The tough economy has forced many people to reconsider their careers.
For some, that's meant gaining additional skills to hang on to a job,
but others -- sometimes through no fault of their own -- have found that they have to consider a whole new career path.
But explaining to a potential employer that you have the skills to do a
job that you've never done before can be tricky, especially on your
resume. So what's the best way to create a resume when you're eager to
change careers?
Avoid the 'functional' resume. Some employment experts advise abandoning a typical chronological resume for a "functional" one, which highlights related skills and downplays when and where you've worked. But career coach Kathy Caprino
says most recruiters and hiring managers still expect applicants to
list their work histories by date. Doing so in another fashion, she
says, may send up a red flag.
Tailor the resume to the job. You can't lie or
embellish, of course, but you do have to tailor your resume so that the
qualifications you list match the position. "Everything you've done in
other jobs [has] to inform why you should be considered," Caprino says.
Know your competitive advantage. Your resume should
note your skills and passions, and what can you contribute now that
someone with 10 years of experience in the field can't. In other words,
Caprino says, "You've got to know what sets you apart."
Remember to sell yourself. To prove you're the best
candidate, highlight the achievements that build the case that you're
qualified for the new position you're seeking. "The resume has to be
about achievements and outcomes -- not tasks [or] projects," Caprino
says. Hiring managers need to know why they should seriously weigh your
candidacy for a job you've never done.
What about the cover letter? Failing to note that you
don't have the experience the hiring manager is looking for is a
surefire way to get your application tossed. Instead, tackle the issue
head-on. Be transparent and authentic and explain that you're looking to
change careers, while noting which skills that you do have that would
be applicable to the new job.
Above all, be realistic. The likelihood of getting a
job in a field in which you've never previously worked are slim. "In
this type of economy, you are in competition with amazing people who've
had a lot of experience," she says. So gaining experience in your new
field is key.
Internships are one way to get your foot in the door, though they
aren't often well-suited for older workers. Another way is to work on
projects as a consultant and provide your services for free or little
cost. "You have to view this as a life project," Caprino says, adding
that you have to set your ego aside and be willing to work for a lot
less money.