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Switching Careers After a Job Loss

Job hunting after a layoff may require some creative thinking about your next move.

What's the Difference Between an Occupation and an Industry?

Your occupation is what you do. Your industry is where you do it. For example, a receptionist is an occupation that can be found in most industries. An industry like health care doesn't just employ receptionists. It also employs people in other occupations like doctors, nurses, technicians, and janitors. Understanding the difference may help you find opportunities that you might not have considered.

Stay in the Same Occupation and Same Industry

Think there are jobs available right where you are? Then start your job search by checking out tips for Job Hunting during a Recession.

Move to Same Occupation in a Different Industry

Example: A receptionist moves from working for an auto manufacturing firm to a hospital.

Consider a more stable industry. No industry is completely recession-proof. Still, jobs in health care, education, and other human service fields are less subject to economic downturns. The demand for human services doesn't stop during a recession.

Transfer your skills. If you were a clerk in the auto manufacturing industry, can you be a clerk in a hospital or school? Maybe. The key is to understand your skills in general terms and know how they might transfer. Take a skills assessment to find out.

Market yourself. During times of high unemployment, employers can be choosy about who they hire. Be sure to explain how your experience in a different industry translates into real value for a prospective employer. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each job opening.

Research the trends. View employment trends by occupation and industry. This will give you a feel for which industries employ people with your background and skills. Also look for Minnesota growing careers and emerging careers and skills to get a sense of how your future might look.

Move to a Different Occupation in the Same Industry

Example: A receptionist working in a hospital applies for a medical transcriptionist position in the same hospital.

Assess your skills. Assessing your skills after a job loss will help you figure out how to move from one occupation to another.

Find related occupations. If you are thinking of switching careers, find out which occupations make the best use of your skills. Use a Related Occupations Tool to learn which careers are most similar to your last job. Take a skills assessment to find occupations that use skills similar to your previous job. Or research careers to find related occupations to your previous job.

Network. Build a network. This can be effective if you're looking for a different occupation in the same industry. Your contacts may know each other and can communicate easily.

Learn about the salary range in the new occupation. Check out ISEEK's Salary Search.

Move to a Different Occupation in a Different Industry

Example: A receptionist working in a hospital decides to find a job as an animal groomer for a local pet store.

Explore all your options. If you plan to move in a new direction, it's best to take a step back and get the facts. Learn about careers at ISEEK's Careers Search. Or research industries using ISEEK's Industries Search. Here are some things to consider: