Strategic Career Pivoting: 5 Critical Steps When You Need to Quickly Change Jobs

Watch my AM Northwest segment on this topic at the end of the article for a quick summary.

Significant workforce changes have dominated recent headlines, from federal government layoffs and program funding cuts to the scaling back of DEI initiatives across industries. These shifts mean thousands of professionals are suddenly finding themselves needing to make quick career pivots, making the need for rapid career transitions increasingly common. 

Recent data shows significant workforce disruptions across multiple sectors. Over 108,000 tech workers were laid off in the first quarter of 2025, according to Layoffs.fyi, while federal government agencies have announced reductions affecting thousands of positions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American will hold 12 different jobs during their lifetime, with nearly 32% making a complete career change at least once, as reported in a CareerBuilder survey.

We're truly in uncharted waters right now. While we're seeing record unemployment numbers in some sectors, I'm also hearing from my clients that organizations are in precarious hiring positions. They're not quite finding the talent they need in the marketplace, and funding constraints are limiting the number of open positions available. It's a challenging landscape that requires a more strategic approach than ever before.

When facing unexpected job loss or the need to pivot quickly, the key to successfully navigating these career transitions is balancing urgency with strategy. Having a strategic approach can mean the difference between prolonged unemployment and finding meaningful new opportunities. 

Here are five essential steps to navigate a rapid career transition effectively.

1. Create Career Clarity

Now is the perfect time to decide whether to stay on the same career path or explore a new one. While many believe career direction requires months of soul-searching, research from career development experts suggests that concentrated clarity work can yield meaningful results in as little as two weeks. A study in the Journal of Vocational Behavior found that structured self-assessment activities completed over a short, intensive period produced clarity comparable to that of longer programs.

Action Steps:

When looking to make a pivot in your career, you've got to get laser-focused on what that pivot will actually be. I often tell my clients to stop fixating on job titles and focus on the results or impact they can make with their unique skills, talents, and what I call their professional genius zone.

Here's what I mean. When you're reaching out to network, don't give people 3 or 4 different job titles that could work for you; it doesn't give them a clear sense of what you can actually do and the results you can deliver. Instead, if you tell them, "I help organizations save money and increase revenue," they could immediately think of numerous positions that might be suitable for you. That's so much more powerful than saying "I'm looking for a job as an accountant."

• Dedicate 2-3 daily hours for two weeks to structured clarity activities.
• Complete an interest assessment using tools like the Strong Interest Inventory.
• Identify your core values using exercises from Barrett Values Centre.
• Utilize AI tools like ChatGPT [https://chat.openai.com/] or Claude [https://claude.ai/] to analyze your career history and identify patterns in what energized you versus what drained your energy.
• Conduct 3-5 informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest using a platform like Lunchclub.

Most professionals already have the data points they need to determine their next direction; they just haven't analyzed the patterns systematically.

2. Activate Your Network Strategically

I want you to think of your networking ability as your social capital. True networking isn't just about building relationships; it's about being in consistent conversation with people. Don't just ask for help, but take steps also to remain top of mind when opportunities arise. If you connect with me in May but don't reach out again until October, you may have missed an opportunity that crossed my desk in August. Because you didn't stay in touch and remain top of mind, that opportunity went to someone else. Yes, build a great resume, but more importantly, make authentic connections.

Networking remains the most effective job search strategy, with approximately 65-85% of positions filled through professional connections rather than public applications, according to LinkedIn's Global Talent Trends report. Once you have clarity on your direction, don't just send generic "I'm looking" messages. Create a targeted outreach plan with specific requests to get introductions, referrals, or insights on what's available.

Action Steps:

• Identify your 15-20 former colleagues, mentors, and valuable connections.
• Use AI outreach assistants like Lavender [https://www.lavender.ai/] or Otter.ai [https://otter.ai/] to craft personalized yet efficient networking messages.
• Use a relationship management tool like Contactually to track follow-ups.
• Leverage AI networking tools like Lunchclub [https://lunchclub.com/] that use algorithms to match you with relevant professionals.
• Join industry-specific Slack communities or Discord servers to expand your network in target areas.

Remember that reciprocity matters. Always offer something of value when requesting help, whether industry insights from your previous role or connections from your own network.

3. Create Your Own Job Description

As I mentioned earlier, you need to look beyond titles and think strategically about what truly makes sense for you. What in ustry feels right? What type of work energizes you? What about location, support systems, and career pathways? These considerations help expand your thinking and, subsequently, your job opportunities.

When I did this exercise years ago, I found what turned out to be the perfect role that initially required a pay cut. But the growth opportunities on the other side were phenomenal, and within 18 months, I was making more than I had at my previous position. Sometimes the best move isn't the obvious one.

Look beyond job titles to identify core competencies that transfer across industries. A Microsoft Workplace Insights study found that 76% of hiring managers prioritize transferable skills over industry-specific experience when evaluating candidates changing fields.

Action Steps:

• Create an inventory of your capabilities and accomplishments without industry or professional jargon.
• Use AI tools like Skillsyncer [https://skillsyncer.com/] to identify and extract your transferable skills from past experiences.
• Build a job description that aligns with those capabilities using O*NET's skill database.
• Apply AI resume tools like Teal [https://www.tealhq.com/] to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems and identify skill gaps.
• Create a "career one-pager" that highlights your unique value proposition for your target roles.

4. Build Your Digital Presence to Fit What's Next

In today's recruiting landscape, 94% of recruiters use social media in their search process, according to Jobvite's Recruiter Nation Survey. Update your LinkedIn profile to fit what you've developed in the previous steps, build a future-focused bio, and set visibility to "open to work" with specific targets.

I cannot emphasize enough how important your digital presence has become since COVID. Everyone, from recruiters to hiring managers, uses social media, particularly LinkedIn, to learn about you before they ever meet you. We all want to know who we're dealing with and verify that you are who you say you are. Your digital presence serves as social proof, and without it, your competitors will have the edge over you every time.

Action Steps:

• Audit all your digital profiles and update them with consistent messaging aligned to your target positions.
• Use AI writing assistants like Jasper [https://www.jasper.ai/] to craft compelling LinkedIn headlines and About sections.
• Leverage LinkedIn's AI features for customizing connection requests and profile optimization.
• Create and share content related to your target industry using tools like Canva.
• Use AI content schedulers like Buffer [https://buffer.com/] to maintain a consistent professional presence online.

5. Consider Strategic Stepping Stones

Sometimes the perfect role isn't immediately available. Data fr m the Harvard Business Review indicates that successful career changers frequently utilize transitional roles to build relevant experience. I call these bridge opportunities.

If your goal is to work in a new industry, consider taking a position that may not be your ideal role but will get you in the door of that industry or company you've been wanting to work for. Or maybe you need more experience in a new skill area, and taking a role to gain that practice will position you for something better later.

Always ask yourself: Will what I'm doing today position me for what I want tomorrow? If the answer is yes, you're on the right path. Knowing your vision and long-term goals allows you to be strategic about finding the right position for you, even if it's not the final destination.

Spend time identifying interim opportunities to provide income while positioning yourself for your ultimate goal.

Action Steps:

• Identify 2-3 types of "bridge" opportunities that would both support you financially and enhance your resume.
• Utilize AI job matching platforms, such as Indeed's AI matching [https://www.indeed.com/], to discover essential roles that align with your skills.
• Explore project-based work through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
• Apply AI learning recommendation systems, such as those on Coursera, to identify the most relevant upskilling opportunities.
• Take rapid upskilling courses through platforms like LinkedIn Learning.

Ethical and Responsible AI Use in Your Career Transition

While AI tools can significantly accelerate your career transition, it's important to use them ethically and responsibly:

• Maintain authenticity - AI can help craft your materials, but ensure your voice, experiences, and values remain authentic. According to a 2024 survey by Recruiting Daily, hiring managers report being able to identify AI-generated content that lacks personal touches.
• Verify AI outputs - Always review and verify any information, recommendations, or content AI creates. The Har ard Business Review notes that unchecked AI outputs can sometimes contain inaccuracies.
• Respect privacy boundaries - When using AI for networking or outreach, ensure you're respecting people's privacy and data. The International Association of Privacy Professionals provides guidelines on ethical AI use in professional contexts.
• Disclose AI assistance when appropriate - Be transparent about AI collaboration in professional contexts where disclosure would be expected, such as creating portfolio content.
• Balance AI efficiency with human connection - While AI can help you reach more people efficiently, successful career transitions still depend on genuine human connections. Research by LinkedIn shows that personalized follow-ups increase response rates by 66%.

Remember, career pivoting isn't just about survival; it's about strategic positioning. The professionals who thrive during uncertain times are those who can clearly articulate their value, maintain meaningful relationships, and remain flexible enough to see opportunities that others miss. The current market may be challenging, but it's also creating space for innovative career paths that didn't exist before.

By taking a moment for focused clarity work upfront, you'll save months of misdirected effort. Rather than panicking and applying to hundreds of positions, focus your energy on targeted actions that maximize your chances of stepping into your next best move.

Watch the TV Segment on AM Northwest on the Same Topic: