You’re embarking on a new career and come face-to-face with your first obstacle: effectively tailoring your resume for an industry you have little real-world experience in. While this can be a challenging situation, there are solutions. For one thing, hiring agents and recruiters consider several factors when evaluating a candidate beyond simply relevant experience. The truth is, if your resume has enough pertinent details in terms of transferable skills and demonstrated potential to succeed in a new capacity, then your chances of being seen for a particular position rise exponentially. Here are 5 strategies I use every day as a Career Expert and Certified Professional Resume (CPRW) working with career changers across the U.S., UK, and Canada:
1) DON’T BE AFRAID TO COMMUNICATE PASSION
A career changer’s resume must out of necessity be tailored more towards demonstrating potential instead of simply communicating career details. Don’t be afraid to state why you want to transition to a new industry, what inspired you to go in this direction, and why you believe you can succeed. One of the best places to insert his information is in a brief opening paragraph at the top of the resume.
2) STRESS IN-DEMAND SKILLS
Search through postings for the type of position you’re seeking, and identify in-demand skills you possess. Examples of this can include:
-Deadline Management -Budgeting/Resource Control -Contract Negotiation -Verbal and Written Communication Skills
Now look for ways to DEMONSTRATE these skills within the body of your resume. HOW did you adhere to aggressive deadlines? WHERE did you demonstrate budgeting/resource control expertise? Common places to integrate these elements are within an opening “Summary” section, and when listing responsibilities for individual positions within your work history.
3) ELIMINATE JARGON RELATING TO YOUR FORMER INDUSTRY
Common abbreviations that were taken for granted in your former industry will only cause confusion when switching careers. Go through your resume and look for ways to get ideas across without having to resort to them. At the very least, spell out abbreviations (ex. Quality Assurance instead of QA).
4) HIGHLIGHT PERTINENT TRAINING
Have you recently completed a course of study relating to your target industry, or achieved a professional certification? These are important details that should be mentioned in 2 places: the opening, and in an “Education & Advanced Training” section.
5) STRESS SUCCESSES WHEREVER POSSIBLE
Results are the one currency valued across all industries. Identify key successes for every position you’ve held, and call them out in bullets. Include metrics wherever possible.
Anish Majumdar, CPRW is a Career Expert and founder of http://www.resumeorbit.com . 98% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days and all work comes backed by a 110% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee. Submit your resume for a free critique at http://resumeorbit.com/free_critique.php today!
