a number of new opportunities in sectors that I have had little or no experience in – namely, the retail, education, defence and FM sectors.
If you’re looking for a new sector or looking to diversify your career, then get involved in that sector and understand it further. Network with those in that industry and get noticed.
Network opportunities have allowed me to work in the private school education and the defence sectors. Education is an area that interests me and one where my transferable skills could easily adapt to. Defence is a real eye opener. It is such a different skill set that is required, with tight budgets and a demanding, time limited clientele.
By way of preparation for potentially moving sector and role, I have;
networked online
taken the opportunity to re-think and re-write and adapt my CV
updated my LinkedIn profile and kept it alive on a daily basis
taken advice from industry experts, friends and colleagues
spoken to a career coach
retained an active interest in the hospitality sector
Networking is tough at the best of times, but get online and get virtual-networking. Take at least 15 minutes each day to be on LinkedIn. Make comments, like and celebrate relevant material, but most importantly write your own articles. Make sure all activity is relevant and professional.
I have also taken the opportunity to volunteer. I chose to volunteer at a vineyard in Surrey. It shows a potential new recruiter that you are hard working, dedicated and have plenty of ‘get up and go’.
The result? I started a new role as a soft services director for a well known real estate company before Christmas.
