14 Tips for Changing Jobs & Careers in 2023

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“What are the best tips for individuals wanting to switch jobs and/or careers in 2023, and are there any specific skills that one can leverage when considering such a move?”

Create a Resume Specific to the New Role
When you want to transition into a new role, make sure you create a new version of your resume. Make this version focus on how you’re relevant for the new job/career. Let me give you an example: I’m a marketer but wanted to apply for roles as an adjunct professor because I’m passionate about teaching. As I applied for teaching jobs, instead of sending my marketing resume, I created a version colleges would care about. It focused on my public speaking, manager trainings, and service where I was in front of an audience. Same jobs — just highlighting the work I did that was relevant. It will take you some time to create that new version, but it will help hiring managers understand your transition more effectively. -- Logan Mallory, Vice President of Marketing, Motivosity

Choose Carefully and Adjust Expectations
The last two years have seen some of the most robust compensation increases in our job market history. As we likely enter a recessionary period, due in part to these adjustments, organizations will be less likely to meet those compensation levels you desire.
With layoffs on the rise and companies using more machine learning, roles are being reduced and employees reskilled, leaving fewer roles open. If you are going to make a move, do so thoughtfully, as there may not be as many options as you’ve gotten used to recently. Do your homework, too! Research the organization, reach out to some current employees on LinkedIn to ask for impressions, and start the process, intending to be hired. The mindset is key to being a sought-after candidate in a down market.
-- John Baldino, President, Humareso
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Research the Typical Daily Experience
Before you transition jobs or careers, research what your daily tasks might look like in a new role. When possible, request informational interviews with others who have already worked in that role or industry to learn more about how each day at work operates. One of the best ways to get a feel for a new job is to shadow another professional in that role. Some jobs sound great on paper but have daily realities that can become unsustainable. Better to know and research through any available avenues before upheaving your career and life to transition careers. Many professionals focus on their career’s overarching goals and forget to consider what every day looks like in those positions. Ultimately, our everyday experience defines how fulfilled we feel, so prioritize understanding that in your research. -- Zach Goldstein, CEO & Founder, Public Rec

Find Clear Ideas and Goals
One tip I recommend for individuals who want to switch jobs or careers in 2023 is to ensure they have a clear idea of what they want to do next. This means taking the time to research different industries and career paths and considering factors such as their interests, skills, and values. Once they have a clear idea of their goals, they can start building the skills and experience needed to make the switch. This may involve classes or training programs, networking with people in their desired industry, or gaining relevant experience through internships or part-time jobs. One specific skill that can be helpful when switching careers is adaptability. In today’s rapidly changing job market, the ability to quickly learn new things and adapt to new situations is more important than ever. Additionally, having a solid network of contacts and the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others can be valuable when making a career switch. -- Adrian Tan, Writer, Adrian Tan

​Embrace the Gig Culture
If you’re considering switching jobs or careers in 2023, my biggest tip is to embrace the gig culture. By accepting and exploring the potential of multiple gigs and actively networking with other employers, you can leverage your skill set and become even more experientially diverse. I made this switch during a pandemic year myself, and it was one of the best changes I ever made. Working with short-term contracts has enabled me to develop my skill sets further by exploring different projects which broadened my overall experience. This has also given me an opportunity to find roles where I feel truly fulfilled, be that from a professional or personal standpoint. Embracing the gig culture allows us to broaden our horizons without limits while capitalizing on new opportunities, so it’s something well worth considering if you’re planning a job/career transition in 2023.
-- Rosmy Barrios, Director, Health Reporter
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Nurture Your Network
Switching jobs or careers in a down economy is tough, so you too must be tough to consider doing this. More than anything, you need a supportive network to encourage and support you with critical and caring advice. Some may consider creating and nurturing a network a skill, but it’s really a common-sense practice. Personally, I’ve been a part of a women’s network that is also one of my book clubs. When it was first started 25 years ago, it was women working in the same company. Over the years, there have been many changes, first with that company being acquired and the members fragmenting to other firms. Today, one woman is a president of a leading software firm, and several are executive vice presidents in other high-tech firms. I’m one of their research sources. Others have powerful roles in product development and customer services. This group of women supports each other to find new jobs, make career changes, and navigate family ups and downs. All with great caring and much humor.
-- Lexy Martin, Principal, Research, Visier

Invest in a Career Coach
​If you’re considering making a career switch in 2023, the best piece of advice is to invest in seeing a career coach. This way, they help you realize your strengths and guide you to where you’ll produce and feel equal value. Career coaches are great at assessing the specific skills necessary for each job transition. Understanding which of your skill sets are transferable upfront can give you a competitive edge — especially if the job market is saturated, or the field is highly competitive.
-- Jimmy Minhas, Founder & CEO, GerdLi

Identify Your Values
I recommend you identify your values before switching jobs and/or careers in 2023. Otherwise, you’ll end up liking some parts of your job and disliking others with no idea why you feel this way. When you figure out what’s important to you, you connect who you are with what you do. Skills can be acquired and discarded as needed. Imagine your values as a lighthouse: you can shine your light in any direction in all weather because you’ve turned on the light source. -- Laura Barker, Career Coach, Laura Barker Coaching

Earn Certifications in Your New Field
If you want to switch jobs or careers in 2023, the best thing you can do is earn certifications in your target field.
There are many certification programs available for free. I wanted to get deeper into marketing, so I earned eight HubSpot certifications in their online academy. I also earned certifications with Klaviyo when I was interviewing there as well as HootSuite.
After I earned these certifications and added them to my LinkedIn profile, I began receiving calls from recruiters at marketing agencies wanting to interview me! LinkedIn actually offers a whole myriad of certifications as well. In conclusion, to optimize your chances of getting a job in a new career in which you lack experience, march forth and get certified!
-- Marsh Sutherland, Sr. Technical Recruiter, Ocient

​Perfect Your Active Listening Skills
Perfecting your active listening skills will help you get ahead and head you in the right direction up the business ladder. It’s not enough to just nod along in conversation, letting words wash over you. To truly engage, whether in an interview or with colleagues, you must be listening with your ears and brain. This will make the other person really feel heard and facilitate meaningful two-way conversations. Especially with the remote and hybrid work trends continuing, this skill needs to be honed, as it’s easier to zone out or get distracted. Perfecting your active listening skills in 2023 is the way to get ahead in your new position or company.
-- Temoer Terry, Partner, Mommy Care Kit

​Be a Good Negotiator and Adapt
​Don’t sell yourself cheaply in interviews. You may look for a way to get into a new industry, however, keep in mind that you will bring value to the employer. To be an excellent negotiator, you first need to find out how many people in the industry get paid for your desired position. Exercise caution to avoid bargaining as you negotiate. Skilled negotiators must possess the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and be able to quickly adapt to the situation at hand. Ask and listen first. Doing this will allow you to adapt your message to the interviewer or employer. Adaptability is a key skill needed to successfully negotiate an appropriate salary as you look to switch careers in 2023 and beyond. -- Nick Oberheiden, Founder & Attorney, Oberheiden

Refine Your Writing Skills
I think the most important tip I can give someone looking to switch jobs in 2023 is to continue to refine and perfect your writing skills. When you reach out for jobs, most of the time you are performing cold outreach through a written medium. That could be email, LinkedIn, social media, or a response to a job board. It also includes the way you craft and write your resume. Being a good writer is a skill that almost all jobs in the business and marketing world require. It’s also a skill that most HR managers aren’t looking for specifically, but when they see good writing. It is hugely impactful. It’s also a chance for you to showcase your mastery of a relevant skill. Writing is more than just coming up with a beautiful sentence. Come up with the right words for the right audience. This is especially true in marketing and sales jobs. Start refining your writing skills now, and it will pay off for you in the future.
-- William Varney, Product Strategist, Megaphone Marketing

Know Your Value-Add
Switching careers (and jobs) often involves leveraging existing strengths in a different capacity, which is why it’s important to know what value you bring to a company based on your natural strengths. Knowing areas you excel in and being able to explain those in an interview (why should I hire you?) will enable the hiring manager to see the value and perspective you can bring to the team. Furthermore, being able to describe these strengths as transferable skills applicable to your new field of interest/career, will make you a strong candidate for the opportunity. -- Megan Dias, Career Services Coach, Parsity

​Learn Future-Proof Skills
​One important tip I would recommend for individuals wanting to switch jobs and/or careers in 2023 is to invest time into learning future-proof skills. As the job market continues to grow, having a skill set that is in demand and future-proof will help individuals stand out when applying for new roles. For example, project management, arts and crafts, coding and programming, UX/UI design, digital marketing, and data analysis are all skills that will be in high demand in the future. Additionally, having the ability to adapt quickly and think on your feet are important skills to cultivate. Learning these skills can help individuals stand out when transitioning into a new career or job. -- Bruce Kramer, Managing Partner, Buttercup Venues