How to Write the Perfect Resume For a Career Change

Job seekers making the leap into a career change have a challenge with crafting a resume that helps them demonstrate specific industry qualifications. This perfect resume guide can lead you through the step-by-step process of creating a stellar showing to impress an employer.

1. Format – consider using the functional style

Before you submit your resume to a company, consider rewriting it. Take a look at the functional resume style to stress your skills if you have limited industry experience.

2. Objective – state your career goal in your summary

In your summary statement, include information about your career objective. Without experience, you will need to state what your intentions are in the industry.

3. Overview – focus on important keywords from the job description

When writing your summary statement, use important keywords that are part of the job description. Start with your own qualifications, and reword them to include industry specifics.

4. Skill section – prove yourself with focused details

Your skill section can be an opportunity for you to show off your real talent. The perfect resume for a career changer includes plenty of valuable skills that are in-demand.

5. Work history – position your professional experience for the job you want

Then, it's time to revamp your work history. Focus on describing your past experiences in terms that hiring managers would appreciate.

6. Evidence – demonstrate top contributions with quantities

You should also give evidence of your excellence with quantifiable results you have helped make happen. Employers like to see this type of information on any candidate's resume.

7. Accomplishments – include plenty of achievements from your past

Continue to sing your praises by including achievements from your past experiences. For a career changer, this can put you into consideration.

8. Selective details – pick and choose only the most relevant information

Of course, you should use details from your work history relevant to the job you're trying to secure. Brainstorm possible tasks you've completed that help bridge the gap between your old profession and the new one.

9. Other information – add more details about experiences outside of work

Some jobseekers may need to add more information to demonstrate skill by using experiences from their hobbies and interests. This is helpful in a functional style resume.

10. Education – expand your academic credentials and knowledge section

Finally, feel free to expand your education section and certification area of your resume to fit the industry. This can help show your readiness for the field.

Go the extra mile

When you have to go through your previous resume and rewrite it for a new industry, try focusing on making it go beyond what an employer expects from a job candidate. Your perfect resume style may help you get closer to landing a new job. Start by making your resume easier to read and comprehend. Use bulleted lists whenever you can to present a series of details, like in your skill section, work history and education section. Keep fluff to a minimum by cutting out unnecessary words that don't contribute to meaning. Use clear action verbs when discussing what you've done in your past, and limit your adjective usage to avoid sounding too verbose. These tips can help you achieve a great resume for your new career.