Ask a Mentor: Resume Tips for Career Shifts

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Compiled and edited by Julie Tereshchuk

Dear Mentors,

What is the best way to structure your resume when you are changing industries or roles and the work you have done doesn’t neatly fit into the job responsibilities for the new role you want?

Yours,

Job Seeker

Dear Job Seeker,

When you are changing roles or industries, you are asking a hiring manager to take a chance on your future success. What are the key traits and skills that the new job requires and how do your skills align? There must be some reason you believe you are a good match.

You will need to sell yourself.

Have you completed relevant training? Can you demonstrate a strong work ethic and dedication to the hoped-for role? Can you show accomplishments in previous pivots or new roles?  (Don’t lay it on too thick though, a long list of pivots makes you appear flighty.)

In addition to including this information in the traditional resume format, I suggest a strategic statement at the top. Use this hook to pull the reader into your resume and craft it to specifically match the job you seek.

And, don’t forget about the WCA resume review offer. It is a great member benefit and part of the mentor program.

Best of luck to you.

Sandra Kleinsasser

Dear Job Seeker,

It’s always best to fill your résumé with your accomplishments rather than your responsibilities.

An added benefit is that they translate across job functions. For example, “ideas successfully implemented,” “cost savings” or “events planned” = “successful employee” regardless of the role you are applying for.

Yours,

Maura Thomas