Career change is something else. This is where you actually do something different, usually for a different employer.
Most people seek career advice when considering a significant career change. If you have been doing a job for a while and realise that it isn't meeting all your needs then it makes sense to
look at something new.
Let's face it you have spent years figuring out what you don't want but that doesn't necessarily mean you know what you should be doing. You also want to ensure that this move is a career development. It is possible to make a change for the worse.
The "trial and error" approach to job hunting is not efficient. You need something more reliable which is why you need career advice . Sure you may work it out after a few years but why waste all that time. Surely you would prefer to be in your dream job next week, not in ten years time.
Be clear that the secret to you finding your ideal job lies in your personality, not your history.
Most people end up doing a variation of their previous job. This rarely works out in the long term. Instead of looking to the past, you need to look to your personality to discover what job is right for you. try one of the free career personality tests.
Another reason to seek good career advice is to help you navigate the job hunting landscape. It has changed a lot over the last three years so you need an expert guide; a specialist who can advice you how to navigate it.
The difference between career development and job hunting
Most people move from one crisis to another. They react to circumstances forced upon them.
Those who think about their career development are always planning their next move, even when they are in a good secure job. These are the people who force the change and drive the agenda. They are not simply reacting to circumstances.
It is important you understand the difference. It is important you move over to career development and away from job hunting.
Upon receiving a new job do you think, "OK, where next?" or do you say "What a relief. I'll not need to think about job hunting for a while"?
Summary about changing careers
1) You want to ensure that you make a career change for the better so seek career advice as to what job is right for you.
2) Look to your personality for guidance as to what career is most suitable for you. Do not repeat past mistakes.
3) Make the shift from job hunting to career development. You want to build and move forward year on year, not simply start again year on year.
Despite the economy there have never been more opportunities. Employers are still struggling to find the right people. You could be just what they are looking for.