The BEST Resume TIPS in 2022 For Career Changers

Summary

Cassandra, a career coach with personal experience in career changes, shares three key resume tips for individuals switching careers. First, she emphasizes creating a tailored Summary of Qualifications to highlight your top skills and experiences relevant to the new role. Second, she advises using industry-specific jargon to help your resume align with the language of the target field. Lastly, she stresses the importance of quantifying achievements to demonstrate results, showcasing your impact in measurable terms. These strategies help career changers position themselves effectively for new opportunities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure your resume has a 'Summary of Qualifications' section at the top to highlight your key strengths and skills for the new role.
• 😀 Use bullet points in your summary for clarity and readability, and tailor it to each job you apply for.
• 😀 If you've done relevant work in a volunteer capacity, mention it in the 'Summary of Qualifications' to showcase transferable skills.
• 😀 Use industry-specific jargon and nomenclature to align with the language of your target job market. This helps recruiters understand your experience.
• 😀 For example, switch terms like 'students' to 'clients' if you're moving from higher education to a tech role, to avoid confusion.
• 😀 Always quantify your achievements on your resume. Numbers provide concrete evidence of your impact and abilities.
• 😀 Show your results by including details such as revenue increases, growth percentages, or cost savings where applicable.
• 😀 Tailor your resume for each specific job you apply for, focusing on the most relevant qualifications and experience.
• 😀 The 'Summary of Qualifications' section is critical because it immediately captures the reader's attention and makes them want to read more.
• 😀 Resume formatting and language should always reflect the norms and expectations of the industry you're trying to enter.
• 😀 To further refine your job application materials, check out additional resources on career changer resume mistakes and cover letters for career changers.

Q & A

Why is a summary of qualifications important for career changers on a resume?

A summary of qualifications is essential because it highlights your top skills and experiences that make you a great fit for the new position. It serves as an introduction to catch the recruiter's attention and provide a snapshot of your capabilities right at the top of your resume.

What should a summary of qualifications include?

A summary of qualifications should include your top three to five reasons why you're a good fit for the job. This can include a mix of skills, experiences, interests, and volunteer work that align with the new position.

Can the summary of qualifications section change with each job application?

Yes, the summary of qualifications should be tailored for each job you are applying to. It should highlight the experiences and skills most relevant to the specific position you're seeking.

Why is using industry jargon important for career changers?

Using industry jargon is crucial because it ensures that your resume speaks the language of the new industry. It helps recruiters and hiring managers understand your experience more clearly and see that you are familiar with their industry’s standards and terminology.

Can you give an example of how jargon can be changed to fit a new industry?

For instance, if you are moving from education to ed-tech, you can replace the word 'students' with 'clients' on your resume to better reflect the nature of your work in the new industry. This ensures the recruiter understands the context without getting confused by the terminology.

What is the significance of showing results on a resume?

Showing results on a resume is vital because it demonstrates your ability to achieve tangible outcomes, no matter what industry or role you've worked in. This helps employers see that you can bring value and get things done in the new position.

How can you quantify achievements on your resume?

Quantifying achievements involves adding numbers to your accomplishments. For example, specifying the percentage of revenue growth you contributed to or how much money you saved for your department. This makes your impact measurable and more convincing.

What are the three main resume tips for career changers discussed in the video?

The three main tips are: 1) Include a summary of qualifications tailored for each job, 2) Use industry-specific jargon to align with the new field, and 3) Show results by quantifying your achievements to demonstrate your ability to produce outcomes.

Why is it important to use bullet points in the summary of qualifications section?

Bullet points are easier to read and allow hiring managers to quickly skim through your qualifications. They help make your key strengths stand out more effectively than a paragraph format.

What common mistakes should career changers avoid on their resumes?

Some common mistakes to avoid include failing to tailor the resume to the specific job, not using industry jargon correctly, and neglecting to quantify achievements. It's also important to ensure that the resume highlights transferable skills that make you a great fit for the new position.