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The Basics of Preparing for a Career Change

Tap each step to work through it in order.

  1. Get clear on why you're leaving

    Working out your real reasons for wanting to change β€” career direction, growth potential, compensation β€” rather than just general dissatisfaction will sharpen both your interview answers and how you evaluate new offers.

  2. Update your resume

    Refresh your resume around your most recent projects and achievements, and select which experiences to highlight based on the specific role you're targeting.

  3. Keep your search confidential while still employed

    Avoid using your current employer's email or internal systems for anything related to your job search, and schedule interviews around your own personal time rather than work hours whenever possible.

  4. Prepare for interviews and offer negotiation

    Tailor your answers to each new company's interview process, and once you reach the offer stage, go in with a clear sense of the salary and terms you're aiming for.

  5. Verify the offer details before accepting

    Confirm salary, title, start date, and benefits in writing before deciding whether to accept β€” verbal promises alone leave too much room for misunderstanding.

  6. Plan your exit from your current role

    Once you've accepted an offer, plan out both the timing of your resignation notice and how you'll hand off your current responsibilities.

How you prepare shapes how the change turns out

Applying on impulse tends to leave you with fewer options, while working through each step deliberately puts you in a stronger position to find a role that actually fits and to negotiate from a place of leverage.

Consider a side project alongside your career change

If income or a career gap during the transition is a worry, it's worth also looking into the basics of starting a side hustle as a cushion while you search.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I start preparing?

Hiring processes can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, so it's worth giving yourself at least one to two months of lead time to update your resume and start researching options.

What if I change my mind after accepting an offer?

It's best to make a firm decision before formally accepting. If you've already accepted and need to back out, notify both companies as promptly and professionally as possible.