Employees : Application for career changers: the most important tips
By Career Counseling

A successful application as a career changer: This is possible in many industries and jobs. But how exactly can you be successful as a career changer? What do you need to look out for in your application documents? And do you really earn less as a career changer than your colleagues? We have compiled the answers to these questions below.

In this article

  • Definition of career changer
  • Successful career as a career changer?
  • Tips for being successful as a career changer
  • Application documents for career changers
  • Tips for applying as a career changer
  • What skills do I need as a career changer?
  • Tips from the experts: How to convince as a career changer
  • Salary as a career changer

Definition of career changer

A career changer is someone who does not have a specific professional qualification (e.g. vocational training or studies) for a job, but still performs it. Career changers are therefore also referred to as “lateral entrants” or “non-specialists”.

This definition is quite broad and it is therefore not surprising that there are lateral entrants in many different industries. For example, lateral entrants work as teachers or soldiers or in sales.

Other jobs in which lateral entrants are frequently employed include:

  • Nurses for the elderly and the sick
  • Educator
  • Real estate agent

In some industries and jobs, lateral entry is the rule, in others it is rather unusual, and in some jobs lateral entry is not possible at all. This is always the case when a suitable qualified education is an absolutely necessary prerequisite to be able to work in a job. An example of this is working as a doctor:in or pilot:in.

Successful career as a career changer?

Austria is a country where professional qualifications are highly valued. However, the career paths and CVs of many employees have become more convoluted in recent years. The proportion of career changers is therefore continuing to increase.

Career changers have particularly good opportunities in industries where there is a shortage of skilled workers.

 

Tips for being successful as a career changer

1. Check your motivation

Lateral entrants are employees from other fields. If you are planning a lateral entry, the first question is why you want to turn your back on your previous job.

Have your ideas of the perfect career changed?

Has your motivation changed?

Or do you finally want to do the job you really enjoy?

In some cases, a job in a new industry may be the solution to your problems. But if you are simply dissatisfied with your supervisor, for example, then it may be enough to change employers but stay in the same career field.

As a career changer, you are likely to encounter obstacles that applicants with professional training do not. Therefore, it is even more important that you know your motivation for changing lanes on your career path. Under no circumstances should you make such a far-reaching decision on a short-term whim.

2. Set realistic goals (or go new ways)

Even though career changers are successful in many industries: Some jobs and career paths remain closed to you without the appropriate professional qualifications. This is certainly in your interest, because you would probably be reluctant to be operated on by a surgeon who is a career changer.

It is therefore important that you subject your career aspirations to a reality check. Do you have a chance at the job as a lateral:in? If yes, you can plan your next steps. If no: Is it a realistic possibility for you to still obtain the necessary qualifications and, for example, start the necessary studies?

3. Inform yourself in detail about your new job before you apply.

As a career changer:in, you are initially in the position of knowing less about the job than someone who has completed a relevant degree or suitable vocational training.

Therefore, you must show initiative! Study in detail all the aspects that play a role in your dream job. Possibly an internship can also show your willingness to prepare for the new profession as a lateral entrant:in.

4. Build up a network

Contacts are even more important for career success as a lateral entrant than for other applicants. Through personal contact, you can recommend yourself for open positions, even if you do not meet all the formal requirements of the job posting.

Go to career fairs, take part in recruiting events and keep an eye out for interesting contacts on career networks such as LinkedIn or Xing. More and more exciting events are also taking place entirely online.
Application documents for career changers