In today’s fast-changing world of work, the idea of staying in one role or industry for an entire career is becoming less common. Many professionals are choosing—or being forced—to shift directions in search of greater fulfillment, new challenges, or more sustainable opportunities. This article explores what it takes to make a successful career pivot, whether transitioning within a current organization or navigating change after a layoff. From understanding transferable skills and updating personal brand to leveraging outplacement services after a layoff or leadership support for an internal move, we’ll break down the key steps and strategies to help employees approach a career pivot with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
What Is a Career Pivot?
A career pivot is a purposeful shift from one professional path to another—often into a new role, industry, or both. Unlike a complete career change, a pivot typically builds on existing strengths, experiences, and transferable skills to move in a new but related direction. People pursue career pivots for a variety of reasons, including changing interests, evolving personal goals, industry disruptions, or the desire for better work-life balance. Whatever the motivation, a successful pivot requires careful planning, strategic action, and a willingness to adapt.
Making this transition begins with understanding core competencies and how they apply to the target field. To accomplish this, it can be helpful to assess current strengths—such as leadership, communication, or technical expertise—and identify which are relevant to the new direction. The employee could then address any skill gaps through training, certifications, or self-study, and tailor their resume and online presence to reflect this alignment. Building a strong professional network is also critical not only for opportunities, but also to learn about a role from someone with the experience. Informational interviews are beneficial in this way to assist the employee in gauging whether the new role or industry would be a good fit. . By carefully and thoughtfully matching skills, preferences, and goals with a new opportunity, an individual can make a career pivot a successful one.
6 Essential Elements for a Career Pivot
Making a successful career pivot requires intention, preparation, and adaptability. Here are the essential steps to guide the process:
1. Clarify the direction
Define the goals and purpose behind the desired next role, and clarify the reasons for making a change. Understanding the underlying motivation helps establish a focused and meaningful path for the career pivot.
2. Identify transferable skills
Assess the skills developed over time—such as leadership, problem-solving, communication, or technical expertise—and evaluate how they align with the requirements of the target industry or role. Skill assessments and career coaching can be helpful to identify these skills and explore how they can best be applied to a particular role or to learn what roles they may be best suited for.
3. Close skill gaps
Determine what qualifications or knowledge is missing and take action through relevant courses, certifications, or independent learning to build credibility in the new field.
4. Update personal brand
Change the resume, LinkedIn profile, and other professional materials to reflect the new career direction. Emphasize the experiences and skills most relevant to the targeted opportunities.
5. Networking
Start building relationships in the desired field by attending events, joining industry groups, and conducting informational interviews to gather insights and uncover opportunities.
6. Leverage outplacement support
If transitioning after a layoff, outplacement services can be an invaluable resource. They offer expert coaching, resume and interview support, and strategic guidance tailored to all kinds of career transitions, including pivots.
How Leaders Can Support Internal Career Pivots
Leaders play a crucial role in enabling career pivots within their organizations by cultivating a culture of mobility and growth. Encouraging employees to explore new roles internally not only retains talent but also helps the organization adapt to changing business needs. Leaders can support this by having regular career conversations, identifying transferable skills, and providing opportunities for stretch assignments or cross-functional projects. Visibility into internal job openings and access to mentorship programs and learning and development resources, including workshops, training programs, and coaching, are practical ways leaders can make internal pivots more accessible and attractive.
Additionally, leaders should normalize the idea that career growth doesn’t always mean upward movement—it can also mean lateral shifts or exploratory moves into new areas. By recognizing and rewarding adaptability and a willingness to learn, leaders help remove the fear or stigma that can come with changing directions. Supporting employees through transitions with clear guidance, feedback, and encouragement not only builds loyalty but also strengthens the organization’s agility and resilience.
How Outplacement Supports Career Pivots After a Layoff
Outplacement services can be a vital resource for employees navigating a career pivot after a layoff, providing structure, support, and clarity during what can be an uncertain time. These services typically offer career coaching, resume and LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, and access to job search tools and resources—all tailored to help individuals re-enter the workforce confidently.
Some individuals may have a clear focus for their pivot, while others may desire a change but not have a determined direction. Outplacement helps in both cases with resources such as skill and preference assessments and career coaching experts who can provide guidance to build a strategy for discovery and action so that the employee can find a new role that aligns with both their experience and aspirations. This plan may include recommendations for upskilling or reskilling classes, networking events, and/or informational interviews, along with tips for rebranding materials such as resumes and social media to align with the new path.
Conclusion
Career pivots are becoming an increasingly common and necessary part of modern professional life. Whether driven by personal growth, shifting industries, or unexpected events like layoffs, a pivot offers a chance to realign work with evolving goals and values as well as industry demands. Success in this journey depends on self-awareness, strategic planning, and a willingness to learn and adapt. From identifying transferable skills to building new networks and closing skill gaps, each step requires intention and resilience.
Support from both employers and external resources can make a significant difference. Leaders who encourage internal mobility and provide development opportunities help employees grow within the organization while retaining institutional knowledge. Similarly, outplacement services offer vital guidance for those transitioning out, helping them turn a layoff into a launchpad for something new. With the right mindset and support, a career pivot isn’t just a change—it’s an opportunity to build a more meaningful, fulfilling future.
Whether you’re looking to help your employees transfer to another role within your organization or out following a reduction in force, INTOO can help those seeking to make a career pivot. From employee coaching, leadership training, and workshops, to outplacement programs for all job levels, our experts empower employees to make constructive and satisfying transitions. Contact us today to learn more.
INTOO staff writers come from diverse backgrounds and have extensive experience writing about topics that matter to the HR and business communities, including outplacement, layoffs, career development, internal mobility, candidate experience, succession planning, talent acquisition, and more.
