Have you been thinking about changing jobs? The COVID-19 pandemic has got people thinking. A recent People2People Workforce Snap Survey reports that the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the decisions of about 38% of career seekers.

Making a career change is a significant move to make, regardless of the causes. It is a make-or-break move, and the outcome depends on how well you go about it.

Here is a brief overview of how you can pivot your career and skill set for a successful career change.

Are you sure that a career change is what you want? And do you have what it takes to make this change? These are the most important questions to answer before making the switch. They will help you prepare well so that you don't get derailed in the process.

Do the following to prepare well:

Your audit should begin with an answer to the why of changing careers. There are many reasons why people do this.

Jenny Blake, the author of Pivot: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One , summarizes it as thus, "Many people hit a plateau in their careers and feel an inexplicable urge to do things differently. The way they have been working is no longer working for them." You are good to go if this describes how you are feeling.

Next, perform a self-inventory of your skill set. What skills do you possess, and what skills are needed for the next job? Do you have what it takes to acquire those skills, and will it take you a reasonable period to do so? You need to identify all the gaps in your skill set and understand your shortcoming to be fully prepared for the switch.

You will need to fill the gaps in your skill set to make a successful career change. You may need to go back to school, get into the field, and engage in other forms of learning. Do whatever it takes, and be diligent so that you master your new skills as best as you can–remember that you are catching up.

You will need an intricate plan to make the career switch successful. There is a lot to plan for. For example, you will need to set aside some money to cover you for the switch and adjustment period. You will also need milestone markers to measure your progress. Make a full list of everything the career switch will improve and plan for at least six months.

Looking for a new job is always tough. It is even tougher if you are coming from another industry. This is why you should be smarter than the average job seeker.

It is important to understand that you are catching up, so don't rely on the conventional channels. As such, find a way to circumvent the HR department and go straight to the hiring manager. This will give you a better venue to make your pitch better than the neatest CV would. Make the manager see that you have something to bring from your past career and convince them that this makes you a better candidate than the next one.

Your lack of experience in your new career will be a minor setback at first. As such, you may have to contend with a junior position, smaller pay, and other starting points of a new job. Don't worry, though–you come equipped with what it takes to catch up and reach new heights.

Change is good, and your future career may be just what you need to achieve your goals. Don't spoil it–put these tips into practice and watch your new career take off. We have a vast pool of resources that will help you make the switch. We will hold your hand all the way, from preparing for the next step to getting the job of your dreams in any part of Australia and New Zealand.