Looking to switch careers? That’s OK, you are definitely not alone. Maybe you feel like you’re stuck in a rut professionally and you think a new job will help kickstart your ambition, or your current job simply isn’t meeting your expectations. According to statistics, most will people will have as many as 12 jobs in their lifetime. In any case, ms change is a prospect that is equal parts scary and exciting. In order to stand out from all the other candidates who will be applying for the same position as yourself, you will need to have a killer resume that highlights your strengths. If you are new to the industry, your resume should also make up for your potential lack of experience, in case you are new to the industry.
That is why we have put together a list of eight top tips you should follow when writing a career change resume. Keep on reading to find out more.
1) Research the Industry You Want to Work In
If you a new to a particular industry and you don’t have any specific experience, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply for the job. However, you should do some research beforehand about the specifics of the profession, as well as the specific items recruiters would like to see on your resume which reflect your knowledge of the subject matter. The best approach would be to contact someone who is already working in the field and ask them about what your resume should look like and the specific terms and skills that need to be on it.
2) Use Industry-Specific Jargon
It’s hard to create a one-size-fits-all resume, which is why it’s better to create several different versions so that each of those matches the job position you are after. This means becoming familiar with the industry acronyms and jargon. Also, consider hiring a professional resume writing service for help when you’re considering changing your career in case you don’t have time to research the details of every industry you are interested in. Provide them with all the relevant information, so they can create a resume that is most relevant to your target field.
3) Choose the Right Resume Format
When it comes to resume format, there are three common styles:
- Chronological – lists your previous job duties and accomplishments in chronological order. This is ideal if you are looking for a new job in your current industry.
- Functional – focuses on skills which transferable to the industry you are targeting. Good if you are making a huge career change. However, this type doesn’t focus on your previous jobs and career progression.
- Combination – this type focuses on both your qualification and work history, as well as your transferrable skills. This is the one you want to go with.
4) Look for a Resume Template
The next step is finding the appropriate resume template which you will fill out with your career information. Although what’s inside your resume is more important than the way it looks, first impressions still matter. Standing out is important when you’re making a career change, especially if you are applying for a job in one of the creative disciplines such as art, design, or marketing. In that case, your resume needs to look the part.
5) Highlight Relevant Courses and Certificates
As we have pointed out before, not having any experience doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker. You can improve your chances by attending courses and obtaining certificates for skills that are relevant to your new file. Once you are certified, you can expand the skills section of your resume to include new knowledge. In any case, it will demonstrate your willingness to step out of your comfort zone, which is always a plus.
6) List Personal or Professional Projects
This is one of the best ways to demonstrate your hands-on experience to your future employers. Ideally, it would be a project you’ve completed at your old job, but if there aren’t any, you can also list the project you have done as part of the course you took, as long as it’s relevant.
7) Exclude Irrelevant Information
Keep in mind that some recruiters need to go through dozens or even hundreds of resumes. They aren’t going to bother going over every little unnecessary detail. With that in mind, include only information that is relevant, such as your track record so far, important projects, and necessary skills. In other words, provide only the highlight from each job.
8) Provide References
To make the recruiter’s job easier, make sure to provide references in your resume. Having someone at your old job who can vouch for your skills and experience is crucial. If one of your references is your current colleague, make sure they know about your intention to leave and that you have their permission to list them as a contact.
Final Word
And there you have it, eight useful tips for writing a career change resume. We hope you will find them helpful and that you will land that dream job you’ve wanted. Good luck!