When considering a career change, a good start is to look for someone who is already working in the same field as they will be able to offer invaluable advice and experience when it comes to areas such as new training that you may require to update any knowledge or abilities.

Whether this change of career path involves a large company or small business, why not offer yourself for a trial period without pay to test drive the work place or ask if you can observe for a few days.

Before jumping in with both feet, examine all the possibilities. Enthusiasm for all you new ideas is essential, otherwise cross them off your list. Remember this is an Action Plan and ACTION is what you should be taking to make sure you are master of your own destiny. By conducting research into a few careers you have never considered or been exposed to, you may find you already have the skills required and who knows, it may prove to be the career of your dreams?

If new or additional skills, training or certificates will be required to enter your new field then the time, money and resources involved will be well spent if you are serious but must be factored into your decision.

You may have been in your last position for quite some time and it is possible that since you were last assessing your skills in the market place that parameters have changed. You may find that additional skills are required such as the computer, work place health and safety and even first aide. Take the initiative and update your skills. Your last position may not have provided the opportunity to upgrade but you will certainly need to take this action now to stay ahead of the competition.

Review your resume-writing techniques and polish your interviewing skills. What may have been a friendly, informal chat last time will certainly have changed this time around. Spending a little at this stage of the game , whether it is to have a professional resume written for you, buying a book on cover letters and interview questions or joining a course at your local college will certainly pay off in the long run if it puts you ahead of the competition.