Making a Career Shift

Deciding to make a career shift can feel intimidating. It’s not always a simple move, but it is possible—and often more attainable than you think. If you’re ready to pack up your saddle and ride toward a new career path, here are a few strategies to help you get started.

Step 1: Know Your Why

Before making any big move, get clear on why you want to shift careers. In our recent webinar, Strengthening Your Future Self, guest speaker Jeff Jones, CFO of Twisted X, shared powerful insight: employers want to understand the reason behind your change.

It’s not enough to say a new job “sounds fun.” You need to show a genuine connection and passion for the direction you’re heading. Ask yourself:

• What’s pulling me toward this new role or industry?

• How can I communicate that clearly to employers?

Being able to confidently answer those questions will set you apart.

Step 2: Do Your Homework

If you’re changing directions, you need to become well-versed in the new industry. That doesn’t always mean going back to school—it could be as simple as reading industry publications, following thought leaders, listening to podcasts, or having informational interviews.

Think of this as your “research phase.” The more knowledge you have, the more confident and credible you’ll be when opportunities come your way.

Step 3: Grow Your Network

Your network is one of your strongest tools in making a successful career shift. Start building relationships in your new industry by:

• Attending conferences, clinics, or trade shows

• Connecting with professionals on LinkedIn

• Joining associations or local groups

• Reaching out to people already doing the work you aspire to do

These connections can open doors, provide mentorship, and even lead to job opportunities down the road.

Step 4: Highlight Your Transferable Skills

When applying for new roles, lean on the skills you already have—even if they come from a different industry. Employers today often value skillsets over specific degrees.

For example:

• Years in retail may have given you customer service and communication strengths.

• Ranch or farm experience likely means you’re adaptable, hardworking, and an expert multitasker.

Take time to list out your transferable skills, then connect the dots for employers to show how those abilities add value in your new field.

Step 5: Address Resume Gaps with Confidence

For many people—like parents re-entering the workforce after raising kids—career gaps are a reality. The key is to be honest, but also confident in the value you bring.

Instead of avoiding the gap, acknowledge it and frame it as part of your story. For example, you might write:

• “Took time away from the workforce to raise a family, while developing strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills.”

You can also highlight any freelance work, volunteering, or part-time roles you took on during that time. Remember, employers today understand that career paths aren’t always linear—it’s how you present your experience and skills that makes the difference.

Step 6: Be Ready to Start from the Ground Up

Here’s the tough part: sometimes a career shift means taking a step back before you can move forward. That could mean starting in an entry-level role, facing a few rejections, or rebuilding your reputation in a new space.

As Jeff Jones shared in our webinar: “Whatever you’ve been doing doesn’t always translate into what you want to do.”

While this might feel like a setback, remember—it shows employers you’re serious about this new path, and it’s an investment in your long-term future.

Your Next Move

If you’re ready to take the leap, don’t wait. Start putting yourself out there today. Create your free Job Seeker profile on Of The West and discover opportunities that align with your next chapter.

👉 Start your profile here

Your next career adventure is waiting. You just need to take the reins.