If you have hit a point in your career where you are looking for a change, then it’s likely that you are actively submitting resumes or looking for opportunities that are available. Finding a new job in the same industry is a natural career path to follow, but situations arise where a person may be looking to make a complete change in their career path.

Moving from one industry to another can be difficult, because you don’t have experience in the industry. But, there are a few things that you can do to make the transition easier, so that you have success with your career change:

Talk With the Hiring Manager

It may be detrimental to simply submit your resume without having a conversation with the hiring manager, because your resume might be passed by when they see that you don’t have experience in the industry. You can get your resume noticed by making the effort to talk with the hiring manager. During your conversation, explain why you are making the career change, and tell them about the skills that you can bring to the company. Explain how your skill set will be beneficial for the job.

Cater Your Skills to Match the Job Description

As you are writing your resume, take a close look at the job description and look for ways that you can match your experience/skills to the job description. There are many business skills that are applicable from one industry to the next, and you should highlight those skills to help them see that you will be a good candidate for the position.

Be Flexible in Your Job Search

As you are looking for jobs in a new industry, you may need to make a location change in order to find a job that will hire you. Be willing to move, and let the company know that you are willing to move for the right position. Showing your flexibility will help the hiring manager to see that you are passionate and dedicated to getting a job in the industry.

Be Willing to Make Sacrifices

Most likely, a few sacrifices will need to be made while you gain the experience in the new industry. For example, you might have to take a small pay cut, or you may start out in a lower position. If you are looking for management level work, then sometimes it’s necessary to “do your time” in a lower position so that you can get your foot in the door. Once you start working for the company, new opportunities for advancement will arise, so that you can move into the position that you originally wanted.