How your resume can help you change careers -- Career Center Blog

May 5, 2010

How your resume can help you change careers

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By Randy Woods
NWjobs

One of the trickier aspects of our current Great Recession economy is that it has forced many people to consider changing careers to find better job prospects. For some, this can be exhilarating, for others, it's terrifying; most experience a little bit of both emotions.

For many people considering the difficult mid-stream course correction, the problem starts right at the beginning: "Who am I and how do I want to be perceived?" Not an easy question to answer in a new industry with little frame of reference. It can be hard to explain to a prospective employer how your skills translate, especially in the limited space of a resume.

That's where "master resume writers" Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark come to the rescue, with the release of the second edition of their book, "Expert Resumes for Career Changers." With 180 pages of examples of successful resumes and cover letters, plus an updated list of web resources, the new edition gives you step-by-step advice about how to move your career in a new direction, even if it wasn't your choice.

"When writing your resume, your goal is to paint a picture of the 'new' you and not simply reiterate what you have done in the past," write Enelow and Kursmark, who are both certified career coaches. "You can't expect a prospective employer to figure out on their own why you're capable of doing new things."

Here are a few strategies the authors recommend to better communicate your goals and abilities:

Eliminate confusion. The average reader will skim your resume in just a few seconds, say Enelow and Kursmark. Make sure your information is organized and easy to find. Also, define the context in which you worked. For example, before you start describing your activities and accomplishments, describe your previous organization and the challenges you faced there.

Make your resume 'interviewable.' Does your resume lead a hiring manager toward where you want them to go in the interview? Will the language help stimulate a productive discussion? Be sure your greatest selling points are featured prominently, and edit out as much information as possible that's irrelevant to the position you're seeking.

Focus on the big things. Emphasize new products and technologies you've worked on, system enhancements you've been a part of or major projects you've completed. Anything to do with attracting customers, increasing sales or boosting profits should come first. The "little" stuff--the details of your former job--should be saved for the interview.

Sell it, don't tell it. Rather than simply stating facts, like a historical document, your resume should promote and advertise yourself, drawing attention to how your skills can be used. "Remember, you are the product," the authors write. "You must create a document that powerfully communicates the value of that product."

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.