Categories : Employer Jobseeker

Breaking into a New Industry With Transferrable Skills


From Retail to Writer

Let's face it, job hunting is tough. But have you ever tried to break into an entirely new industry? It's like trying to navigate a jungle with a map drawn on a napkin.

For years, I was a retail warrior. I could fold a sweater with military precision, charm a grumpy customer into a new shirt purchase, and recite the store layout in my sleep. But amidst the endless cycle of stock takes and "Can I help you find anything?" greetings, young me was screaming out to follow my years-long dream of becoming a writer.

So, I did what any self-respecting bibliophile would do: I enrolled in a writing program. Hours spent deciphering clothing tags were replaced by dissecting Hemingway's prose and wrestling with character development. Finally, I was feeding the creative monster that had been slumbering within.

Graduation came around and I finally held my new qualification in my hand, a testament to my newfound writing skills. But then came the job hunt. My CV, once gleaming with retail achievements, now felt like a mismatch. "store supervisor" didn't exactly translate to "compelling content creation."

 

The Experience Catch-22

Here's the thing about retail experience – it gets stereotyped. Recruiters see "retail", and their brains conjure images of endless folding and minimal brainpower. The truth? Retail honed my communication skills, aced my ability to think on my feet (think angry customer returns!), and, most importantly, taught me the power of storytelling. After all, selling isn't just about features; it's about weaving a narrative that connects a product to a customer's needs.

So, I tailored my CV, highlighted my writing skills, and built a portfolio showcasing my best work. But the dreaded “experience” section loomed large. Even “entry-level” writing jobs often demand a year or two of industry experience—a catch-22 that left me feeling deflated.

 

Overcoming Rejection

The rejections started rolling in. Mostly automated messages thanking me for my interest. Each one stung, chipping away at the confidence I’d built. The self-doubt monster reared its ugly head. “Maybe I’m not good enough,” it hissed.

But then, I remembered the countless times I'd rallied a discouraged customer with a genuine compliment or a helpful suggestion. I channelled that retail resilience and decided to fight back.

Sure, my resume might not scream "hard-hitting journalist," but those years in retail weren't a complete waste. Here's the secret: retail is a masterclass in communication and human interaction.

 

Storytelling 101

Every customer interaction is a story waiting to be told. From the frustrated shopper to the ecstatic bargain hunter, I learned to listen, adapt, and find a way to connect. Isn't that what content creation is all about – connecting with people and their stories?

 

Deadline Pro

Remember those holiday sales with mountains of merchandise and impossibly tight deadlines? That kind of pressure translates well to the fast pace of the writing room.

 

The Interview Whisperer

Who knew that convincing someone that a slightly too-large sweater would look amazing could be interview prep? Retail fine-tuned my ability to communicate effectively, build rapport, and think on my feet – all key skills for interviews and beyond.

 

The Final Boss

Finally, after weeks of applications and rejections, I secured an interview. Despite the familiar butterflies, I felt different. Armed with my writing samples and the resilience gained in the retail trenches, I was ready. I spoke about my passion for writing, my ability to meet deadlines, and how my customer service skills translated into clear, concise communication – all skills valuable for writing compelling content.

The interview went well, and a few days later, I got the call. I had landed the job!

My journey isn’t unique. There are countless others who have transitioned from seemingly unrelated backgrounds to the industry of their dreams. Here’s the main takeaway: Don’t let the lack of experience define you.

 

Focus on transferable skills

Highlight the skills you DO have that translate to the industry you want to break into. Whether it’s communication, storytelling, meeting deadlines, or even conflict resolution, let them know why they need you.

 

Embrace the hustle

Building a new career takes time and effort. Embrace the side hustle – freelance gigs, online communities – anything that helps you build your experience and showcase your skills.

 

Never stop learning

Most industries are constantly evolving. Read industry blogs, take online courses, and attend workshops. Stay sharp, and keep perfecting your craft.

 

Network network network!

Goodbye, awkward customer small talk. Hello, industry events and online communities! Connecting with others in the field is crucial. They offer valuable insight, advice, and sometimes, even a lead on a job opening.

 

Believe in yourself

Rejections are inevitable, but don't let them discourage you. You have the passion, the skills, and the resilience to succeed.

Let's be honest, this transition won't be a walk in the park. There will be rejection emails, moments of self-doubt, and the occasional existential crisis in the cereal aisle. But that’s the thing, I’m determined and won’t stop until I get where I want to be.


Posted by: Jamie Quinn 11-06-2024