Thinking of Making a Career Pivot? Here’s How to Create a Resume for Your Career Change

Making a career change can be hard, but hopefully this can help make that transition a little easier.

Have you been thinking of making a career pivot? Maybe you're currently crunching numbers in accounting but have realized your passion lies in sales. Or perhaps you're working in HR, but you've discovered a newfound love for data analysis and want to dive deep into Excel sheets. Changing careers is exciting but can be intimidating, especially when it comes to updating your resume. Luckily, these tips will help you make that change and get noticed by the right recruiters.

1. Understand the Pivot You Want to Make

The first step is figuring out what your next career move actually looks like. Do some research on the roles you’re interested in. What do they entail? What skills and experience do they typically require? Understanding what’s expected of you in your new role will help you determine what adjustments you need to make to your resume.

2. Compare and Contrast Your Experience

Next, look at your current experience and compare it to the responsibilities of the role you’re aiming for. Identify the transferable skills you already have and those areas where you might need to learn or improve. While your current job may be in a different field, you’ve likely gained valuable skills that can be applied to your target role. It’s all about finding those connections.

3. Tailor Your Experience

Now it’s time to update your resume. Even if certain duties weren’t the main focus of your current role, find ways to highlight any relevant experience you have that aligns with the new role. This means adjusting your job descriptions to reflect the skills and achievements that will resonate with the job you want. Focus on quantifiable results, such as increasing sales or improving efficiency, as these can be compelling no matter the field.

4. Use Keywords and Technologies

Look at the job descriptions of the roles you’re targeting and note the specific technologies and keywords they use. Incorporate these into your resume where relevant. For example, if you’re moving from HR into data analytics, highlight any experience you have with Excel, data entry, or analytics software—even if it wasn’t the main focus of your previous role. Showing that you already have some of the technical skills needed will help bridge the gap between your old and new career.

5. Add Certifications and Education

If you've taken any courses or earned certifications that make you a stronger candidate for the career you want, be sure to add those to your resume. Whether it’s an online course, a professional workshop, or a new degree, this shows employers you’re committed to learning and growth in your new field.

6. Cater Your Skills Section

Finally, update your skills section to match the new role you’re aiming for. Pull keywords directly from the job descriptions you’re looking at, and focus on the transferable skills you already have. Make sure to list those at the top, so they’re immediately visible to recruiters and hiring managers.

Conclusion

Making a career change is a bold move, but with a thoughtful approach to your resume, you can showcase your skills and make a compelling case for why you’re the right fit for your new career path. Focus on transferable skills, use relevant keywords, and highlight your commitment to learning, and you’ll be on your way to landing your dream role in no time!