One of the most common requests from clients is a career change resume. Our current economic climate has left countless experienced professionals with years of expertise in a particular industry a precarious position, watching an entire industry or a position eradicated, outsourced, or irrevocably changed.
While I can’t personally identify with the feelings that must accompany this kind of dramatic and unwanted life transition, I can offer assistance in designing a resume that leverages existing skills and transferrable experience into a new industry.
First, start with industries and professions that are closely aligned to your expertise. Can you market/sell a product or service associated with those that you know best? Are there parts or services that you are familiar with as an end user?
Second, evaluate your network. Even if you’re not an expert networker (and let’s face it, many of us aren’t) this is the time to dig deep and start reaching out to former coworkers, colleagues, and classmates and to call on friends, family, and friends of both that may be able to help smooth the transition. Don’t just focus on who may be able to help you land employment, think about people who seem really happy in their career – ask them how they found it or what pointed them in the right direction. Have a friend you admire for a particular skill or asset that you think would benefit you in your professional life? Ask them to help you improve your own performance in that particular area.
Third, polish up your resume! This is a time where a professional resume writer may really come in handy. An outside perspective and someone who can give you confidence in your strengths or help you identify strong suits you may not have thought about can be a real asset during this process.