How to Prepare for a Shift to Your Dream Career

In case you missed the memo, the era of “lifelong careers” has come and gone. In fact, beyond just changing jobs, about a third of people in the middle of their careers have considered trying a different career path entirely.

Maybe the thought has crossed your own mind: “Do I really want to do this for the rest of my life?”

Career-hopping is a daunting prospect for many, but there’s no pressure to dive in head-first. There are plenty of ways to make the shift toward finding a new career without hitting the point of no return. If you’re considering changing your career trajectory, here are a few behind-the-scenes things you can do to get started.

Update Your LinkedIn (or Make One!)

Whether you’re planning to actively search or passively peruse, LinkedIn is the place to be. 9.5k+ users across the world apply for jobs on LinkedIn every minute. It’s one of the most well-known job search platforms, sitting neck-and-neck with Indeed with both active and passive job seekers.

If you already have an account, now’s a great time to make sure your profile is up-to-date. If you haven’t used LinkedIn before, there’s no time like the present. Whichever camp you’re in, the tips for maximizing your LinkedIn experience are the same:

1) Update your profile with a recent headshot.

Whether you’re looking to get them professionally done or do it yourself, try to use a photo no more than two years old.

2) Upload a simple cover image to your profile.

Using free stock photo websites (like Pexels or Unsplash) is a great option. Consider searching terms like, “geometric,” “nature,” or “abstract.” Pro Tip: Remember to check LinkedIn’s image size guidelines.

3) Make the “Experiences” and “Education” sections match your resume/CV.

If you’re going to put all your experiences in one place, it should be your LinkedIn profile. You don't have to include "irrelevant" experience on your resume when applying for jobs, but everything should live on your LinkedIn profile.

4) On your profile, use the “Open to” button to share with recruiters that you’re open to work.

Add relevant job titles, locations, and any other qualifiers you feel are applicable to finding your dream position. Pro Tip: If you’re actively employed, make sure you change the Visibility setting to “Recruiters only.”

5) If you haven’t already, create a custom profile URL.

‍Here’s LinkedIn’s guide on how. Ideally the link should be your name or something close to it (and, as always, keep it professional).

Engaging with other content on LinkedIn is another great way to get your name and face out there. Follow companies that interest you, that you might like to work for, and any LinkedIn users who consistently post content you enjoy engaging with. Expanding your network is key, so try connecting with more people you know, especially those you know through other connections.

Update Your Resume

The best practices for crafting a resume haven’t changed much over the last several years. Keep it clear, concise, and thorough. Visually, use a simple format with standard fonts. don't include images and avoid crazy colors. Use common-sense section titles like “Education,” “Skills,” “Experience,” “Associations,” etc.

While notable responsibilities can be good to include, be sure to highlight any notable achievements you had, especially if it’s something measurable (like, “Increased sales output by 40% year-over-year"). When applicable, tailor your resume to the position by pulling job description keywords. Most importantly, do not use AI to craft your resume. That’s a great way to 1) sound like every other person using AI to make their resume, and 2) get eliminated from the process early if they use any AI detection tools.

Lastly, when you share your resume (or cover letter, for that matter), be sure to save it as a PDF file, not a Word document. It makes it more secure, less easily editable, and more compatible across device brands.

Expand Your Search

There are plenty of websites out there designed to help connect companies with job searchers. LinkedIn and Indeed are top ones, but don’t underestimate other avenues. Google now has a job posting aggregator that scrapes multiple sites, but even that doesn’t catch everything. Check out other sites like Monster, Glassdoor, etc. to get the full lay of the hiring landscape.

Depending on your industry and the type of position you’re seeking, you might also consider submitting your resume to a recruitment firm.

Reconnect & Foster Professional Relationships

It’s always good to keep up professional connections, but it’s especially critical heading into jobhunting. You may need references or letters of recommendation—sometimes on short notice—so having resources ready in your back pocket is helpful.

Also, keep in mind that your current boss and colleagues could help you in a similar capacity in the future if you play your cards right. When you start thinking about hunting for a new job, it’s easy to feel disengaged from your current work. Try to resist the urge and plan to leave your current company in the best place you can. To quote author Carlos Wallace, “There's no fall greater than one from a burnt bridge.” Strive to maintain positive relationships as you plan your exit.

In Summary: Stretch Before the Race

Looking for a new job—especially if you’re looking passively—tends to be less a sprint and more a marathon. Most people kick off their search with heaps of energy at the start, but diving in head-first, full bore can lead to a quick burnout. According to the latest numbers from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average unemployment time in 2025 is just under 6 months (specifically, about 5 months and 25 days).

In addition to preparing like we’ve recommended above, try to set realistic expectations about your search. And remember, if you take a chance on a position and apply, the worst thing they can do is not hire you. But if it works out in your favor, you could end up landing the job of your dreams.

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