Resume Format for Career Change

This video is by AmazCover. She's talking about the Combination Resume Format, which I agree is great for career change.

When Is a Good Resume Like Swiss Cheese?

When is a good resume like Swiss cheese? When it stands strong even if it has a few holes.

Yes, I’m saying sometimes you can openly have holes on your resume that don’t hurt you… as long as you build a strong structure around those holes. Continue reading...

How to Make a Career Change on a Resume

Making a career change can be tricky on a resume. If your work history strongly suggests to an employer that you want to remain in your old field, you need work extra hard on your resume to convince him otherwise.

Here are a few tricks Continue reading...

What's the Top Resume Format?

Chronological? Functional? Combination? What do employers consider the top resume format and which one should you use?

Continue reading this post...

Really Cute AARP Video on Resume Tips for Old, Young, and Middle-Age Professionals

If your age is between 20 and 90, this cute animated video by AARP will help you write a resume. It addresses issues such as career change, dates, lengthy careers, and other problems faced by professionals of all levels.

I agree with all of it except the advice to use a functional resume. See what you think...

Under-Employed? Here's the Perfect Resume Format

You may be one of the many people who are under-employed -- working at a job that's beneath your skill level. To get out of this situation, you need a resume format that says... Continue reading

How to Handle Being Over-Qualified on Resume for a Career Change

Question
I was laid off in September from my job of seven years as a news editor, a path I am not interested in continuing. I have an Associate of Arts degree in graphic design, however I don't want to seek a job in that field as it's very competitive and prone to layoffs at this time.

I see this as an opportunity to start a path to a new career. How can I structure my resume for an internship or entry-level job in a new career field without looking over-qualified?

Answer
First, you need to decide what new career you want to pursue. Once you know that, you'll be ready to write your resume. For the sake of this answer, let's say you want to become a political lobbyist for an environmental group. For that objective, I suggest you create a combination resume.

In your job objective statement, do not use the term "entry-level;" simply say "A position." (For example: A position in environmental advocacy.) Doing this will help decrease the disparity between the elevated job title you held most recently and the new one you seek.

In your Summary of Qualifications section, emphasize the transferable skills you bring to the new position. For example:

• Eager to bring my writing and media relations skills to the political arena as an environmental advocate.
  

Under your most recent job title (News Editor) in the body of your combination resume, create two headings that support your job objective (for example: Communications and Environmental Issues). Under each of those headings, write achievement statements that are relevant to your job objective. These statements should not speak about management or leadership, as you don't expect to land a management job in your new career. Instead, refer to your experiences as being part of a team, or speak about projects you did independently. In other words, instead of:

• Managed a team of eight editors and four production staff to publish daily newspaper with circulation of 200,000.

Write something less management-like and more relevant to your new job, for example:

• As news team member, wrote pieces on wide range to topics including rain forests, glacier meltdowns, and carbon emissions.

Under Education, mention your AA degree, and any classwork that's particularly relevant to your job objective.

Good luck with your career shift!

Nuclear Engineer to Finance Professional

Question
I left my position as a nuclear engineering designer (numerous other prior positions) with my employer of 27 years because my wife earned a career opportunity in another state. Since leaving my position I have returned to school to earn a degree in finance, which I will finish in May 2009.

I want to direct my resume and cover letter to getting a specific leadership development program position at BB&T, Inc., which is a first step to a position in that company. Do you have any guidance on this issue?
-- Tom

Answer
The career page of the BB&T website has an online application system for their Leadership Development Program. I suggest you use this online application system, filling out the e-form accurately. You will need to make some choices as to which position in the program you want. My guess is that each position is assigned to a specific recruiter who avaluates all applications for that position.

I didn't go into the system far enough to see how the resumes and cover letters are inserted. You will probably find that you can either upload your resume or copy and paste it into a designated field. In either case, I suggest the following:

1. Use a chronological format.

2. List your education near the top of the page, just under the Summary of Qualifications. This will make your recent, relevant degree stand out.

3. For your most recent "job" under Experience, put:

20xx-present, Student, Finance Degree Program, Name of School, City, State

Your second entry in the Experience section should be your last job as a nuclear engineering designer.

4. If the system allows you to enter a cover letter, make it a brief introduction that highlights how you look forward to applying your transferrable skills (such as analysis, mathematics, etc.) to the field of finance.

Best of luck with your career change!

Career Change on Resume

Question
I am a 51 year old female that has been employed for the last 15 years as a driver for the handicapped population. We aren't just drivers and the physical damage I have sustained through the years of lifting and assisting my clients has taken a toll on me. Three surgeries have convinced me it's time to make a change before its too late.

Prior to this I worked in an accounting career after completing a one-year course in computer accounting at a business college. This consisted of the accounting course plus office mgmt, typing, 10 key and a few other relevant subjects.

In the course of my present career I also assisted in the office entering data, answering phones, filing and even doing some job development during a stint of "light duty" after another surgery caused by another work related injury. I am certified in CPR, first aide, blood born pathogens and have 14 years of safety awards.

I am currently taking a class in Medical Terminology, (off work due to shoulder surgery this time) and hoping to get into one of the many local hospitals surrounding me! My typing speed is still good and my 10 key is excellent. I would like to go back to an office setting yet have the dilemma of how to explain a career change on a resume. I am worried no one will give me a chance at an office job when they see I have been a driver for so long.

Any suggestions for making this change or what I can do to boost my chances of success?

Answer


Using a combination resume format (a hybrid of the chronological and functional resume formats) will present you as someone with the skills required for the job you seek. This format is often a helpful tool for making a smooth transition from one line of work to another.

Career Gap on Resume

Question
I was a Landscape Architect with over a 15 years experience, licensed and educated with a degree in the field. (It is a fairly narrow profession). I faded out of that career in 2001 and became a self-employed, on-line bookseller with every intention of not going back into L/arch.

However, I have changed my mind! I am eager to re-enter the profession because I miss the challenge, the people and working on creative projects.

My question is: Do you think I should "expose my gap" in L/arch in the cover letter, in my resume or at the interview?? There is no way I can hide this fact, nor do I want to... In the architectural field we usually show a portfolio at the interview and I have nothing to show after 2001... Being a bookseller does not mean I was unemployed, it's just that most of these firms will want to know who I am presently working for and what projects I am working on. Personally, I do not consider it a working gap, but a career gap. What do you think? -- Cliff

Answer
Cliff, you are right to consider this a career gap, not an employment gap. Here's what I suggest you do:

Use the chronological resume format. As the first entry at the top of your Experience section put:

2001 - present, Freelance Landscape Architect (concurrent with online sales venture)
- Mention a few landscape projects that you've done during this time (I'm sure you didn't keep you hands out of the soil or off the drawing board!) The projects can be ones at your own home or ones you volunteered for in the community. Don't forget to include interesting projects you consulted on like that hillside landscaping in your neighbor's backyard, the redesign of your aunt's rock garden, and other projects you gave advice for.
- Briefly refer to administrative aspects of your online business that are relevant to working for a landscape company. Maybe you designed marketing pages, used your database skills, or your customer service talents to enhance business.
- If your online book business specialized in selling landscape-related books, include something about that.

Taking this approach on your resume will show the employer that your love of landscape architecture is very much alive. There's no need to bring up the online business in your cover letter. The issue may arise in your job interview so practice how you'll talk about it then, keeping the emphasis on the thread of passion for landscaping.

In the meantime, try to get some freelance work in the field so you can continue to build your resume as you conduct your job search.

Good luck!

A New Career at 52

Question
I've been a software developer for 13 years and just got laid off after only 3 months with the company. I am getting older (52) and don't have the energy I once had to work 50-60 hours a week. I would like to try a different career path and do something a little less stressful. Continue reading...

Sample Resumes that Solve Problems

Learning by example is sometimes one of the best ways to solve a problem. If you have an issue you need to resolve on your resume, click on one of these links to my collection of 90 Sample Resumes to see how others handled a situation similar to yours.

Corporate Staffer Seeks Part-time Waitress Gig

Question
I have a question about resumes. I currently work full time and need a part-time job as a food server or hostess. My resume looks good as far as full-time corporate work, but I do not have any long-term steady restaurant jobs. I have had many short-term ones over the years. How should I list this information on my resume? My objective is to get a part-time evening position in the service industry.
Thanks,
Maryellen

Answer
by Jan Melnik, MRW, CCM, CPRW, President, Absolute Advantage

You’re thinking along the right lines, Maryellen. The resume that serves you well in the corporate arena probably won’t impress the general manager at your local upscale bistro.

Here’s what I recommend: So that you don’t have to totally reinvent the wheel, take a copy of the corporate resume on your PC and do the easiest things first, starting at the bottom of the resume. Shrink the responsibilities and accomplishments for your professional jobs to just 2-3 lines each. For instance, an entry might read:

ABACUS EQUIPMENT, INC. – Troy, NY Jan. 2005-Present
Senior Account Executive
Grew institutional account territory throughout Upstate New York by 40% in 2 years, generating $300K in incremental revenues. Managed sales of sophisticated packaging equipment.

Moving up the page, insert a new category before your traditional corporate experience entitled “Professional Service Industry/Restaurant Experience.” (If your specialty/target is hotel restaurants, add the word hotel; if it’s in casinos, substitute casino for restaurant, and so forth.)

Now build an entry for each of the more recent positions you have held (I’ll address the summary up in your profile last). Because you mention having held many short-term positions, you might try grouping them by category and including a short descriptor, such as this:

Family Restaurants
Was competent member of wait staff at such Phoenix area restaurants as Chili’s (2 years), Outback (9 months), and TGIF (1.5 years).

Fine Dining Venues
Handled both ala carte dining and banquet service for several upscale restaurants along shoreline/Connecticut River area, including Copper Beech Inn (2 years), Water’s Edge (1 year), and Café Routier (1.5 years).

Now, for the final (and most important) part of your resume, go to your existing profile/qualifications summary section. Whatever you’ve used for the corporate world will need to be almost entirely replaced. Here is where you will describe your distinguishing characteristics as a professional server. Things to consider:
- Do you have a sparkling personality and highly adaptive style?
- Do you always deliver service above-and-beyond?
- Are your tips (for finer restaurants) generally in excess of 20 or 25%?
- Do you have regular customers who always request you as their server?
- Are you called by the restaurant on your days off to fill in for special events and parties—because you are reliable and “do the best job?”

If so, you can say in your profile such things as:

Professional server/wait staff member for more than 15 years at range of venues including both upscale, fine dining establishments and popular family restaurants. Earned reputation for consistently delivering exceptional service—frequently requested as a server by repeat customers. Highly flexible, dependable, and reliable. Signature strengths include:
• Ability to professionally manage large number of tables
• Equally skilled in menu and banquet service
• Regularly place in top 5% for promotions sold (from higher priced entree features, appetizers, and desserts to wine and after-dinner beverages)
• Distinguished for ability to exude grace under pressure while providing outstanding customer service
• Tapped to train new staff and provide shadowing to less-experienced servers

Good luck, Maryellen! As you know in this industry, it’s important to make a great impression in person – always deliver your resume face-to-face and be sure to let that sparkling “customer service” personality shine in the interview! This is the place for explaining that you’re seeking a part-time opportunity to augment your corporate day job. You know your enthusiasm and love for this work sets you above the rest of your competitors – so sell yourself with gusto!

Jan Melnik is a job-search coach and resume writer; she has operated her own practice, Absolute Advantage, for 24 years and works with clients coast-to-coast in the development of exceptional materials and strategies. She is the author of 7 books, including Executive’s Pocket Guide to ROI Resumes & Job Search.

Switching Careers Again at 46

Question
My situation concerns several areas. The first is that as a 46 year old male I am aware of and concerned about age discrimination. I have been employed in the human services field for the last five years and our site has recently lost its funding. This was anticipated; during the end of the last quarter of 2006 we were informed about the eventual closing of our site but not offered any transitional positions or assistance.

That’s ok; I’ve learned to look forward. I would like to remain in the human services field because I really enjoy the work. It’s very satisfying although, unfortunately, the salary is not.

I have thirteen years experience in the medical claims processing field prior to this at various health insurers (three). In between I decided to make a change of career and left the insurance field in 1999 and studied pastry. I quickly learned that 12 hour shifts in a small pastry station did not go well with a forty year old back.

The most experience I was able to get was from my externship which went well but I wound up taking a job as a career sales agent for a major life insurer after obtaining the required state license. This wound up being the hardest job of my life and lasted only 8-9 months. During this period 9/11 occurred and I could not re-enter the medical insurance field no matter what I tried. I was hurt because I always left my previous jobs in insurance (health/medical) on good terms. I then spent another 5 months selling food service equipment.

Throughout all this I never finished my college education. My course study was public administration which I have honestly lost interest in (80 credits) and I am now studying on-line in the IT field. I do know that I am paying the cost for years of poor study habits but am concerned that my resume will look like I am unable to finish what I start. I am also trained as a paralegal.

How can I effectively reintroduce myself to the health insurance field? My experience ranges from: subscriber relations, correspondence assistant, quality assurance analyst, claims examiner.
Thank you,
Joseph

Answer
by Bridget Oakes, Senior Search Consultant

Joseph, thanks for the question. I think this is something that many people have struggled with recently, when they’ve transitioned out of a troubled industry, taken “what’s available” and are now finding it difficult to make their way back into their field of choice.

From your email, it appears as though you left the health insurance field about 8 years ago and since then have worked as a pastry chef, a food equipment sales person, life insurance sales person and most recently in human services. I’m guessing you have about 5 years experience in human services.

If I were evaluating you for an opportunity with my organization, it’s likely I could come away with the impression that either you don’t finish what you start or you can’t decide what you want to be when you “grow up,” neither of which are good things for a hiring manager, HR representative, or recruiter to think about you.

So, how do you address this? First we need to clarify and cement your objective.

From your email, I’m confused as to your career objective. Either you would like to remain in the human services field because you really enjoy the work or you are trying to find out how to effectively reintroduce yourself to the health insurance field.

If we assume that you’re looking to get back into the health insurance field, you’re going to have an uphill battle.

But here are the basics (which actually apply to any job search):

Structure your Resume for Greatest Impact:
I would suggest that you write your resume in a functional format. This format groups experience and accomplishments by functional area, and allows you to bring relevant information of past positions to the top of your resume.

An exceptionally strong summary statement will be necessary as well. This should state your objective, clarify your career goals, and provide an overview of what you can bring to an organization or company.

I suggest this because, to be absolutely honest, if, as a recruiter, I don’t see what I’m looking for in the first page of a resume, I usually don’t bother to turn the page.

I’m sure that the professional resume writers that contribute to the Job Lounge would have better advice on this topic.

Don’t Rely on Your Resume:
You need to market yourself aggressively. This is my best piece of advice for anyone looking to make a career change. Make a list of target companies and call them, find out who manages the group you’d be interested in joining and call that person. Introduce yourself, explain that you are exploring a return to the industry and “pitch” your experience and qualifications. (This is “recruiting in reverse” and can be a great way to get your foot in the door.) The goal here is to get your name and information to the decision maker. If that decision maker likes you, the objections that Human Resources will likely have regarding your background will be minimized.

Bridget Oakes is a Senior Search Consultant with Partners in Technology. With nearly 10 years experience in executive search and recruiting, she is well equipped to provide advice and guidance to candidates searching for new careers, and welcomes the opportunity to do so through Job Lounge.

Susan Ireland’s Two Cents
I love this post: I’m a Damn Happy Jack by Lisa, who had a 15-year stint in the healthcare industry before changing “jobs” again to become an entrepreneur. Her entire post is worth reading but here are a few excerpts:

I don't know who it was that said that "the average person will change careers at least seven times," but they were wrong. I think the number is more like twenty. How many jobs does it take us to really get that it's not the job that defines the man? Our jobs may change and so might the title on our business card. People might respond to us differently depending on the profession we claim ourselves to be a part of. All of this doesn't matter. What matters is whether or not we enjoy the work we do.

Lisa goes on to talk about why she thinks most job seekers change jobs and careers so often:

Many of us have had so many jobs or have held several jobs at the same time because we're passionate about a lot of things.

She then lists the 18 (count them!) jobs she’s held in her 25-year worklife.

Job Lounger, do you have a question? Email (joblounge@aol.com) it to me and I’ll post your question and an expert’s answer here in The Job Lounge.

Career Change at 55

Question
My resume hasn't been updated for over 10 years. I've been in the newspaper business for about 15 years now and I just hate it. There's no room for advancement. The depression is unbelievable.

I will be almost 55 yrs old and I do not know how to change my resume. I have a degree in illustration and rendering. But I have not been able to use my talent. I would love to work at the field museum. But I don't know were to start. I'm sorry if I feel confused and frustrated. I just don't know were to start. I hate having to be stuck in a job just to say I have one. Can you help me?
-- Joan

Answer
by Catherine Sutton, Professional Resume Writer

Dear Joan,
No one should have to stay in a job they hate. There really are possibilities out there that would satisfy you and make you feel glad to get up in the morning. I suggest contacting a good career coach first of all.

There are probably some free resources at your local One Stop Center, your library, and, of course, online. You could ask people you know to recommend a coach or call the career coach on Susan Ireland’s team, Roberta Rosen at 415-885-4804. (Roberta works with clients by phone if they don’t live in her area, which is San Francisco.)

Another step to take you in the right direction would be to call the field museum (or anywhere else that you think you might like to work) and ask if you can come in and talk to someone to find out what positions people hold there and what skills and abilities those positions require. This is called an “informational interview.” This type of interview is just what it says – for gathering information – and you initiate the meeting. You don’t need a resume for this. In fact it’s better if you simply focus on gathering information at this stage.

The next step is to craft a resume that will catch the attention of your chosen target. By now you are in a much better position because you have an idea how your talents and abilities would fit that workplace.

One of the main mistakes people make is to think that a resume is all about their past. Oh no! A resume is about your future. A good resume shows how you could contribute to the position you have in mind. Isn’t it great to know you don’t have to repeat those tasks you hate to doing?!

When writing your resume, put yourself in your prospective new employer’s shoes (you could simply imagine your ideal new situation) and think of your relevant projects and accomplishments that you’re proud of. Those accomplishments don’t have to be at work and they don’t have to be recent.

Write a short description (two or three lines max) for each accomplishment you think of and make sure you say where you did it. Was it for the newspaper? Say so. Was it a drawing you did at home that caught the subject particularly well? Include details like numbers or dollar figures if you can, or focus on how you overcame challenges.

It’s much better to describe specific, accountable accomplishments of your own rather than copying boring and general statements that you see on other people’s resumes. And I suggest you start from scratch rather than trying to update your old resume. You’ll like the result much better.

Check out the Damn Good Resume website where you’ll get some great hot tips that really work. And you’ll get more excellent advice.

Good luck! I’m excited for you!

Resume for Jack of All Trades

Question
I'm kind of a jack of all trades and have had jobs in different industries. I started out in Nursing 4 yrs (BA), then went to financial sales for about 16 yrs (Series 7,6,63 and Insurance licenses), had 1 yr Computer Software Sales, worked concurrently with the financial sales as a General Contractor, building spec homes, and now am running my own business (Curves Women’s Fitness Club) which is up for sale.

You see my problem: I've had many different experiences which could be interpreted as not being focused. Continue reading...

From Self-Employment to Employment

Question
I have had a sporadic and unproductive work life. At 43 I have no children or a marriage as an excuse.

I have worked independently as a massage therapist and yoga instructor for the past seven years. Now, I want very much to do something else.

I am working on a resume to submit to Stony Brook University to do something managerial. Considering I had my own business [massage/yoga] what would I head that work experience as?
-- Valerie

Answer
by Richard Yadon, Health Career Professionals, President/CEO

Your question is as much about resume writing as it is managing your career. Let’s tackle the resume question for now.

Keep in mind that your resume is really nothing more than your marketing brochure. You are the product and the salesperson. Your resume has to quickly, very quickly, grab the attention of the hiring manager or human resources representative. If they can’t readily find a connection between what they need and what you offer they will move on to the next resume in their stack. How you head and describe your past business experience is dependent upon what the University is looking for.

For instance:
If they are looking for someone to manage clerical people you might want to list the heading like this:
Manager/Owner, Massage & Yoga Business

If they want someone to manage a specific program, you might list the heading like this:
Program Manager/Owner, Yoga Therapy Programs

I recommend you take the following steps:
1) Try to find out to whom the position reports.
2) Call this person, tell them you are interested in the position, but you’d like to know more about the duties and responsibilities. Listen carefully because you will learn the needs of this hiring manager. If you can’t talk with the hiring manager, see if Human Resources can give you this information.
3) Make a list of your business ownership responsibilities and compare it to the duties of the job to which you are applying.
4) Find the correlations between the two lists and construct a heading that will grab the attention of the hiring manager or HR representative. Your heading must demonstrate experience with the kind of management they need.

Richard Yardon's firm, Health Career Professionals, is an executive search and employee development company focused in the healthcare industry. If you'd like Richard to help with your job search, email him.

Susan Ireland's Two Cents
Valerie, I searched online to find some good posts/articles about entrepreneurs switching to employment. They were hard to find! There were a gazillion articles about transitioning from employment to self-employment but very few on the reverse. Yet, I know you are not alone. Many consultants and other self-employed folks are moving back into employment because self-employment simply isn’t the right thing for them.

Here’s a comment by Repique to a post on Ask the Readers: Find the Right Career?, which I think says it well.

Job Lounger, do you have a question? Email (joblounge@aol.com) it to me and I’ll post your question and an expert’s answer here in The Job Lounge.

Over-Qualified for Non-Management Job

Question
I have been off work for approximately one year to take care of personal matters. I would like to return to the workforce, but I am over-qualified for the type of positions I would like to apply for.

I was previously in a management position in the hospitality sector, but now I would just like to have a position with no management responsibilities, staying within the same industry.

How do I tone down my resume, so that I will have a chance to have an interview?

Your advice would be greatly appreciated. -- Kathy

Answer
by Marc Effron, VP, Talent Management, Avon Products

Kathy, the skills you gained in the management role will certainly make you an outstanding non-management employee. Convincing potential employers of that is going to be a hurdle, but “toning down” your resume is probably not the right direction. I’d suggest a few steps:

1. Emphasize in your resume the skills that will be valued in this new role. If it’s a role with customer contact, provide examples of your customer service capabilities, etc.

2. Have a compelling story and be able to tell it perfectly. The obvious fear of a potential employer is that, while you say you want a non-management role, you might not be happy once you’re in that role. Be able to explain to the employer in one minute, in a clear, compelling, positive way, why a non-management role is perfect for you. Emphasize what interests you about the new role without being negative about the old role (e.g., “I really value more face-to-face time with the customer,” not, “I hated doing all that paperwork.”)

3. Apply in person, if possible. Once you have your compelling story and your new resume, try to get informational interviews with potential employers so you can tell your story in person. If this isn’t possible, put your compelling story into a cover letter with an introduction that acknowledges the step you’re taking (e.g. “When you first read my resume, you might wonder why I’m applying for this job after having been in a management role. I’m interested in this job because . . .”).

I hope that helps. Best of luck in your job search!

Susan Ireland’s Two Cents
Kathy, consider joining LinkedIn where you can meet colleagues from your industry. Because LinkedIn is a network of trusted professionals, you can be honest about your reasons for wanting to “downsize” the amount of responsibility you have in your next job; and hopefully get some good support. It’s also possible that through LinkedIn’s Jobs section, you’ll find a hiring manager with whom you are directly or indirectly connected, and therefore have a chance of applying in person, as Marc mentioned above. Best of luck with your transition back into the workforce!

Job Lounger, do you have a question? Email it to me and I’ll post your question and an expert’s answer here in The Job Lounge.

The Comeback Mom

Question
I have been a stay-at-home mom for 15 years, and during that time I have also owned and operated my own photography business. I have also volunteered through the school PTO organizations and have acquired skills along the way. Although I love being a stay-at-home mom, I find that I must return to the working world.

How can I put together a successful resume when I have not officially been working? I do not have "references" to speak of and I don't even know where I would look for a job. Can you help? –Lisa

Answer
Lisa, before you start working on your resume, you need to figure out what type of job you will apply for. My theory is: Your resume is about your future, not your past. Once you know your job objective, you’ll be in a position to create a resume that contains the experience (paid and unpaid), skills, and personality that supports your career goal.

Here’s a product that might help you with the initial step of figuring out what job you want next: The Back-to-Work Toolkit, a Guide for Comeback Moms by Nancy Collamer.

The Toolkit is composed of:
- A downloadable PDF, which can be printed and read in hardcopy OR can be used as a reference tool on your computer, allowing you to take advantage of the many hyperlinks in the text
- Four audio interviews with job search experts
- Membership in an online forum for job-seeking moms

Nancy Collamer is a career counselor and founder of the Jobs and Moms Career Center. Her Toolkit costs $39.95.

To see sample resumes of parents re-entering the workforce, click here.