In today's competitive world, it's hard enough to create an attention-grabbing resume when you're a seasoned professional in your field. It becomes even more difficult for those who have decided that they want a career change.
U.S. News has noted four resume tips for career changers. These tips will highlight the skills that you have gained from your previous professional experience which can benefit your future employer.
1. Focus on transferrable skills
These are the skills that you have acquired and used in your past work. Highlighting these can give you leverage in your new career. List down your transferrable skills and the accompanying accomplishments that best demonstrate how successfully you have used them in the past. Grouping them together logically such as management, technology, as well as customer service and sales is also helpful.
2. Create a functional resume
The traditional chronological resume, which outlines your employment history from oldest to newest, will not do career changers any favors. Opt to make a functional resume, instead. This allows you to put your transferrable skills at the front and center.
3. Be transparent in your cover letter
You can discuss the reason for your career change in your cover letter. Recruiters can easily spot a career shifter. Although your resume will give proof that you are qualified and equipped for the role, your cover letter should help tell your story in detail and explain how you can contribute to the company.
4. Highlight related education and volunteer work
You may have already had some education for your new chosen field. Place related education as well as volunteer work that you have gone through to demonstrate your commitment to this new career path.
The Guardian added that professionals who want a career change should match their resumes to the role that they are applying for. Your CV should promote you as the best person to fill the role and note just someone who can take over the current job vacancy.
"When you are making a career change, every line of your CV needs to work as hard as possible, showing how you meet the target role requirements and have the necessary skills to do the job," Lis McGuire, founder of Giraffe CVs, said. "Don't be afraid to rip your CV up and start again from scratch for each role you apply for to achieve the best results."
