Jan Plessner of ACTION Recruiting offers an inside look into what’s trending in career change strategy in this latest article in this WRN Hot Jobs section. Check it out and be sure to Sign up for the monthly WRN newsletter here to be the first to learn about the latest Hot Jobs.
When the Road Turns…
A traditional job search includes a great resume, time on the job boards, and hopefully, some fruitful interviews. But how much has changed over the last three to five years that affects your career change strategy?
We all experienced the massive pandemic shut-down. In addition, the motorcycle industry experienced a couple years of record sales during COVID-19. This was followed by unprecedented supply chain issues, and a serious post-coronavirus cool down creating excessive inventory issues. On top of that, rapidly evolving technology, economic instability, and demographic and societal transitions are constantly shifting our landscape.
Career Change Strategy: What’s New?
More Diverse Workforce
I’m meeting and placing more women in our industry than ever before. It is very clear the needle is moving, and that’s exciting. I used to be the only woman at motorcycle industry gatherings, but today there are many more women working in our industry.
How does this affect your career change strategy? In 2025, women are in a better space to get that position! I am working with more female hiring managers and top executives. I’m seeing an increase in women-owned businesses, especially motorcycle dealerships. Both male and female hiring managers are looking for female candidates. Just today, I met with a female CEO from an international powersports brand followed by a second meeting with a female Harley-Davidson dealership General Manager.
Embrace Technology
Most recruiters are using new technology to save time. If you haven’t taken AI for a test drive, what are you waiting for? You may not need it now (or even like the idea) but you can jump on a free version of AI (I use ChatGPT for the simple tasks) and prompt the system for some advice on resume building or job searches. AI is great when you need help to “get the ball rolling” for just about any assignment. It’s not completely personalized or always 100% accurate, but that’s not the point. It can serve as a friendly nudge to get your creative juices flowing.
LinkedIn is the 800-pound Gorilla
There are about 230 million LinkedIn users in the U.S., which is the largest market for LinkedIn worldwide. If you are serious about making a career move, I can’t overstate how important it is to make sure your online profile is up-to-date and depicts the caliber of professional you are today. The key is simple: Grow your network, but always with a personalized invitation. Indeed.com isn’t small potatoes, claiming to be the world’s top job site by traffic. Both are worth your time and attention. We use both and one is better than the other, depending on the search.
Let People Know
For those who have been affected by recent downsizing, right sizing, or layoffs, don’t be afraid to use your social media and LinkedIn profile to announce that you are actively searching for your next opportunity. Maybe it was taboo to talk about being “let go” in 2000, but today it’s just a part of the wacky world (and economy) we live in.
Career Change Strategy: Tune It Up!
Best-in-Class Resumes
It is not rocket science, but 90% of the folks we work with need at least some revisions made to their resume. The best resumes are 100% factual, current, and easy to read. Your resume tells a story. Check out how to create a Rock Star resume here.
Remember to include real-life needle movers (performance metrics) for every position you list—more for your current role and less for stuff in the back of the bus. This is the most forgotten element of a resume. I tell my candidates that their resume should present the best version of themselves. Keep it real (accurate), but don’t be afraid to brag. That’s how you stand out among your peers.
Networking
More important than ever when considering your career change strategy, you should get out there. Attend industry conferences, shows, race events, rallies, movie premiers, professional training days and/or any other gathering of brands, folks and/or products that pique your interest. Nothing has replaced the good old-fashion handshake, a personal introduction, a face-to-face conversation and a new friend who may be connected to a different sub-segment of our industry. If you have the option to do a video meeting or a voice call, choose the video option every single time, unless you are driving, walking, or otherwise distracted.
If I only had one hour a day to dedicate to my career transformation, I’d spend 15 minutes looking at job boards and sharing my resume and the other 45 minutes networking (strategically setting up future opportunities to network) with real people.
Reach Out to a Recruiter
In the motorcycle industry, most recruiters work on commission. That means time is money. But that doesn’t mean they can’t answer questions via email or text, provide feedback on a resume, or take a short call to answer your questions and share some insight.
Preparation Matters
If you are not fully comfortable in front of a camera on a video call platform, practice with a friend or a family member. More than 75% of our “first touch” introductory calls are done on video. (Thank you, pandemic.) If one of us is unable to jump on a video for our first call, we will request one before we submit you to our client. Human resources and hiring managers are using video as well, so might as well get the bugs out and camera angle settings addressed sooner as opposed to later.
Don’t Suffer from a Failure of Imagination
There are a ton of job boards and websites designed to help people find jobs and help hiring managers find qualified people. Do your own Google or AI search to discover where you can go to see current open positions. If you are looking to switch industries, you should research which jobs will be in demand in the coming year(s).
If you are in the middle of a job search, thinking it might be time to make a career move, or want to completely reinvent yourself, there are several things you can do (read: control) to improve your chances of finding an opportunity that meets your expectations and career goals.
Love motorcycles? Spend a lot of money with other hobbies? Are you a brand loyalist or love another industry? Then maybe it’s time to get to work preparing your strategic (business) plan to get noticed and transform your career into something more exciting. The only thing missing is your plan. Get into ACTION and make it happen in 2025. And when you do find that dream job and nail the first video call, I better be your next call with an update.
Good luck and happy hunting.
Jan Plessner spent more than 20 years with Kawasaki corporate early in her career and has been recruiting since 2012 for the industry that makes, markets, and supports many of her life-long passions. February 2025 celebrates 10 years of ACTION Recruiting. She is a female executive search firm owner, operator and entrepreneur helping other women and men transform their careers. Contact Jan at Jan@action-recruiting.com.