4 Career Transition Tips for Big Bird (and You!) - FlexJobs

4 Career Transition Tips for Big Bird (and You) - FlexJobs4 Career Transition Tips for Big Bird (and You) -30WhenBig Bird was warned that he might face the prospect of being laid off in the near future, we thought wed take a productive approach. After all, if Big Bird were dismissed, hed find himself in the same position as millions of Americans over the last few years- suddenly thrust out of a job theyve held for decades, trying to gain their footing and transition to a new career.If Big Bird came to us for career advice on how to transition from his old job into a new career, wed give him the same tips that wed offer any job seeker in his (extremely large, if he wore them) shoes.For Big Bird, but more importantly, for you, here are four career transition tips.1. Take time to grieve, and then get going. Especially if youve been in the same career or job for many years, being forced suddenly to look for new work brings up all sorts of emotions anger, sadness, nervousness, tension, f rustration. And as you can see, the emotions arent necessarily positive ones. Its vitally important that you give yourself a chance to grieve over your lost job. Once youve been able to emote, its time to get moving again.2. Before you act, create a plan for yourself.Its tempting to jump online and start applying for jobs, but without direction or purpose, your job search wont be successful. Your plan should include these steps, as offered by Dr. Woody, career coach and author of The YOU PlanConsider your values. What drives you and your actions? What are the values by which you live? What careers are in line with your values?Know what value you offer. What do you have to offer an employer? This includes your experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, personality, affiliations, contributions, and relationships.Understand your passions. Know what excites and fulfills you, and then consider which of your passions are viable career options.Learn what differentiates you from your competi tion. What makes you unique and valuable to an employer? What do you have that most other job seekers arent offering? How are you packaging or branding yourself as a professional?Draw yourself a roadmap. Create a long-term direction for yourself, and determine the short-term goals that will get you there. Identify multiple avenues and career options so that you have several paths to success. And meaaya your achievements by setting milestones for yourself. Milestones can include things like sending out 5 job applications every week, Joining three professional associations in your field, and using LinkedIn to expand your professional network.3. Refresh your skills and experience.If youve been working in the same career for years, and youre hoping to transition to something new, its time to take stock of your skills and experience. To update your skills and gain new experience, try taking classes, volunteering, doing an internship or apprenticeship, getting a new certification, or othe r ways to learn new skills for your new job.4. Learn how to be a successful career changer. Check out these 5 Tips for Career Changers and this Job Search Checklist for Career Changers to make sure youre covering all the bases as you launch yourself into your next career.Readers, what career transition tips do you have? Tell us in the comments section below