Career change - how easy is it?

[CharlotteBailey]

Morning all

I'm in the middle of considering a career change. I have been in the Motor Industry since I left school at 15 (am now 23), however I feel the trade and I have had a good run and now is time to say our goodbyes. I would like to get my work/home balance back, so am looking for Mon-Fri doing admin. (Not a career I know, but family time is more important)

How easy is a career change? Do employers simply look at what you have done and then cast you aside rather than looking at your skills? Would I be wasting my time just applying for roles online?

Thank you in advance

[okgo]

For something like admin I shouldn't imagine it matters where you've done it to an extent, admin is admin I'd have thought. That said having Audi on your CV would look better than Lidl I'd imagine.

So in answer to your question, I'd say you'll find it pretty easy, plenty of girls I know that were not all that bright managed to move about the City in various admin positions working Mon-Fri, so I'm sure if you are smart it should be easy.

[CharlotteBailey]

okgo said:

For something like admin I shouldn't imagine it matters where you've done it to an extent, admin is admin I'd have thought. That said having Audi on your CV would look better than Lidl I'd imagine.

So in answer to your question, I'd say you'll find it pretty easy, plenty of girls I know that were not all that bright managed to move about the City in various admin positions working Mon-Fri, so I'm sure if you are smart it should be easy.

Thanks - I like to think I'm smart. I've been selling for 4 years and a Service Advisor before. Know the trade well. Tinker with engines when I get a chance etc. Just find when you're a petrolhead, being in this industry can slowly erode your love.

Edited by CharlotteBailey on Wednesday 4th December 11:42

[okgo]

CharlotteBailey said:

Thanks - I like to think I'm samrt. I've been selling for 4 years and a Service Advisor before. Know the trade well. Tinker with engines when I get a chance etc. Just find when you're a petrolhead, being in this industry can slowly erode your love.

You'll have to think of what transferable skills you have. Why limit yourself to admin if you are capable of more?

Agree on eroding your love, I did two years flogging cars and it was st.

[Rovinghawk]

CharlotteBailey said:

Thanks - I like to think I'm samrt.

Errrmmmm......?


In all seriousness, proofread any applications before sending them. We all make typos but in the current climate they can be marked down fairly harshly, especially for admin posts.

[CharlotteBailey]

okgo said:

You'll have to think of what transferable skills you have. Why limit yourself to admin if you are capable of more?

Agree on eroding your love, I did two years flogging cars and it was st.

I have asked myself why settle when you can have more. However after suffering a miscarriage last week your outlook changes; you see things that you didn't think were important jump start up the top of your list.
If I can benefit from a comfortable job, nice money and still get time with my family - what more do you want?

I used to adore my job, loved the buzz of the deal but that has long gone now. Time for new things me thinks.

[CharlotteBailey]

Rovinghawk said:

Errrmmmm......?


In all seriousness, proofread any applications before sending them. we all make typos but in the current climate they can be marked down fairly harshly, especially for admin posts.

Typing far too fast and doing it on the sneak at work....note taken Rovinghawk.

[CypherP]

I agree with the previous posts, translating your experience into another industry won't be a problem, as the principles of an administator's responsibilities won't change hugely. It's proving HOW you translate your experience into another business which will matter.

Unless you have a very specialist job (car designer or paint technician for instance), I shouldn't worry about limiting yourself to the industry you're in.

[CharlotteBailey]

CypherP said:

I agree with the previous posts, translating your experience into another industry won't be a problem, as the principles of an administator's responsibilities won't change hugely. It's proving HOW you translate your experience into another business which will matter.

Unless you have a very specialist job (car designer or paint technician for instance), I shouldn't worry about limiting yourself to the industry you're in.

CypherP

How would you suggest I prove my experience/skills can be transferred? I've never had to do that before as it has always been another role within the industry. Little nervous to be honest....pathetic really.

[CypherP]

CharlotteBailey said:

CypherP

How would you suggest I prove my experience/skills can be transferred? I've never had to do that before as it has always been another role within the industry. Little nervous to be honest....pathetic really.

It isn't pathetic to be nervous - you need to find confidence in your abilities and show it on the day. Depending on what your role and experience covers, find similarities between your experience and what is being asked of you in the new role. Identify the employer's key requirements that relate to your experience and think of examples of how you have succeeded or contributed to them in your previous experience to illustrate your competency in each area.

An employer's competency-based questions will assess your personality and experience in a number of areas. Having a good mix of scenarios and confidently referencing your attitude and experience relevant to each area will reflect how well you 'fit' for their role and their business.

[CharlotteBailey]

CypherP said:

It isn't pathetic to be nervous - you need to find confidence in your abilities and show it on the day. Depending on what your role and experience covers, find similarities between your experience and what is being asked of you in the new role. Identify the employer's key requirements that relate to your experience and think of examples of how you have succeeded or contributed to them in your previous experience to illustrate your competency in each area.

An employer's competency-based questions will assess your personality and experience in a number of areas. Having a good mix of scenarios and confidently referencing your attitude and experience relevant to each area will reflect how well you 'fit' for their role and their business.

Thank you very much! Great advice!
I will start to draw up a list of possible questions that I may be asked and how my skills learnt within this trade can be reflected into another.

Again, thank you

[rog007]

We all have transferable skills. The trick is determining what one's core competencies are, translating them in to an outcomes based CV, then identifying the roles that appeal (location/salary/sector). From there, identify any skills gap and either narrow that gap or re calibrate the role/location/salary/sector aspiration. Once that's done, apply for said roles and develop your interview technique skills. Good luck!

[burriana]

Charlotte, you have a few years working with a premium marque and you are the right age to be in the motor trade right now. Can you not look for progression within either your dealership brand or Audi itself into a Mon-Fri role such as regional position?

[CharlotteBailey]

burriana said:

Charlotte, you have a few years working with a premium marque and you are the right age to be in the motor trade right now. Can you not look for progression within either your dealership brand or Audi itself into a Mon-Fri role such as regional position?

I made a decision a while ago, should this role with Audi not work out I will wave goodbye to the trade. I have done 8 years and feel now is the time to look at new things. Thank you for your kind advice though.

Rog007 - thank you. I am looking over my CV tonight and rewording things.