7 Career Change Resume Tips


If you are switching fields, a career change resume is vital. In this tight job market, it is hard enough for job seekers in their field to land a new job. It is much harder to convince recruiters to hire you than someone already tested. How do you present yourself in the best light so someone will take a chance on you?
Let's say you spent 15 years in real estate and now you want to pursue opportunities selling real estate software. These are two completely different fields. You need to redo your resume showing how your real estate knowledge and experience will make you the best software sales person for the job. The mistake most people make is submitting the same resume they used in their old career. To change careers you must highlight the important qualifications the employer is seeking.

Following are 7 tips for a career change resume.
1. Research First - Start by finding out as much information as you can about the new career. Examine job openings online to understand what hiring managers expect from new recruits. Join organizations in the industry and start networking. The main thing is to find out the credentials and abilities you need to be successful.
2. Change Formats - There is more than one type of resume format. You should pick the structure that fits your new career choice best.
If you have skills that transfer to the new field, use a Combination Chronological resume. This format begins with a qualification summary highlighting the credentials that qualify you for the position. The body of the document states the traditional sequential work history. Focus on the accomplishments that match the job best. Include a well written career objective so employers know you are changing fields.
On the other hand, a Functional style resume downplays your past jobs and concentrate on your abilities. This approach works best when the new career is completely different then your current position. Start the resume with a qualification statement and career goal. Then create functional categories and list relevant experiences under each. List your past positions briefly at the end of the resume with the company names, location, job title, and dates.
3. Stake Your Claim - Specifically state the exact title of the position you want. Include the title of your career goal so there is no doubt.
4. Be Qualified - Most every job has a preferred degrees or certification requirement. You want to have the updated education to prove you are serious about your career change. This is especially important when you do not have the experience to compensate.
5. Think Clear - Hiring managers skim resumes quickly. If nothing jumps out to them at first glance they don't bother to read. Employers do not have time to decipher what you mean. Make sure the format is clean, and the information is concise and easy to read.
6. Be Relevant - Do not list that are not specifically relevant to the career change. Make a list of your related qualifications. The list should match the qualification list for the job you are seeking. Skills not related to the job should not be included. It will only cloud your resume and lose the recruiter's interest.
7. Use Keywords - The best way to grab attention is to target your resume with keywords. Read the job descriptions and pull out the keywords. Incorporate those exact words in your skill descriptions. Not only will it shows you understand the field recruiters will view you as a good fit. Remember, not all hiring managers are intimately familiar with the job for which they are hiring. But, they will recognize the keywords.
Follow these steps to update your career change resume and land the job of your dreams.
Mr. Asif Moin is a prolific writer who is interested in giving quality information to his valued readers and invites you to visit his informative websites- Career Change

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