How to Write a Resume for a Career Change?

Excited to venture towards the new job role, but have no clue how to prepare your resume for that? No worries! This blog will help you.

Changing careers is no longer an exception - it is becoming the norm. A recent survey suggests that around 56-60% of candidates are considering a career change. (Source: Seek). This shift is not sudden. In fact, there are reasons behind, like burnout, changing career goals and desire for the perfect work-life balance.

However, the transition to a new career is not smooth. One of the biggest hurdles is creating a solid resume that convinces employers that you are the best fit—even without experience.

Today, we will walk you through the tips for creating a resume that shows you are ready for a career change.

Why Career Change Resume Matters More Than Ever?

Career change is becoming more common. According to the survey, 46% of the candidates switched careers more than once. Furthermore, 65% of the people showed better job satisfaction after changing careers.

A solid resume matters more than ever.

Why?
Well, because it is your primary tool for showcasing transferable skills. Moreover, it helps highlight how your previous roles have prepared you for the tremendous chapter.

But again, the key to success is having a solid resume that makes you stand out.

Step-by-Step Guide for Writing A Resume for Career Change

If you are writing a resume for a career change, here are the steps you must follow. They include:

1. Start with a strong summary
2. Highlight the Transferable Skills
3. Choose the right format
4. Showcase relevant experience
5. Include Education and Certification
6. Tailor the Resume According to the Job Description

1. Start with a strong Summary

The professional summary is one thing that the recruiters look at while skimming through your resume.

Hence, this section must be engaging and leave a lasting impression on them. Start with your transferable skills and also show enthusiasm for the new journey. Furthermore, remember that it should highlight your excitement for getting the role.

For example:

“Project Manager with 10 years of experience leading cross-functional teams in the marketing industry. Now looking to leverage the tech sector's organisational and strategic planning skills.”

2. Highlight the Transferable Skills

Next, you need to highlight the transferable skills. Hence, take your time and determine which skills are crucial from your previous roles.

Moreover, focus on both soft and hard skills. Also, prioritise the technical skills as they can make you stand out. Ensure to demonstrate these skills throughout the CV.

For example:

“Led a team of 12 in developing different marketing strategies, leading to a 30% increase in customer engagement.”

3. Choose the Right Format

Choosing the correct resume format is essential. Every industry has its own different requirements. Hence, make sure to pick the right one.

A functional or hybrid resume format is the go-to one for many employers, as it emphasises skills and accomplishments rather than experience.

However, there are others too, that you should know about:

Hence, when choosing the resume format, pick wisely. Furthermore, if you are having trouble, consider seeking guidance from resume writers UK. They have years of experience and can help you craft a solid CV. Also, they can even guide you about the format.

4. Showcase relevant experience

Even if your previous roles and industry aren’t directly related to the one you are applying to, adding relevant experiences can make a big difference. Hence, don’t just tell, instead show them with proper examples. Moreover, don’t forget to tell about your skills and achievements.

For Example:

Organised and led training sessions. It enhanced work productivity by 15%.

5. Include Education and Certification

The next thing you need to do is state the education and certification that are relevant to your new career path. This will help show your enthusiasm towards the role. Additionally, it also shows your commitment to acquiring new knowledge.

For Example:

Complete the Meta Certified Digital Marketing Associate and E-commerce certificate from Coursera.

6. Tailor the Resume According to the Job Description

Always remember to tailor your resume according to the job description. Furthermore, make sure to use relevant keywords and optimise the CV for Applicant Tracking Software. If you are having trouble, consider seeking guidance from a professional CV editing agency. They have years of experience. Hence, they can help you craft a solid career change CV.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes that you need to avoid when creating a career change CV:

• Avoid using generic terms. Furthermore, don’t forget to provide valuable examples of your achievements.
• Additionally, don’t overload your CV with irrelevant examples and experiences.
• Not explaining the reason why, you are transitioning to different roles. Don’t forget to use your cover letter or summary to explain the career change.

Resume for Career Change Example

If you are having trouble creating a CV, here is a template for you.

Tips for Creating A Resume

Before we end the guide, here are some tips you should follow while creating a resume. They include:

• Research about your industry and see what is currently trending.
• Additionally, stay updated about industry trends, challenges and insights.
• Also, make sure to use a relevant format. Moreover, consider choosing the industry-centric template that matches your guidelines.
• Don’t forget to edit and proofread the resume.

Wrapping Up!

In a nutshell, crafting a resume for a career change requires a strategic approach. Furthermore, it must highlight your transferable skills, achievements and education. By tailoring your CV to the job application and avoiding the common mistakes, you can effectively position yourself as a stronger candidate.

So what are you waiting for? Follow these tips and be ready to thrive in your new role.