Navigating Career Transitions
Whether your role is changing, ending, or evolving, transitions can be challenging. This page is here to support you with answers to common questions, access to helpful resources, and guidance for your next steps. We understand this moment may feel uncertain—and we’re committed to helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Why does this feel so hard, and where can I get support?
Transitions can bring grief, stress, and uncertainty—but you’re not alone. To help navigate these challenges, counseling and coaching resources are offered statewide, including through FSAWS and ComPsych, providing confidential guidance during this time of change. Sessions available in-person or virtually.
I have questions about my benefits, final pay, and what happens next—where can I find answers?
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document provides guidance on common questions related to employment transitions. Learn about your benefits, retirement options (including SURS), COBRA health coverage, and what to expect in your final paycheck. It also covers leave payouts and other key topics to help you plan your next steps with confidence.
How can I build new skills or prepare for my next role?
Preparing for your next career move starts with intentional skill-building and self-reflection. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, exploring a new field, or considering entrepreneurship, developing new competencies and expanding your professional toolkit is key. By engaging in targeted learning opportunities, updating your resume and LinkedIn profile, and strengthening your network, you can position yourself for success. The resources and classes below are designed to help you take the next step with confidence—whether that means mastering interview techniques, exploring online learning platforms, or building foundational skills for launching a business.
Identifying Transferable Skills & Career Pathways
Our goal is to help you uncover the skills you already have and see how they can open doors to new career opportunities. We’ll guide you in recognizing your strengths, translating them into job descriptions, and mapping out steps that align with your personal goals.
Featured speakers: Scott Boyle, Becky Hinrichs, Bria Marcelo
Resources featured in this presentation:
Asynchronous Sessions
Resumes & Cover Letters That Work
Our goal is to help you craft application materials that grab an employer’s attention, tailor your experiences to specific job postings, and clearly showcase your skills and strengths. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to format your resume and cover letter professionally, spot and fix common mistakes, and increase your chances of landing that dream job.
Featured speakers: Scott Boyle, Becky Hinrichs, Bria Marcelo
Asynchronous Sessions
- LinkedIn Learning course: Writing a Resume (2 hours, 27 minutes)
Understanding Job Postings and Exploring Opportunities
Our goal is to help you discover job opportunities that match your experience, build confidence in reading job postings, and prepare for the next steps in your career journey. You’ll learn how to locate job opportunities, understand key qualifications and responsibilities, and set up job alerts to stay organized.
Featured speakers: Scott Boyle, Becky Hinrichs, Bria Marcelo
Resources featured in this presentation:
Asynchronous Sessions
Purposeful Networking During Career Changes
Our goal is to help you understand the role of networking in career transitions, learn practical strategies for building professional connections, and boost your confidence in using digital tools for networking. Join us to transform your career journey with meaningful relationships and effective networking techniques.
Featured speakers: Scott Boyle, Becky Hinrichs, Bria Marcelo
Resources featured in this presentation:
Asynchronous Sessions
Strategies for Successful Job Interviews
The interview process can be one of the most uncertain and stressful parts of a job search. In this session, we will discuss key strategies to give you confidence navigating the interview process including how to best prepare and tips for answering some of the most challenging questions to communicate your strengths to employers.
Featured speakers: Mike Firmand
Resources featured in this presentation:
Asynchronous Sessions
If you’re considering applying for positions at Illinois, you’re encouraged to attend IHR’s resume writing and mock interview workshops to strengthen your application.
Where else can I turn for help right now?
Visit Illinois WorkNet for statewide employment services
What are my options if I don’t want to go into a traditional job?
If you’re not looking to step into a conventional role, there are still plenty of meaningful paths to explore. You might consider freelancing, consulting, or starting your own business—each offers flexibility and the chance to shape your own work. Volunteering, pursuing further education, or engaging in project-based work can also help you build skills and connections while you explore what’s next.
Discovering a New Path Through Self-Employment
This session introduces participants to self-employment and entrepreneurship as meaningful career paths. Attendees will learn about the economic impact of small businesses, explore different entry points into business ownership, and reflect on personal motivations, traits, and readiness. The presentation also covers practical steps, financial and legal considerations, and highlights free resources available at the federal, state, and local levels to support new business ventures.
Featured speakers: Luanne Mayorga, Keith Miller
Resources featured in this presentation:
Asynchronous Sessions
Consider Going Back to School
Thinking about going back to school? Consider applying to the University of Illinois, Parkland College, or a nearby college or university to expand your skills, explore new interests, or prepare for a career transition.