Are you burned out from your current job? Hit a ceiling with nowhere left to go? Eager to pursue new interests? No matter the reason, changing careers can be both exciting and scary. You may be wondering how to rewrite your resume for a career change when all of your experience is in a different industry. Have no fear; it may not be as difficult as you think.
Draw Clear Connections in Your Summary
Start your new resume with a strong summary of qualifications that immediately shows a potential employer what you bring to the table. Focus on strengths and skills that align with the role you are pursuing to show a connection between your previous experience and what you want to do next. Don’t leave them guessing how being a teacher makes you a good fit as a project manager, or how sales has prepared you for a career in marketing.
The same applies to the accompanying section of core competencies. Emphasize relevant skills you have developed over the years that match the type of role you want. Research various job openings to see what employers are looking for and what keywords keep popping up. Make your core competencies a mix of hard and soft skills.
Focus on Transferable Experience
Not everything you have done in your previous jobs will be relevant to your next role, and that is fine. Refocus your experience to fit with your new industry. Highlight projects, responsibilities, and accomplishments that show transferable skills, such as leading a team, analyzing data, negotiating contracts, or training new hires. Read a variety of job openings for positions that interest you and see where there are overlaps between what you have done and what you want to do.
You may have to look at your experience from a new perspective. Talking to family or friends can help you reframe your abilities in different way because they are not the ones doing the work. They can look at it objectively. Brainstorm a list of everything you have done and then pick and choose what would present you in the best light for moving into a new career field.
Emphasize Soft Skills
If you are changing careers to an industry where you have very little hands-on experience doing the work, showing your potential can be effective. Drive home your ability to manage others, lead through change, learn new processes or procedures, overcome challenges, and quickly adapt. While you may not have experience with some of the specifics, you can demonstrate your ability to adjust and willingness to learn.
Highlight Your Training
Changing careers often means learning new skills. As you consider making a switch, be proactive in taking professional development courses or earning relevant certifications. This can show your commitment to a career change and desire to be successful. Add this education to your resume along with any courses that are currently in progress.
Take Advantage of Your Cover Letter
Many people brush off cover letters as something unnecessary, especially if they are not required by a potential employer. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste. Your cover letter can be an effective place to briefly explain that you are changing careers and reinforce your qualifications and abilities in a more casual and conversational manner. You can mention experiences that are relevant but did not fit within your resume or elaborate more on something your resume does touch on.
Some industries are easier to switch between than others, but do not let this deter you from pursuing your goals. A professional resume rewrite can help you transform your experience and attract attention from a potential employer for the right reasons. Are you looking to change careers but don’t know where to start with your resume? Contact Grammar Chic today at resumewriting@grammarchic.net to learn more about our professional resume writing services.
