How to Create a Resume for a Career Change

Considering a career change? Updating your resume, navigating applicant tracking systems (ATS), and securing an interview in a new industry can feel overwhelming but with the right strategy it does not have to be.

Follow these three essential steps to position yourself for success in a career transition.

1. Customize your resume to highlight transferable skills

Your resume should tell a compelling story about your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with the hiring managers in your new industry. Here’s how to tailor it effectively:

Examine the job description:

• Carefully review the qualifications and key skills listed in the job posting.
• Identify areas where your experience aligns, even if it’s from a different industry.
• Look beyond the job duties—what qualities would make someone successful in this role?

Research the company culture:

• Look over the company’s mission and vision statements, values, and other job descriptions on the website.
• Check employee LinkedIn profiles to see common themes in skills and experiences.
• Attend networking events or connect with employees on LinkedIn for informational interviews.

Leverage transferable skills:

Many skills are applicable across industries. Qualifications for a job may not come from work experience but may come from other aspects of life. Using the job description, you can generate examples of times you have used transferable skills that are applicable to the job. Consider these questions for examples of skills:

• Project Management: Organizing budgets, schedules, and teams.
• Communication: Writing reports, public speaking, or facilitating meetings.
• Leadership: Managing a team, mentoring employees, or training new hires.
• Problem-Solving: Analyzing data, troubleshooting issues, or improving workflows.

If you’ve led a volunteer initiative, managed a family budget, or coordinated events, these experiences can demonstrate valuable professional competencies.

2. Optimize resume formatting for career change success.

It is important to choose the right resume format when pivoting careers. Here are three formats that would work well for career changers:

Chronological – If your past job titles are still relevant but in a different industry, a chronological format may work best for you. However, you need to ensure that your experience clearly aligns with your new field.

Functional – This resume emphasizes skills over job history. This format is recommended for people with limited direct work experience.

Combination – A combination resume blends both chronological and functional formats. This type of resume highlights both transferable skills and work experience.

Pro Tip: Use keywords from job descriptions to optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Hiring software often filters out resumes that don’t contain relevant industry-specific keywords.

3. Write a strategic cover letter that tells your story

A cover letter is your opportunity to bridge the gap between your past experience and your new career goals. Here’s how to make it stand out:

1. Personalize it for each job

• Address the hiring manager by name if possible.
• Mention the company’s mission or values and why they resonate with you.

2. Highlight your unique fit

Instead of restating your resume, focus on why you’re making a career change and how your skills translate.

Example:
“As a financial advisor, I developed expertise in relationship management, strategic planning, and client communication. These skills align perfectly with the customer success role at [Company Name], where I can leverage my ability to build trust and provide data-driven solutions.”

3. Show Results, Not Just Responsibilities

Employers want to see proof of your impact. Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible.

Weak Example: “Managed client portfolios and provided financial guidance.”
Strong Example: “Advised 50+ clients on investment strategies, resulting in a 20% increase in portfolio growth.”

4. End with a Strong Call to Action

Express enthusiasm and request an opportunity to discuss your qualifications in more detail.

“I would love the opportunity to share more about how my background can contribute to your team. Let’s connect!”

Final Thoughts: Your Career Change is Possible

While transitioning to a new career may seem overwhelming, it’s entirely achievable. By customizing your resume to align with the specific needs of the employer, emphasizing your transferable skills, and tailoring your cover letter to showcase your unique fit, you’ll present yourself as a strong candidate—even without direct experience in the field. Doing this will increase your chances of landing interviews and making a successful career pivot.

Interested in learning more about professional development? Discover more here!