A career change does require some justification on your part, so that it makes sense to an employer. To help make this easier, we’ve come up with some tips on how to write your new career change CV.

Research

Before writing your CV, research your preferred industry to understand what prospective employers will be looking for. You could also contact companies directly to ask what qualifications they require and what transferable skills they would need. Write down a list of CV keywords, qualifications and skills you have that are most likely to appeal to your potential employer.

CV Format

Think about the CV format that is most relevant. If you have no direct experience of the job you’re applying for, a functional CV is the best idea. This places emphasis on your skills and achievements you have used or learned throughout your entire career rather than listing your experience chronologically. Because your previous jobs may not have any direct relevance to your new career, it’s worth switching your CV around so the skills section is the first thing a reader sees.

Include a Career Objective

Include a career objective at the start of your CV to make your new direction clear and pick out the skills and achievements that are most relevant to your new career. Describe what you’re looking to achieve in your next role, as well as highlighting any experience in a different field that might still be appropriate in the job you’re applying for. The career move needs to look obvious and not look like a 'too far away jump'.

Rewrite Sections of Your CV

You will need to rewrite sections of your CV where you’ve used technical jargon and keywords related to your current role so it has broader appeal. Write as concisely as possible about your educational qualifications and skills. Highlight past experiences when you took on different responsibilities which opened your eyes and how these experiences motivated you to seek out jobs such as this one.

Cover Letter

We advise sending cover letters with all CVs For a career change application, use it to promote your experience, your knowledge of the company and your interest in that area, together with any relevant skills and qualifications.

There are also other ways that you can improve your chances of success when looking for a career change. The most important is to make sure that your skills and knowledge are up-to-date. It’s also useful if you develop a range of skills that are suitable for a variety of jobs as this will further enhance your employability.

Networking is an ideal way to “get your name out there”. Keep a look out for any upcoming industry events within your chosen sector that you can attend. You could also take your CV along and ask industry experts if they can provide any input.