Switching jobs has to be one of the more difficult decisions any of us can make; staying in the work environment we are used to can often be easier than having to embrace uncertainty, and having to prove the professional qualifications and credibility in a new workplace. The decision for change becomes that much more difficult if the new job you need means switching the career. While you will face a challenge in trying to get the job that meets the new career objectives, crafting the resume should not be one of them.
On the web alone, there are numerous resources for career changers. From helping you decide which career path you feel suited for to providing helpful advice on how to find success in the new job, you will find an overwhelming amount of resources to help you in the new journey. While most of the resources you find will be helpful are careful about the sources you utilize in order to put together the most persuasive resume for the new career choice.
There are really two elements to successfully creating a resume for a career changer: research and willingness to take on new skills. Most folks put a lot of thought into switching careers. They consider their families, their living and financial situations, their competitive advantage in the new field, etc. After you convince yourself that switching careers is the right thing to do, you will want to convince the potential employers that you’re qualified for you the job you are seeking. To do so, you want to do the research. Demonstrate to the employer that you have an extensive knowledge of the industry, even if you don’t have the accompanying experience. Before you start the new career, make sure that you understand what professional paths are ready and willing for your skills and spunk, and determine what the ultimate goal is. This will help you form the career objective for the resume. Additionally, make sure to do the research on the company you are interested in, as well as their the competitors (if you are interested in non-profit organizations, make sure to brush up on different organizations with similar missions); if invited for an interview, you will need to appear very interested and knowledgeable and willing to learn more - not only about their company, but about the industry as a whole. You will want to convince the potential employer that you’re the very the best person for the job, better than the candidates with experience – to do that, you want to showcase not only the enthusiasm for the opportunity, but the eagerness to learn and the knowledge about the field.
What experience have you acquired that can be transferred across industries? Many times these include verbal and written communication, people management, customer relations, organization and project management, development of new processes, generation of new ideas or concepts, etc. Such talents can be adapted to all organizations, and you should utilize them to showcase the qualifications for the job you are seeking. For example, if you really desire to ditch the 9-to-5 desk job for a hectic, unpredictable life of a high school teacher, let the potential employer know that the previous experience in leading by motivation makes you a perfect candidate for the job (even if that marketing project you managed has nothing to do with teaching English composition). Making a list of all the professional experiences and the qualifications necessary for the job you are discover them, use a functional resume to assure most (if not all) of the qualifications necessary for the new job are met in the resume.
In addition to the resume, use the cover letter or email to let the potential employer know why you are switching careers and that the new interest is not a passing one. Make sure that the resume reflects the newfound interest in a genuine and professional manner, and you are sure to have a successful career change.
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