Looking for a new job is a task to do. But if you are changing your career after you have been in the same job for quite some time, then your job search becomes even more difficult. Always remember though that your ultimate goal in working is a good career and not just a good job.

So don’t be distracted by short term goals but look at your long term career goal.  Determine whether the job you are currently in is the same job that you will want to be in twenty or thirty years from now. If you see yourself happier working in another field of employment, then perhaps the right step is a planned career change.

However, there are some setbacks that can hinder you from changing your career. One of the main reasons why people choose to stay in a career they don’t really love is the sense of job security they had already achieved. This is especially true for people who had been on the same job for a number of years. It is also undeniable that you will encounter some difficulties in getting a new job and even after you have been hired, you will experience difficulties in adapting to the new work environment. Another setback is that your working experience is in an industry that is totally different from your new employment, such that you will have to start at the bottom even if you were already a manager or a vice-president in your previous job. For these reasons, it would be best if you are sure that you are really ready and prepared for a career change not only mentally but emotionally as well.

On the other hand, some companies are large enough to have different departments so if you are working in a company such as this one, then career change might be easier for you especially if you are supported by your superiors. The first step that you can do in this case is to look for job vacancies in other departments you are interested in joining, and then talk to the officer in charge there about your desire to apply for that job. Do not forget to inform your superiors also about your plans.  Either your superiors would support your plans, or they might discourage you from shifting especially if you have already established yourself in your current position.

You should also note that having a good reputation in your current field is also important in finding a job because your reputation and reliability follows you. If you are changing careers just because you have established a bad reputation in your job then it may not work out well because future employers will look at your past references and work contribution. Meanwhile, if you are known to be an expert in your field with a good attitude to back you up then you may not even have the need to search for a job because a number of companies would be the one to seek you out. In this case, it would also be easier for you to get hired just by simply stating your desire to shift careers.  You can even negotiate for a higher pay.

Here are some concrete ways on how to find a new job; the first is applying via telephone. This may seem like an outdated method but you will be surprised that it still works. You will also be able to communicate with your potential employer in real time unlike in e-mail applications where you would sometimes need to wait several days to receive a reply.

Another effective way to find a new job is through social networking; your friends and family are a good source of information about current openings in the companies they are working for. A lot of jobs are found through this method; another advantage is that will get a reliable recommendation from friends or family members who are working there. In addition, you would already have an insider’s knowledge about the company so you will know whether this company will fit your career plan or not. 

The best time for you to search for a new job is during January and February, these are the months when companies most probably hire new employees.  So if you are looking for a new job in another field, this is the best time to start job hunting.