How to Write a Resume When Changing Careers

Writing a resume can be difficult enough without the added pressure of having to write it in preparation for a career change. By using the steps below, you can gain some understanding of what to include and what to leave out of your professional resume.

Things You'll Need

• Word Processing software
• High-quality printer
• Excellent 24lb white paper

Instructions

1. Choose a format that best highlights your skills, accomplishments and talents. Most likely, this will either be a functional format or a combination format. The reason that these two formats are better for career-changers, is that they place more of an emphasis on the work done rather than on the employers, education and dates the work was done.

2. When considering the skills you should put in your resume, remember that there are a whole host of transferable skills that employers seek regardless of where you work. Here is a list to assist in brainstorming.
   communication skills (written and oral)
   team player
   negotiation skills
   leadership abilities
   solving problems
   motivating others

3. If you have won any awards, received any honors, had any material published or anything similar, list them on your resume - IF - they relate to your new career path. Telling a prospective employer that you were real estate agent of the month in your office would be fine if you were going into a related career or a sales position in a new field, but if you are going to be a school teacher now, no one is really going to care about a sales award.

4. Target your resume specifically to the prospective employer and the company's needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to list your skills and achievements near the top of the page.

• Use an objective statement to make it clear what career path you are pursuing.

• Do not list anything on your resume that isn't relevant to the position you are seeking