5 Things to Do When Writing a Resume for a Career Change

February 26 2021 - On average, people have five to seven different jobs over the span of their working years. Writing a resume for a career change presents a challenge, especially if you don't have any real-world experience or schooling in the field. Focus on highlighting the experience you have that can transfer to the new job, and present it in the best format possible.

Check out these five resume writing tips when making a career change.

1. Research the Industry

Before you decide how to write a resume for a career change, research to understand the best practices in the new industry. Talk with managers or recruiters in the field to see what makes a resume stand out to them. Look at trends in the industry, and review lots of job listings to learn what employers want.

2. Pick Your Format

Reverse chronological is a commonly used resume format, but it's not always ideal for a career change. Your most recent job might not  showcase your qualifications for the new career path.

A functional resume format highlights skills over specific jobs, which works well if you have strong related skills without specific work in the field. Combination resumes take elements of functional and reverse chronological resumes to best highlight your qualifications.

Use a free resume builder to create your resume easily, no matter which format you choose. These templates let you plug in your information without worrying about creating the formatting. Resume writing services can also advise you on the best format and create an attention-worthy resume for you.

3. Focus on Transferable Skills

Comb through the job listing carefully to uncover the skills they're seeking. Maybe you haven't worked in human resources, but your job as an educational program supervisor allowed you to hire and train new employees.

Say you work as a software tester in the tech field but want to move into project management. Even though you haven't worked as a project manager, you have tech and software experience that can help in the new career within that industry.

General work skills can also transfer well in your resume skills section. Communication, leadership, teamwork, and analytical skills are examples of things that are important in many different careers.

4. Use Industry Keywords

Every industry has its own lingo and buzzwords based on current trends. Learn how people in the new industry talk and the words they use frequently to show that you've done your research. Using industry keywords specifically tailored to the position can help your resume make the cut, especially if the company uses a resume scanning tool to identify qualified candidates.

5. Choose Information Carefully

You don't have to include every single job you've held in your career change resume. Emphasize your most relevant information first to increase your chances of landing an interview. If something doesn't fit well, cut it in favor of something that better highlights your qualifications.

Excel at Writing a Resume for a Career Change

When writing a resume for a career change, emphasize how you'll succeed in the new field. Reframing what you already have on your resume can make it more appealing to potential employers. With these tips for writing a good resume, you have a better chance of getting an interview for your dream job.

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