When facing a career change, it's crucial to have a good foundation. Motivation, professional and personal skills make up this foundation. But of the three, motivation is especially important – because it can compensate for lacking experience in the new industry.
Why is motivation so important in career changes?
Clarifying your motivation is generally undervalued in the job search process. But in career changes, it's even more important.
Think about it: When you apply for jobs in a new industry, you probably lack some of the skills companies are looking for. You don't have the specific experience they're seeking.
But you can compensate for that with the right motivation.
Strong motivation shows that you're willing to learn – and that you're passionate about contributing.
What do companies say?
75% of companies say that the best applications have either:
- A well-described personal motivation
- Skills that can be related to the company
As a career changer, you might not have all the specific skills. But you can have the strongest motivation.
Become clearer about your motivation
To find out what really motivates you, you need to be curious about yourself.
Start by asking yourself these questions:
- Which tasks have you previously been especially motivated by?
- Which tasks are you still motivated to work with?
- What do you miss from previous jobs?
- What do you dream of working with in the future?
Exercise: Make a motivation list
Your first task in this course is to make a list of what motivates you.
On the list, you can also add:
- Tasks you're curious to try
- Industries you find interesting
- Work environments you thrive in
Important: Don't limit yourself. Think broadly. No idea is too wild at this stage.
Tips for the exercise
- Leave the list out for several days
- Add new items when they come to mind
- Good thoughts rarely come all at once
- Use the reflections later in your job search
How to use your motivation in your job search
When you have clarity about your motivation, you can use it in:
- The profile text in your CV: Start with what drives you
- Your application: Use the first lines to show motivation
- At the job interview: Explain why you're passionate about this job
- In your network: Tell what you're looking for so others can help
Common mistakes with motivation
- Being too vague: "I'm very motivated" says nothing
- Focusing on the old: Show motivation for the new, not the old
- Failing to explain why: Always explain WHY you're motivated
- Rushing: Motivation requires time and reflection
Practical tips
- Set aside 30 minutes to start your motivation list
- Think back to times when you really thrived with your work
- Ask family and friends what they think motivates you
- Go through the motivation module for more inspiration
- Remember: It's OK not to know exactly what you want yet
Try it yourself
- Find a quiet place and set aside 20-30 minutes
- Write down at least 5 things that have motivated you in previous jobs
- Write down at least 3 things you'd like to work with in the future
- Save the list – you'll need it in the next guides
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't know what motivates me?
That's completely normal. Start by thinking about times when you felt happy and engaged at work. What were you doing? The next guide gives you concrete methods to find your motivation.
Can motivation really compensate for lacking experience?
Yes, in many cases. Companies know that professional skills can be learned. Strong motivation shows that you're willing to learn – and that you'll stay with them.
Next step
You now understand why motivation is extra important in career changes.
In the next guide, you'll learn two concrete methods to define your motivation – so you can put words to what drives you.
Remember: Your motivation is your strength. It shows that you really want it.