Licensed Professional Counselor looking for a career change.
Greetings, As the title suggest, I am seriously trying to start over career wise without having to go back to school or start at an entry level position. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have a BS in Psychology and a MA in Counseling which don't seem to transfer outside of the field. I currently own a private practice and have went through some experiences personally and in the profession the last couple of years that have left me desiring a career change. I'm not having much luck revising my resume or expressing my skills/ qualification in a way that is desirable to employers outside of the field. I get the impression that employers are always confused as to why I'm applying for a job outside of counseling. I think that my experiences and education have prepared me for several different positions outside of the field but I'm really having trouble conveying that. Any suggestions?
That's definitely an interesting question. Let's start by identifying what skills you think you have that will prepare you for other job skills. For example, are you great at self-management? Are you able to handle work stress exceptionally well? Write out these skills without trying to match them to a job, since that could give you a case of writer's block.
Another helpful hint might be to be honest about why you're seeking a career change. Don't be afraid to be honest with other employers - in fact, use your cover letter as an opportunity to explain why you're transitioning. You don't have to go into details, but definitely acknowledge the transition, since that might be on employers' minds. Hope this helps!