As a hiring manager or business owner, you’re always looking for ways to improve your team and stay ahead of the competition. Have you considered looking beyond traditional applicants for your next hire? In our experience at Godfrey Group, we’ve seen the growing value of career changers—those who bring fresh perspectives and unique skills from outside your industry.
If you haven’t already thought about them, here are some compelling reasons why you should consider career changers for your next hire.
The Growing Trend of Career Changers
Research shows most people will change careers at least once in their lives. According to the University of Queensland, the average person tends to go through 3-7 careers before they retire, and this number may be closer to 5-7 for the current and upcoming generations of workers. As this trend becomes more common, it’s increasingly important for employers to tap into this diverse talent pool.
Why You Should Consider Career Changers for Your Next Hire
1. A Fresh Perspective Can Drive Innovation
In an industry like financial services, it’s easy to get stuck in the same old thinking. Hiring career changers—especially those coming from different industries—can bring fresh ideas to the table. These professionals aren’t bogged down by the conventional ways of doing things, which means they’re more likely to challenge your company’s current methods and propose innovative solutions.
Career changers often bring ideas that improve service delivery, create new product offerings, and even help with strategic marketing efforts. If you’re looking for new ways to approach a problem or tap into a different market, career and job changers can help you think outside the box.
2. Career Changers Are Highly Motivated and Committed
The decision to switch industries and careers is not one taken lightly. They’ve often invested significant time and money into acquiring the skills and qualifications needed to make their transition successful. In our view, this dedication makes them some of the most committed employees. These individuals are driven to prove themselves and are often willing to go above and beyond to make their new career work.
3. Diverse Experience Enhances Problem-Solving Skills
Career changers tend to have a diverse background that includes transferable skills developed in other industries. Whether it’s project management, client relations, or analytical skills, these professionals often bring strengths that will help your team think more critically and solve problems in new ways. For instance, individuals with experience in teaching, marketing, or customer service can bring excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills—qualities that are highly valued in financial services.
4. Job Changers Can Help Energise Your Team
One of the most noticeable benefits of hiring staff who have changed careers is the boost they can provide to team morale. They bring a sense of excitement and energy, as their enthusiasm for their new career is often contagious. In our time working with employers, we’ve noticed that career changers tend to inject positivity and fresh energy into teams, making them more motivated and productive.
5. They Bring Well-Developed Soft Skills
Many career changers, particularly those coming from customer-facing roles, are skilled in handling difficult conversations, managing stress, and presenting complex information. These soft skills are invaluable in the financial services industry, where clear communication and problem-solving abilities are essential.
6. Career Changers Can Bridge Gaps in Talent
As the financial services sector evolves, it’s not always easy to find candidates who have the exact experience or qualifications you’re looking for. Career changers, however, offer a valuable solution. They bring a wide range of transferable skills that can bridge gaps in talent within your team. Career changers often thrive in roles where specific industry knowledge isn’t as critical as the ability to learn quickly and apply their skills from previous roles.
7. They Can Contribute to a More Diverse Workforce
Diversity isn’t just about race or gender—it’s also about experience. Bringing in people from different industries and walks of life helps diversify your team’s skill set and thought process, which can enhance creativity and innovation. Hiring career changers can significantly boost your team’s diversity, contributing to a more inclusive and creative workplace.
8. There Are Great Careers for Midlife Career Changers
If you’re concerned about age, don’t be. In fact, there are many successful careers for midlife career changers, especially in financial services. Midlife professionals often bring years of experience in critical areas like management, client relations, and decision-making. Their maturity, combined with their willingness to adapt to new challenges, makes them highly valuable team members.
Jobs for Career Changers: Finding the Right Fit
When considering jobs for career changers, focus on roles that highlight transferable skills and offer growth opportunities. Some of the best careers for career changers include client-facing roles, project management, and marketing within financial services or fintech.
Our advice for career changers? Be open to entry-level roles, invest in learning new industry skills, and network with professionals to increase your chances of a successful transition.
Ready to Think Outside the Box for Your Next Hire?
At Godfrey Group, we believe that hiring career changers is a smart strategy for the future. With their diverse skills, fresh perspectives, and high levels of motivation, they can bring incredible value to your organisation. By focusing on transferable skills rather than expecting exact experience, you open the door to a broader range of talented professionals who can help your business succeed in 2025 and beyond.
Whether you’re looking for new energy, innovative ideas, or simply the right skill set, connect with us on 02 8004 9350 and embrace the potential of candidates looking to change careers today.