Changing careers is a terrifying time. Making the decision to leave your old job is daunting enough, and making steps towards a different career needs some careful calculation. There is some important administrative work that needs to be updated. Your resume and cover letter need to reflect your new career or industry direction. So where to start? How to prepare your resume for career change.
The First Step
If you are moving into a new career or industry you need to make your past experience relevant to potential job roles. Think carefully about what the employer is looking for and how you can make your skills and knowledge to fit those requirements.
Make It Clear
Don’t pull the wool over the hiring managers eyes by making out like you have loads of experience if you don’t. Make it clear that you’re in the middle of a career change and how your existing skills are transferable and could be used to bring a fresh bit of perspective to the office.
Avoid Cliches
Are you a hard-working, team-player with strong organisational skills. Bla bla bla! Think of how many times a hiring manager reads these overused keywords each day. Use words that count and avoid empty cliches.
Put Important Facts First
You don’t need to include your life history in your resume. Present the most important facts first in an easily digestible format. Use an easy to read structure with relevant headings.
Action Verbs
Use action verbs to describe your previous achievements such as ‘developed,’ ‘organised,’ ‘implemented,’ ‘designed,’ and ‘sold’. This is easy to understand and shows what you are capable of achieving.
Meet Expectations
If you are changing career path you can’t expect to get away with just making a few minor edits to your resume. Research what is expected from resumes in your new industry. Pick someone’s brain and find out what steps you need to make to meet expectations. The more you know the better you will be prepared.
Don’t Be A Job Hopper
Make sure you resume shows a natural progression along your career. Don’t come across as a job hopper jumping from one thing to the next.
Your Extensive Knowledge
Just because you have no first hand experience in your new career industry, make sure you are able to demonstrate an extensive knowledge. Its the best way to demonstrate your interest and passion in the industry.