Simple Ways You Can Assist Those Looking To Change Careers Later In Life

Freelance writer Jocasta Morrison is back with her latest blog; Simple Ways You Can Assist Those Looking To Change Careers Later In Life.. 

“With many Millenials expecting to change jobs an average of four times by the time they’re 32 years old, there’s no doubt that constant and consistent change is the new normal – in fact, it isn’t unheard of for older generations to want to make a change as well. As someone who’s recruiting healthcare professionals, there are several ways you can help someone make the switch to a new career within the industry. Whether a potential candidate is looking to switch careers for financial benefits or just for a satisfying change of speed later in life, here are some helpful tips in helping someone at an older age make such a life-changing decision.

Sharing the information

Changing careers can be a difficult decision for anyone, though can be especially hard for older adults. For example, an older adult may feel nervous about making a change if they’ve held their current job for a long time, or they may feel as though they aren’t making an informed decision. For that reason, sharing your knowledge is a must in giving them the facts they need to become more confident in making the switch, and this can be done in different ways. For example, in addition to handing out informative pamphlets on the position they’re interested in, getting them in contact with someone who does the job themselves can also help answer any specific questions. 

Depending on the qualifications and your candidate’s resume, you may need to recommend additional education or training that may also play a deciding factor in their career change decision. Offering resources like online schooling programs can be majorly beneficial for a potential candidate in allowing them to advance their qualifications and add to their resume in a simple way. In fact, the popularity and growth of enrollment in online higher education has only gone up over the years, thanks to its convenience and other benefits. This can be especially helpful for older adults who have obligations such as family or a second job, as it’s a more flexible (and often more affordable) option than traditional schooling.

The benefits of a trial run

Many adults wish to change their career out of necessity, while others may want to switch to a more fulfilling career they’ve wanted from the start. In any case, most people want to know if they’ll actually like the career they’re switching to, especially if they’ve already given it some thought. In the healthcare industry, shadowing can be a great way to give a potential candidate valuable insight into a career, and can help them to confidently determine if the job will work for them. As a recruiter, reaching out to contacts within the industry can help in setting up a day or two of shadowing for your candidate, allowing them to get a first-hand look into a day on the job. This can also give your candidate the chance to network within the field, talk with professionals, and get answers to specific questions that you as a recruiter may not be able to answer, ultimately giving them a major tool in deciding if the career is right for them.

Getting personal

One of the best things you can do when helping an older adult change careers is to get personal with them in finding out what their goals, needs and wants are. This can greatly help you to determine and suggest what careers and positions are out there that might be the best fit for them and their lifestyle. Asking questions about their desired work schedule, pay and benefits are all great starter questions that can give you a lot of information to work with. For example, a candidate may not want to switch to a particular career after all if it involves a lot of time away from the family.

Changing careers in the healthcare industry is a major step for anyone, though it can prove to be especially difficult for older adults who haven’t made a change in several years and don’t know where to start. By taking the time to get to know your candidates and keeping them properly informed, you can help them to comfortably and confidently make a career switch in no time.”