Career change CV guide - updating your CV when changing career

So you have decided to make a career change - congratulations! Moving into a new field can be exciting yet challenging, so knowing where to start is essential. Do you have everything you need to confidently make a career change? Your CV is often the first thing a potential employer sees of you. When wanting to move into a new industry or type of role, a polished and tailored CV can go a long way to getting you noticed. Remember that your CV will differentiate you and allow you to paint a compelling story about your experience and what you’re looking for as you change careers.

Here’s how to impress potential employers and get an interview.

Choose a suitable CV format

There are several different CV formats; however, a chronological or skills-based CV is the best choice when changing careers. Chronologically structured are the most tradition type of CV available to most job seekers.

• A chronological CV is the standard format you’re used to seeing. This is where you state your education and employment history in reverse chronological order. This format is the ideal choice of CV when changing jobs within the same industry, as it outlines your career development and upward mobility.

• A functional or skills-based CV highlights your relevant skills and experience. You’ll still need to mention your employment history, but much of your resume will underline your skills in order of relevance. This format is best suited when switching careers as it highlights skill sets suitable for the new role you are looking to enter.

Nevertheless, if you lack the relevant work experience for your new career path but still have a solid work history, create a combination CV that merges the two formats mentioned above. Include a summary of your work history and skill set to capture a potential employer’s attention and then describe how all your experience will be valuable in your new role. For more tips on formatting your CV, check out our CV Guide.

Tailor your CV to the job and highlight transferrable skills

Now, this is key for any job applicant. However, those candidates looking to change careers should focus on tailoring their CV to the role they’re applying for. These four steps will help you do just that.

1. Identify your most relevant skills and experiences that are transferrable to your new career.

2. Soft skills are valuable in every sector. Ensure you list soft skills such as leadership, teamwork and communication, and describe how you applied these soft skills in your previous roles.

3. Balance the list with hard or technical skills such as project management and research that establishes your competence.

4. Rather than listing the job description and duties of your previous roles, highlight projects and instances that demonstrate transferrable skills.

Career change CV template

Your CV should also reflect what sets you apart from other candidates, so there’s no single standard template for it. But here are essential elements you should include in your CV regardless of the role and industry you’re going for:

Personal statement

Write four to five lines highlighting your skills and achievements relevant to the new position. Reaffirm your desire to change careers and highlight your competence in delivering what the new role entails.

Skills and achievements

Emphasise any skills relevant to the position. List a combination of hard and soft skills employers will be looking for – valuable soft skills include communication, leadership, teamwork, time management, conflict resolution and decision-making.

Work experience

Briefly state your employment history, starting with the most recent first. Focus on work experiences that require similar skills to those needed for the new role you are applying for. Mention awards and recognitions, significant accomplishments, and quantifiable achievements.

Education

A degree or higher education diplomas give you an edge, but many employers today look beyond this. If you have taken courses and workshops relevant to the role, mention them here.

A polished and tailored CV is your best weapon when making a career change.

Land that all-important interview with a CV that stands out

Starting on a new career path can be daunting. With career changes becoming more popular, the competition is more demanding. Getting past the first screening takes you one step closer to your goal, so an effective career change CV is a must-have when making your next career move.

Contact your local Adecco branch to find out about our latest roles and how our recruiters can help you take the first steps to change your career!

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