Q. How do you pivot your career? I keep hearing about it and I want to make a switch, but how do I go from one path to a completely different one ASAP?
A. Think of a pivot as a physical move where you still have one foot on the ground, then do a complete 180, while the other is in the air. The foot on the ground represents your transferable skills. Begin with the end in mind; start by looking at job descriptions for your desired field. Identify the skills and educational requirements; most importantly, look at the gaps. See what is missing and how you can fill in the gaps. Do you need to take an online class or two? Get hands-on experience, perhaps through volunteering?
Focus on the through line as well. If you create a Venn diagram overlapping your current resume to the job description, where are the overlaps? That sweet spot, the middle, is that foot on the ground, your transferable skills. Highlight those key skills in the executive summary on your resume and networking conversations, etc.
This is a simplified version, of course; there may be challenges and deeper aspects to explore. For instance, if you’re in accounting and want to pivot into nursing, you’ll need to go to school, complete your degree, earn your licensing, etc. So, be sure to thoroughly evaluate what your end game requires for you to pursue. Again, begin with the end in mind and start from there.
Q. Politics are killing me at the office. I don’t want to hear about candidates and policies and it’s only going to get worse as the election gets closer! How should I handle it?
A. I’m glad you asked — you’re not alone. You can say something that feels genuine to you, something like, “I prefer to stay out of politics. Can we please talk about something else, like what are your summer vacation plans?”
Make it known that you want no part of it; chances are, some of your colleagues will probably agree and follow your lead, breathing a sign of relief.
If you articulate you prefer to not speak about it and change the topic, and they still continue, it’s OK to exit the conversation by walking away. If it’s in the middle of a work-related task, you may not be able to physically exit since you are, after all, working. Bring the person/people back to center by reminding them about the task at hand — they can chat after it’s been completed.
Vicki Salemi is a career expert, former corporate recruiter, author, consultant, speaker, and career coach. Send your questions to hello@vickisalemi.com. For more information and to subscribe to Vicki’s newsletter, visit www.vickisalemi.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @vickisalemi.Tribune News Service