There are various reasons why people leave their jobs. It could be because of their bosses, stress, long hours, or low compensation. Perhaps they’re not happy with their job because it offers little to no career advancement.
With this comes the rise of career switchers. These people jump from one job to another, potentially in a different field. In general, an average person changes jobs at least 12 times during their career. Some recruiters find this history to be a weakness, but the extensive experience and professional skills acquired throughout a switcher’s career can attract companies who are looking for persistent employees.
From an HR professional’s perspective, you may find a few upsides and downsides to hiring career switchers. At first glance of their resumes, “risk” might first come to your head and it’s natural to be apprehensive of their loyalty and contributions in your company. But with risk comes great opportunity because they are bringing in a deep well of knowledge and maturity as an employee. These are qualities and skills that you can’t teach overnight.
Below are a few things you should know about job switchers to help you easily and quickly weed through the list of job switchers and find the best fit.
1. They already have relevant experience from previous industries
Job switchers wouldn’t apply for a role they know nothing entirely about. These people are specific about what they want next, especially if what they wish for is career advancement. In fact, one in three people who switch careers learns how to match their skills and experiences to a new company.
Also, it’s likely that they have been exposed to their target industry, and eventually, they found interest in transitioning upon realizing that they can apply their relevant experience and transferable skills there. Or they might have already spent extra time learning about their desired profession.
2. They can offer a fresh perspective
People who switch jobs can provide a set of fresh eyes to the company or field they wish to shift to. Working in different fields gives career switchers an edge in some way. They can offer out-of-the-box suggestions to brainstorming sessions or meetings. Career switchers can also bring a different energy to the company, which can spruce up team morale.
3. They have a high initiative to learn
Those who switch careers are hungry to learn and grow. Because they already have extensive work experience, they’ll prove to recruiters and the HR managers that they’re worth hiring.
Switchers expect highs and lows in their career switch process. That’s why they prepare themselves to ride the process with a strong determination head-on before and during the job hunt process, and most especially once they start working.
4. They are industry and company culture fit
Many repeat career switchers can easily adjust to new environments and culture. If they’ve transitioned a couple of times, it’s likely that they carry good qualities that make them adaptable enough to work in different culture or environment.
5. They can engage their cross-industry network
The number one way professionals first hear about a new job is through someone they know. This puts emphasis on how big of an influence it is to have a reliable network in different industries. After all, it takes the help of other people to accomplish a huge goal.
Since career shifters have dipped into a couple industries during their career, chances are they have a broad and diverse network of friends, colleagues, and other connections. Job switchers can refer their extensive network to their new company. If ever the company needs an expert or is looking for a new client, the switcher can offer to check within their connections.
6. They have a valid reason for the switch
Jumping from one career to another is a bold decision. Career switchers don’t just transition to another field willy-nilly, they give it enough thought before they make the final move. According to a survey of more than 10,000 individuals who changed jobs, the top reason why they resigned from their post is for career advancement. These people most likely saw a dead end in their current role, so they decided to leave their work to look for greener pastures.
7. They are determined
Switchers, who leave their job to search for career advancement, are more motivated to go above and beyond when they find their new work environment. This is true for younger generations—they yearn for challenges and career opportunities to grow. Moreover, since they’re relatively new to the career they’ve chosen, they’re more open to seeking feedback.
The Bottom Line
It’s not unusual to hear stories of people venturing off their career path to dive into a completely different field. As a recruiter, you need to consider that we’re moving towards a modern society—a new age of career paths—which is why you need to get rid of traditional hiring prejudices.
For instance, digital marketing is a relatively new field—one that wasn’t even an option for young professionals ten years ago. Yet, it’s now considered as one of the fastest growing industries and in return, it’s attracting employees from all walks of life. Due to digital marketing industry’s wide array of job options, it welcomes career switchers with their background and network at hand which can help propel the industry forward.
Successful professionals who shift to new roles professionally and respectfully can come out as an advantage from an employer’s perspective. Want to expand your talent search? Get in touch with a reliable recruitment agency in the Philippines to help you find the ideal candidates your company needs. Start hunting!
