Crafting the Ultimate Career Change Resume

Stress Accomplishments, Not Job Titles

A resume transition from one career to another can be challenging but it is not impossible. When crafting a resume for a career change, filling it with job titles isn't enough. Focus on what you can bring to the job, what skills you offer, and how you are uniquely suited for the job. Emphasize the accomplishments of your previous job and relate them to what you can offer to the new role.

Highlight Transferable Skills

Having excelled in a previous industry shouldn't be upstaged by the fact that you are applying for a new job in a different field. When crafting your resume for a career transition, call attention to transferable skills. Get the attention of employers with a tailored resume that emphasizes redeeming qualities that you can bring to the new job.

Be Honest, However Succinct

Eliminate any unnecessary details from your resume. Stick to your experience that matters and is relevant to the new job. Don't add anything that isn't truthful and don't make assumptions. On a career change resume, there is a high expectation for accuracy and honesty and it’s important to acknowledge any prior job gaps on your resume.

Customize Your Resume to Suit the Role

Keep in mind that no two resumes should ever be the same. To get the best results, tailor your resume for each job you apply for. The presentation of your resume to match the language and keywords in the job description will give you the edge and show employers that you are the right person for the job.

Showcase Your Professionalism

When undergoing a career transition, it is important to highlight all of the ways you can add value to a company, such as experience with managing teams and interpersonal skills. Talk about any awards you have won, any courses you have taken, or any charity work you have done to show employers that your profile is current, varied, and focused on community building.

Stay Positive and Relevant

It is important to stay positive and avoid negative statements about your former or current employer. Instead, put a spin on your experience to make it more relevant to the position at hand. For example, if you had a role in sales, highlight how that translates to the skills needed to build relationships and increase customer revenue. Raising the bar for all the other job prospects is key when crafting a career change resume.

Final Touches: Shine with Professionalism

Once all is written, it is important to get the help of a professional to proofread or edit your resume. Having a friend take a look is one way of making sure your resume is free of typos and errors, but a professional can also provide the right tips and tools to make your resume stand out.