5 Simple Steps to Stand Out and Land Your Dream Role Faster When Switching Careers

Feeling stuck, undervalued, and unsure how to take the leap into the role you’re meant for?

You’re not alone. Career switches can feel overwhelming—it’s not about lacking skills or drive, but knowing how to make hiring managers see your value. And let’s be honest, it can feel like you’re leaving behind everything you’ve worked so hard to build.

Here’s the truth: you’re not starting over. Every skill, challenge, and lesson has built an incredible foundation—and that foundation is exactly what will propel you into something more aligned and fulfilling.

The good news? You’re in the right place. I’ve created a proven, 5-step process to help you market your skills strategically and land the role you’re meant for. Drawing from 13+ years in HR and recruiting, plus helping women like you step into their full power, I’ve got you covered.

We’ll break down everything—from reading job descriptions like a pro to building a killer network and nailing interviews. Plus, I’ll share the common mistakes I see women make (like thinking you need to tick every box on a job description—stop that!) and how to avoid them.

By Step 5, you’ll feel clear, confident, and ready to take bold, unapologetic action toward that dream role.

Ready? Let’s do this!

Step #1: Identify What Employers Want to Stand Out

Before you can align your skills with the needs of your target role (Step 2), you’ll want to take your time with this critical first step.

The first thing you need to do is thoroughly research job descriptions to understand what hiring managers in your desired field are looking for. This process gives you the foundation to position yourself as the perfect candidate. Here’s how to do it:

STEPS TO COMPLETE STEP 1 

I. Collect 15–20 Job Descriptions

• Search job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor for roles that match your desired position.

• Look at a variety of postings from different companies to identify patterns in requirements, skills, and language.

Why this works: Seeing multiple job descriptions helps you pinpoint the skills and qualities employers prioritize.

II. Highlight Repeating Keywords and Skills

• Use a highlighter or spreadsheet to track terms that pop up frequently, such as "collaboration," "data-driven decision-making," or specific tools like Salesforce or Tableau.

Why this works: These keywords are likely what recruiters search for in resumes and LinkedIn profiles, so including them will make your application more visible.

III. Focus on Job-Specific Tools and Certifications

• Take note of tools, software, or certifications mentioned in the job descriptions. If these are areas where you’re lacking, consider pursuing training or certifications to close the gap.

Why this works: Showing that you already have—or are actively acquiring—the required skills demonstrates your commitment and readiness.

FOR EXAMPLE 

• Marketing roles might emphasize “SEO,” “Google Analytics,” and “content strategy.”

• Leadership roles often call for “collaboration,” “emotional intelligence,” and “strategic thinking.”

• For project management, tools like Tableau or certifications like PMP frequently stand out.

By completing Step 1, you’ll have a clear understanding of what employers are looking for, setting the stage to confidently align your skills with their needs in Step 2.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Many people skip this foundational step and then wonder why they’re not getting interviews or callbacks. Don’t let that be you!

This is a crucial building block that sets you up for success in later steps. And trust me—each step builds on the one before it, so don’t even think about jumping ahead. :)

All done? Great job! Let’s move on to Step 2.

[highlight]Pro Tip: Use a spreadsheet to track patterns. Create columns for “must-have skills,” “nice-to-haves,” and buzzwords. [/highlight]

Step #2: Align Your Core Skills with What Employers Want

At this point, you might be thinking, “This is so overwhelming—how am I supposed to figure out which of my skills actually matter?” Or maybe you’re wondering, “What if I don’t have the exact skills they’re asking for?”

Hang in there—I promise this will get clearer as we go. What we’re doing is pulling all that research from Step 1 together into a framework that highlights your transferable skills and aligns them with the roles you’re targeting.

One thing that may help is to write everything down. Grab a notebook, open a spreadsheet, or use whatever method works for you to visually organize your research and skills. This clarity is going to be your secret weapon as you move forward.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

I. Make a Master List of Your Core Skills

• Reflect on your past roles and create a detailed list of your hard skills (e.g., technical tools, software, processes) and soft skills (e.g., leadership, communication, problem-solving).

• Don’t filter yourself—include everything you excel at, no matter how small it feels.

II. Cross-Reference Your Skills with Job Descriptions

• Look at the common skills and keywords you identified in Step 1. Highlight the overlaps between those and your existing skills.

• For any gaps, note them as opportunities for upskilling (e.g., certifications, training) and put it in your spreadsheet. 

III. Prioritize the Most Relevant Skills

• Focus on 5–7 transferable skills that align with the key needs of the roles you’re targeting. If job descriptions frequently mention "team collaboration" and you’ve led cross-functional projects, that’s a transferable skill to prioritize.

IV. Write Impactful Bullet Points

• For each prioritized skill, write down examples of how you’ve used it to deliver results. These examples will help you craft STAR stories in Step 3.

• Use quantifiable results wherever possible, such as “Improved process efficiency by 20% through workflow optimization.”

FOR EXAMPLE

If the roles you’re targeting emphasize “data-driven decision-making,” look at your past experiences for moments where you used data to inform choices. For instance:

“Analyzed sales data to identify trends, leading to a 15% increase in revenue through targeted campaigns.”

This connects your skillset to what the employer values while showing measurable results.

WHY THIS STEP MATTERS

This step is crucial because it will help you clarify your unique value proposition and make it easier to tailor your resume, LinkedIn, and interview responses in future steps. Plus, you’ll have a structured system for identifying and showcasing your most relevant skills, which will give you confidence and clarity as you move forward.

TIPS TO MOVE THROUGH THIS QUICKLY

• Break It Into Small Chunks: Focus on one skill at a time instead of trying to tackle everything all at once. This will help you stay organized and avoid overwhelm.

• Leverage Feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or mentors to review your skill list and examples. They might highlight strengths you didn’t think of.

• Use Tools to Stay Organized: A simple spreadsheet or tool like Trello can help you categorize skills and examples efficiently.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

When I first started trying to align skills with job requirements, I made the mistake of overthinking it. I focused too much on what I didn’t have rather than what I already brought to the table.

I’ve also seen others make similar missteps, such as:

• Mistake #1: Trying to list every skill instead of prioritizing the most relevant ones. Instead, focus on 5–7 high-impact skills tailored to your target roles.

• Mistake #2: Copying job descriptions word-for-word without adding personal context. You’ll get better results if you back up skills with specific, measurable examples.

• Mistake #3: Assuming gaps in skills disqualify you. If you’re missing something, show a willingness to learn and note steps you’re taking to close the gap (e.g., enrolling in a course).

Just keep focusing on what you do bring to the table and how it aligns with the roles you’re targeting. This mindset will keep you on track and set you up for success in the next step.

All done? Amazing work! Let’s move on to Step 3.

Step #3: Leverage targeted storytelling to showcase (and sell!) your expertise

Are you starting to get excited? I hope so. We’re just about there!

You might be feeling a bit overwhelmed or unsure how to bring everything together, and that’s totally normal. Anytime you’re trying something new, it takes a minute to click. Just be patient and stick with it—this step is where the magic happens.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Your task now is to transform your transferable skills into concise, results-driven STAR stories that clearly show your value. These stories will be your secret weapon for resumes, interviews, and networking conversations. Here’s how to do it:

I. Start with the STAR Framework:

• Situation: Think of a specific scenario where you made an impact. Set the stage with just enough detail to provide context.

• Task: What was your responsibility in that situation?

• Action: Describe the steps you took to solve the problem or achieve the goal.

• Result: Highlight the outcome, using measurable results wherever possible.

II. Focus on Transferable Skills:

• Choose examples that showcase skills relevant to your new career. These might include leadership, problem-solving, or communication.

III. Write 3–5 STAR Stories:

• Keep each story concise (around 2–3 sentences) and impactful. Think of these as a series of elevator pitches. 

FOR EXAMPLE

If you’re transitioning to project management, a STAR story might look like this:

• Situation: In my previous role, my team struggled to meet deadlines due to inconsistent workflows.

• Task: I was tasked with streamlining the process to improve efficiency.

• Action: I implemented a project management tool, trained the team, and held weekly check-ins to track progress.

• Result: This reduced project delays by 30% and improved team productivity by 20%.

[highlight]Pro Tip: Make any adjustments you need to make before you move on. If a story feels too generic, dig deeper. Focus on what you specifically did and what impact it had. For example, instead of saying, “I worked on a team to streamline operations,” try, “I led a cross-functional team to streamline operations, cutting lead times by 15%.”[/highlight]

 WHILE YOU'RE DOING THIS

Make a note of the skills and achievements that come up repeatedly in your stories. These patterns can help you identify your core strengths and ensure your messaging is consistent across your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

STAR stories give structure to your achievements and make it easier for hiring managers to see your value. They show employers that your skills aren’t just theoretical—they deliver results. These stories also give you confidence by helping you articulate exactly how you’ve made an impact in past roles.

WANT A SHORTCUT?

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed? My Land That Job with Targeted Storytelling guide is here to help. It’s packed with tools and strategies to craft powerful, job-winning stories—without the stress or guesswork.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

It may be hard to zero in on the right level of detail for your stories—too much and you lose focus; too little and your impact isn’t clear. Here’s what you can do:

• Focus on actions and results. Hiring managers don’t need all the backstory—they want to see what you did and the outcome you achieved.

• Practice telling your stories out loud. If it sounds clunky, simplify it.

Just keep refining as you go. Once you nail this step, you’ll have a collection of go-to success stories that make you feel confident and ready to shine. 

Let’s move on to Step 4!

Step #4: Revamp Your Resume and LinkedIn to Showcase Your Value

We’re just about done—just two more steps to go! This is where everything you’ve done so far starts coming together.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO NEXT:

I. Tailor Your Resume to Your Target Roles:

• Pull from the job descriptions you researched in Step 1 and use those keywords throughout your resume. These are what hiring managers (and applicant tracking systems) are looking for.

• Use bullet points that reflect your STAR stories and emphasize the skills and results that align with the job. For example:

“Streamlined onboarding processes, reducing ramp-up time by 20% and improving new hire satisfaction.”

• At the top of your resume, include a summary that ties your experience to your career goals. For example: 

“Results-driven operations professional transitioning to project management, bringing 5+ years of experience in workflow optimization and team leadership to deliver impactful results.”

II. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Visibility:

• Use the headline to showcase your target role and key skills. For example:

“Operations Professional | Aspiring Project Manager | Expertise in Workflow Optimization & Team Leadership.”

• Write a compelling narrative about your career transition, incorporating transferable skills and your goals.  Example:

“With a background in operations, I’ve built a career optimizing workflows and leading cross-functional teams. Now, I’m excited to bring that expertise to project management, where I can drive results and deliver meaningful impact.”

• Add certifications, training, or key tools you’ve mastered that align with your new role (e.g., Google Analytics, PMP).

III. Add Measurable Results:

• Whether it’s on your resume or LinkedIn, include specific outcomes in your work experience. Numbers and metrics catch attention. For example, 

“Reduced delivery timelines by 15% through improved logistics planning, saving $50K annually.”

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

No matter what you do, don’t rush through this step or leave it half-finished. Neglecting to optimize your LinkedIn or forgetting to tailor your resume will only risk being overlooked by recruiters or hiring managers.

Instead, slow down and focus on the details. As the saying goes, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” Make sure your resume and LinkedIn reflect the effort and professionalism you bring to your work.

Keep going—you’re almost there! Once this step is complete, you’ll be ready to start connecting with the right people and landing interviews in Step 5.

Step #5: Network Like a Pro to Land Your Dream Role

This is it—the final step. You’ve made it this far, so get ready to celebrate! 🎉

Now it’s time to take everything you’ve done and put it into action by connecting with the right people. Networking is not just about landing interviews; it’s about building relationships that can open doors and give you insider insights into your target roles.

HERE'S WHAT TO DO NEXT

I. Leverage LinkedIn:

• Start by connecting with people in your target field or at companies you’re interested in. Personalize your connection requests by mentioning something you admire about their work or their company. Here’s a sample message you can send to your new connections. 

• Engage with their content by commenting on or sharing their posts to build rapport.

II.  Request Informational Interviews:

• Reach out to professionals in your desired field and ask if they’d be open to a quick conversation about their career journey or insights into the industry. Here’s a simple script you can use towards the end of your interview. 

• Prepare a few thoughtful questions, like:

  • “What do you enjoy most about your role?”

  • “What advice would you give someone transitioning into this field?”

III. Attend Events and Meetups:

• Whether virtual or in-person, networking events, webinars, and industry meetups are great places to connect with like-minded professionals.

• Don’t just collect business cards—follow up with a thank-you message and a note about something specific you discussed.

HOW TO GET THE BEST RESULTS

• Be Genuine: Networking is about building authentic relationships, not just asking for favors. People are more likely to help you if they feel a genuine connection. You’ll create lasting professional relationships that may lead to opportunities down the line. 

• Set Clear Goals:  Know what you want to achieve with each interaction. Whether it’s gaining industry insights, learning about a company’s culture, or landing a referral, having a clear goal will keep your conversations focused.  Your efforts will feel purposeful and productive.

• Practice Talking About Your Skills:  Use your STAR stories to confidently share your experience and how it aligns with your new career goals. Networking is the perfect place to rehearse before interviews.  The more you practice, the more polished and confident you’ll sound.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

The first time I started networking to switch careers, I completely overthought everything. I spent hours writing and rewriting connection requests, wondering if I’d sound annoying or out of place. I finally hit send on a message to someone I admired—and guess what? They responded with, “Absolutely, I’d love to chat!”

It turned out to be one of the most valuable conversations I had. They not only gave me great advice but introduced me to another contact who eventually referred me for a role.

The biggest lesson I learned? Just start. Most people are happy to help if you approach them respectfully and authentically. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about putting yourself out there.

It just goes to show there’s more than one way to network successfully. So more than anything, do what works for you. Whether that’s sending connection requests on LinkedIn, attending a meetup, or joining an online community, the goal is to make connections that feel natural and meaningful.

You’ve made it through all five steps—amazing work! Now, celebrate yourself and get ready for the exciting opportunities headed your way.

Bonus! Be Bold and Own Your Value

And finally, here’s a Bonus Tip just for you!

This is something I started doing after years of trial and error, and it was a total game-changer for me—it completely shifted how I approached my career moves and conversations.

Here it is: Stop downplaying your value.

Here’s the thing: We often assume our skills or achievements aren’t a big deal because they come naturally to us, but that’s exactly what makes them valuable. Whether it’s leading a team, solving a tough problem, or organizing chaos into clarity—those are the things that make you stand out.

So, when you’re talking to a hiring manager, networking, or even updating your LinkedIn, don’t hold back. Own your wins, and speak about them with confidence.

Use statements like:

• “I led this project, which resulted in…”

• “I’m proud to have achieved…”

• “I bring this skill to the table because…”

The more you own your value, the more others will see it too. This simple shift doesn’t just boost your confidence—it’s magnetic. People are drawn to those who know their worth.

So here’s your mantra: I am valuable, and my skills deserve to shine. Say it, believe it, and let that energy guide you.

You’ve got this! 💪

Key Takeaways

Congratulations! You just learned how to confidently showcase your transferable skills and position yourself as the perfect candidate for your dream role. Follow the steps above to create a strategic career plan that highlights your value, instead of feeling stuck, undervalued, and wondering if your hard work will ever pay off.

I’ve given you all my best tips, tools, and techniques to help you succeed. But knowing them isn’t enough—now it’s time to act. Take bold, unapologetic steps, and start seeing the results you’ve been dreaming about. Your next chapter is waiting—go make it happen! 

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