What if we stopped chasing the mythical “14-legged sheep” and finally put people back at the heart of performance?
Changing careers. Just saying it sparks excitement for some and uncertainty for others. And for good reason: in Switzerland, career transitions are still often seen as a demanding journey. The market is competitive, networks are often essential, and unconventional backgrounds can be misunderstood. Yet behind every career path lies untapped value, if only we choose to see it.
Our Training & Development Manager, Lionel Tallent, was recently interviewed by Christine Fuentes, a fellow career coach in Switzerland. Lionel has gone through his own career change and now supports other talents in their transitions. His takeaway is clear: the job market needs a mindset shift, on both sides of the table.
For companies: time to rethink expectations
“The 14-legged sheep didn’t exist before, and it won’t exist tomorrow,” Lionel said during the conversation. This perfectly sums up a common trap: aiming for the “perfect” candidate, the one who ticks every box from day one.
But in chasing perfection, companies risk overlooking truly valuable profiles. ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) sometimes reject applications simply because a keyword is missing. Hiring processes can drag on, job descriptions become overly ambitious, and the list of requirements so long that it scares talent away.
The result? Motivated, experienced professionals, eager to reinvent themselves, are left out before they even get a chance. Yet their adaptability and commitment are genuine assets.
For candidates: reposition with clarity
A career change isn’t a break it’s a transformation. It takes more than a polished CV: you need to tell your story, connect your past experiences to your future goals, and show a clear direction.
It also requires perspective: knowing where you want to go, what you’re ready to learn, and what you can bring. Sometimes, it means accepting guidance to take a step back and target the right opportunities.
Visibility matters too. Today, speaking up on LinkedIn, activating your network, and taking a stand are essential levers to stand out in a shifting job market.
Continuous learning: a key driver of transition
Upskilling is no longer a luxury, but it is an investment. Whether to update your expertise, boost your confidence, or meet market expectations, training gives new momentum. It can be certified, modular, online, or in person, the important thing is to show you remain in control of your journey.
A mindset, not a label
At Humanys Solutions, many of our consultants have gone through career changes themselves. They know that behind every CV lies untapped potential. This is the more human, more nuanced approach we bring to our work.
Changing paths doesn’t mean starting from scratch. More often, it means understanding yourself better and giving yourself a new chance, at your own pace, with clarity and commitment.
Rethink the criteria. Rehumanize recruitment.
That’s what it means to put people at the heart of performance.