Don’t Get Typecasted in Your Job Search (Even If Everyone Says To Stay In Your Lane)

I recently had a conversation with a job seeker who is considering a career change. She’s been meeting with people in her network to share her goals and get feedback on her approach to the job search. But instead of feeling encouraged, she came away with a different feeling: she felt like she was being typecasted into doing more of what she’s already done.

The advice she got? Stick to what you know. Lean into your experience to get a job faster.

And to be fair, they weren’t wrong.

The truth is, the fastest path to landing your next role is usually through something that closely aligns with your current skills and experience. But here’s where I want to pause.

If that path isn’t what you really want — why not try something else?

Yes, the market is competitive. Yes, employers are often in the driver’s seat and want to hire the safest, most obvious candidate. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to pivot.

I’ll give you an example.

I know someone who spent the last five years as a project manager at a large retail brand. She just landed an account manager role at a growing beverage company — a shift in both function and industry.

Even in my own search, I’ve noticed something interesting. With three years of technical program management experience and six years in software development, you’d think TPM roles would be my best bet. But I’ve actually been getting more traction applying for product manager positions. Go figure!

If you’re coming out of a job that left you feeling stuck or frustrated, it can be hard to believe that a leap is possible. But it is — especially if you stay open to the idea that your leap might include a stepping stone first.

Here’s how to think about it:

Treat your job search as both a conservative play and a calculated risk.

• Spend time applying for roles that feel like a logical next step based on your experience.
• But also carve out time for opportunities that are just slightly out of reach — the stretch roles.
• And, most importantly, start building relationships now for your future self. Network in the direction you want to grow, not just where you’ve been.

Because here’s the thing: relationship-building takes time. And one of the hardest parts of making a career transition is creating meaningful connections with people who can open doors toward your new direction.

It won’t happen overnight, but if you start now, you’re planting the seeds for future opportunities. And you never know — you might just find the role you’ve been looking for sooner than you think.

Your Next Step

While the market isn’t necessarily favorable to career shifts right now, don’t let that hold you back from taking a meaningful step forward — even if it feels like a small one. Look beyond just the immediate role in front of you. Seek out opportunities that will benefit you in the long term.

That could be:

• Reaching out to someone in your target industry for an informal chat.
• Applying to a stretch role that excites you, even if it feels like a long shot.
• Building relationships with people who represent the future you’re aiming for.

Progress is progress. Plant those seeds now, and you’ll be surprised at what can grow.