When you’re thinking about making a career change, it’s crucial to determine the real requirements of any new career you are considering.

Some types of jobs are regulated professions, which means that there are very specific qualifications which are legally required for anyone who intends to work in the field. Determining the real requirements of regulated professions is normally pretty simple, because those requirements are spelled out in a clear manner.

The majority of jobs are not regulated, which means that, technically, no specific qualifications are required to enter the field. However, just because a job is not part of a regulated profession, that does not mean there are no requirements for entering the field.

You may not legally require a specific degree or diploma in order to work in many professions, but specific qualifications are often required by the vast majority of employers who hire within the field. So, while you may read that technically certain qualifications are not required, it’s crucial to determine the qualifications you’ll need in order to be realistically competitive in your chosen field.

Similarly, there are many professions that require limited qualifications in order to work at an entry level, but higher level training is required in order to advance. So, you may have no difficulty getting stated in the field, but will struggle to advance without further training.

In order to make smart choices when you’re making a career change, it’s important to be aware of the real qualifications required to enter and advance in your new career. Schools are not always the best sources for this type of information; few program coordinators will admit that his or her program will only get you so far in your field, or, alternatively, is not really necessary for entry into the field.

The best way to get that information is through an informational interview. Informational interviews will provide you with opportunities to get mostly unbiased inside information about your new career, and they will help you to determine the best path toward successfully making a career change.

Get more tips on making a career change.

Staring at a blank employment application can feel daunting. Usually you’re asked to provide a lot of information on a job application form, and, unfortunately, they are not always completely clear. These tips will help you the next time you’re staring at a blank application form:

1. Dress to make a good impression.
This advice may sound surprising, after all, you’re just filling out an application form. However, when you are job searching, your suitability for the job will be assessed at all stages of the hiring process, so be friendly and professional to everyone you meet, even if you are just picking up an employment application form.

2. Bring a copy of your resume.
Your resume should provide you with all of the information you will need to fill out the application form accurately.

3. Read the entire application form through before you start to complete the form.
You’ll save yourself from entering information in the wrong spot on the form if you read the entire form first.

4. Apply for a specific position.
If the from asks what position you are seeking, note a specific job that is available and that you are well suited for. Avoid stating that you will take any job. when you apply for a specific job, you’ll appear more focused and make a much better impression on employers, and if employers are impressed, they will likely consider you for all positions even if you noted a specific job on the application form.

5. Do not leave any sections blank.
If a section of the job application form does not apply to your, writ “Does Not Apply” or “N/A”. Never leave a section completely blank; the employer may assume you missed the question and therefore didn’t complete the form carefully. If you write “Does Not Apply” or “N/A” to a question that does not apply to you, you will indicate to the employer that you did considered the question, and, therefore, completed the form thoroughly and carefully.

6. Check for errors or omissions on the form before you submit it to the employer.
You job application form, like your resume must be perfect. Be sure to review the form carefully before you submit it to the employer.

More tips on completing a blank employment application and a sample employment application form.

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