The complete guide to getting a job in a new industry

Do you feel that the industry you currently work in is no longer the right one for you? Perhaps you are worried about professionally “pigeon-holing” yourself by staying in the same industry for too long? Are you worried that you’d struggle to move into a new industry after all this time? If so, then read on. 

Speaking from personal experience, I believe it is incredibly beneficial to everybody’s career to get as much experience across different industries as possible. Take myself for example; I haven’t always worked in the recruitment industry. In fact before this, I spent years in engineering, and after that, the retail industry. By moving between different industries, I was able to discover what I was truly passionate about. I also developed a variety of expertise and have built a diverse network along the way. Drawing from my personal experience, I would like to offer some guidance on how to successfully move into a new industry.

1. What are you genuinely passionate about?

It’s important to feel engaged in your work. A large part of that engagement comes with working in an industry which you genuinely find exciting and interesting.

So, think about what really sparks your interest, from what you do and don’t find interesting about the industry you currently work in, and those you have worked in in the past, to your hobbies, passions and the causes you care most about. Factor in topics you enjoyed studying at school or college, and even your favourite genres of book or TV show. For instance, you may have enjoyed IT at school, and have since read lots of books about cyber-crime, developing your interest further. Write down any interests which spring to mind, as this will help you build a shortlist of potential industries which are right for you.

2. How do your passions translate into industries?

Now that you are clear about what you are genuinely passionate about, find out whether the job you are looking for is in high demand in that industry. For instance, if you are a sales executive who finds cyber crime interesting, conduct some research on the IT security industry, and the types of sales roles available.

You should also find out what this industry is like to work in. Whilst there will be variations between every company in these industries, there are often common trends. For instance, the IT security industry is fast-paced and ever-evolving. Does this sound like an environment you would enjoy working in?

Reach out to any contacts you have which currently work in that industry, and ask for their feedback and advice. Attend relevant events within this industry to speculate, and have a look on company review sites such as Glassdoor and see if you can identify any recurring comments. I would also strongly advise speaking with a recruitment consultant and this stage to get their expert advice. The key is to make sure that your passions translate to the right type of industry, one which offers the right opportunities and environment for you.

3. Become an expert in your chosen new industry

At this point, you will have narrowed down the type of industry you would ideally like to work in. Now it’s time to increase your knowledge and start the journey to becoming an industry expert. This will put you in the best stead when it comes to interviewing. Here’s how:

• Follow the leading companies in the industry on social media, and read any relevant content that they share – this will help you expand your knowledge and educate yourself on any key trends you need to be aware of

• Subscribe to relevant newsletters and follow relevant LinkedIn Pulse channels. This will allow you to stay on top of latest trending content on a daily basis

• Listen to industry podcasts and watch webinars, these are often free and led by industry experts

• Read industry journals, books and whitepapers

• If you are currently unemployed or working part-time, consider taking on temp work, internships, or volunteering, in order to gain some real-life exposure

• Go to talks, seminars and industry events in your spare time to help build on your knowledge and increase your network
As you follow these tips, you will find that your knowledge and understanding of your chosen industry will start to improve. This knowledge will allow you to sense-check that this new industry is definitely the right choice for you.

4. Start your tailored job search strategy

Now that you are more certain of the industry you want to work in, and are becoming an industry expert, it’s time to create a job search strategy tailored around this (you can read more about building a winning job search strategy here):

• Update your CV and any of your online profiles: Add any new skills learnt, amend your hobbies and interests section to reflect your enthusiasm for this new industry, and tailor your personal statement to explain why you would like to move into this field, based on your findings so far

• Register with a recruitment consultant and get a meeting in the diary: At Hays, our consultants have strong relationships with clients from many industries. We can recommend you for suitable roles, give you some valuable insight into what this company is like to work for, and help prepare you for your interview

• Network both online and offline: You don’t have to spend all day on job sites. Attend industry networking events, connect with any new contacts on LinkedIn and get involved in industry discussions online

• Manage your own expectations to stay motivated: It may take slightly longer if the competition have a lot of industry experience, but you will find the right opportunity if you keep trying

Consistently doing the above, combined with the standard job search practices such as looking on job sites for roles in this industry, will further your chances of securing an interview.

5. Prove your interest in the industry during the interview

And finally, what to do once you finally get that interview/s in the diary. The interview is your chance to really shine and demonstrate why this industry is of interest to you. You’ll have the opportunity to talk about how much you have researched this industry, learnt more about what it entails, and taken it upon yourself to increase your expertise. But remember, preparation is key. You can find advice on interviewing for a new role here.

Ahead of the interview, identify any overlaps between your previous industry and this one, and how your transferable experience could be beneficial to this role. For example, you may have previously worked in life sciences and are now interviewing for a role in the IT security industry. Both sectors are complex, ever-evolving and unpredictable, therefore, during the interview, demonstrate that you are adaptable, and understand the importance of personally keeping on top of trends, reports and news stories in this industry. Whatever your transferable experience is, be prepared to talk about it, especially when asked questions such as “what relevant experience do you have?” It is also worth pointing out to the interviewer that having come from a different sector; you have a fresh perspective and can bring new ideas to the table.

You should also prepare any questions that you have about this industry in advance. Given that you don’t have much experience in the industry, there should be plenty. Remember to listen out for answers during the interview, and bring a notepad so you can write down any more that you think of. Asking these questions won’t show weakness on your part, rather a curiosity and passion to learn more, which I can tell you now is something every hiring manager looks for in a candidate. You can find some ideas for questions to put forward here.

Lastly, let me just reiterate to you that changing industries and getting a range of experience under your belt is a wise move, and will speak volumes about your adaptability as an employee. Just make sure this field truly excites you by doing your due diligence and increasing your expertise in this area. Once you’re sure that this industry is right for you, tailor your job search and interview strategy accordingly, showing the powers that be exactly why are right for the job.

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