Sometimes, when you aren’t satisfied with your current role, you need more than just a new job; you need to change careers. But breaking into a different industry can be a challenge, especially if you are venturing into completely new territory.
One of the keys to managing a big career shift is to get your resume in order. However, figuring out to make your skills and experience meaningful in a new industry isn’t always intuitive.
Luckily, it is possible to craft your resume in a way that makes switching industries easier. Here’s how to get started.
Match Your Qualifications
When you need to catch a hiring manager’s attention, you need your resume to clearly demonstrate why you are a great candidate for a specific role. The easiest way to begin is to find a vacancy announcement for your target job and do an honest assessment of your qualifications.
Look at each requirement and determine whether you have skills in that area, checking off the ones that are a solid match. Then, see how many remain unchecked.
Don’t hesitate to check off a box if you have the skills, even if you acquired them in another industry, through formal education, or a less-traditional manner. How you developed these capabilities isn’t always the most important part, as long as you have the proper knowledge level.
Reflect on the Unchecked Boxes
After you work your way through the requirements list, you need to determine if you could actually do the job with what you know today. If a lot of the boxes remain unchecked, you may need to seek additional education, learn the skills on your own, or seek out volunteer opportunities that can provide you with the necessary experience.
If only a few of the boxes remain unchecked, you may have enough of the qualifications to be considered a candidate. However, it’s wise to see if the company is open to training the right job seeker if you are missing technical skills that are crucial to the role. If so, go ahead and apply. If not, you may need to find ways to add these skills to your repertoire.
Focus on Results
If you are enough of a match to go forward, then include those skills and experiences on your resume, but make sure to quantify the information whenever possible. Every employer is looking for candidates that provide value, so showcasing your results can have a significant impact.
Additionally, tie each point back to a broader objective for the role or the company as a whole. Examine the vacancy announcement to see what the hiring manager values or explore the organization’s website to discover critical insights. This helps create a stronger connection to your experience and their goals, increasing the odds that they’ll see you as a viable candidate.
By following the tips above, you are more likely to transition into a new industry successfully. If you would like to know more about making a career change or are seeking new employment opportunities, the professionals at CPS Recruitment can help. Contact us to discuss your career goals today and see how our expertise can assist you during your transition.