how to make a career change resume

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Switching Careers? Here’s How to Write a Strong Resume.

  • Benjamin Laker,
  • Vijay Pereira,
  • Abhishek Behl,
  • Zaheer Khan

how to make a career change resume

Start with a personal statement.

When you’re switching career paths, there’s one essential thing you need to focus on: updating your resume. Crafting a smart resume is key to showing your potential employer why you wish to make a change. While there’s no one right format to write a resume, here are some tips you can follow:

  • Begin the resume with a personal statement. This is a short description about who you are, your reasons for changing your career, your new goals, how your previous experience can be transferred to the new industry, and why you’re perfect for the job.
  • Next, instead of highlighting your work experience first, showcase the skills you’ve learned throughout your career. That’s because when changing careers, the hiring managers reviewing your application may not always be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of a different industry.
  • Below your skills, you can include a more traditional description of your relevant work history. You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever had, especially if you’ve held a number of positions that don’t highlight any essential skills required for this role.
  • Finally, end with a chronological list of your educational qualifications. You can also include details about any certifications or courses that you may be undertaking that may be relevant to the position you’re interested in.

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Where your work meets your life. See more from Ascend here .

Switching career paths and trying something completely new can open you up to exciting opportunities, help you learn new things, and even earn you more money. But it’s not always easy — especially if you’re looking to move into an entirely different field. Apart from doing your research and unearthing opportunities, there’s one essential thing you need to focus on before you make the leap: updating your resume.

how to make a career change resume

  • Benjamin Laker is a professor of leadership at Henley Business School, University of Reading. Follow him on Twitter .
  • Vijay Pereira is a professor of strategic and international human capital management at NEOMA Business School.
  • AB Abhishek Behl is an assistant professor of information management at the Management Development Institute Gurgaon.
  • ZK Zaheer Khan is a professor in strategy and international business at the University of Aberdeen.  

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How to Write a Career Change Resume [With Template]

Young woman writing resume on laptop

Starting a career in a new field is exciting, but getting your foot in the door often presents a challenge. If you’re worried about your application being overshadowed by candidates with more experience than you, don’t underestimate the role that a well-written resume can play in the hiring process. Even if you don’t have the work experience an employer is looking for, your resume can effectively convey why you’d be a great fit for the job. 

According to iHire’s 2020 Talent Retention Report , 66% of survey respondents have recently considered changing careers. The report also found that not knowing how to write a career change resume was a commonly cited roadblock for would-be career switchers. 

In this guide, we explain what a career change resume is and how to write one. We’ve also included a free template, so you can get to work on crafting a resume for your dream role.

How to Write a Resume for a Career Change

In general, most best practices for writing a resume also apply to career change resumes. However, there are a few areas you’ll want to be sure to emphasize when writing a resume for a new career path. While a traditional resume focuses heavily on work experience, career change resumes focus more on transferable skills.

In terms of how your resume is structured, a combination resume format may be the way to go. This type of resume places an equal emphasis on both skills and experience. Instead of starting the resume with your work experience, combination resume templates typically begin with an objective and a summary of relevant skills. 

The steps listed below can help you adapt your existing resume into one that is tailored for career switching. 

1. Craft a resume objective  

A resume objective is a short summary of your professional experience, skills, accomplishments, and career goals. 

Resume objectives and summaries are often considered optional, especially if you are trying to save room on your resume, but this section is crucial for those looking to change careers. The hiring manager may not make an immediate connection between your experience and the role you’re applying for, so your resume objective is essential for helping convey why you’re interested in this industry. 

Your objective should be no longer than a couple sentences. If it takes up more than two or three lines on your resume, try to shorten it.

2. Include a skills summary 

If you’re in the midst of changing careers, you’ll want to feature your skills prominently on your resume. In fact, we recommend listing them above your work experience. 

In the skills summary section, list a few skills you want to highlight, and add bullet points underneath each skill that provide examples of when you’ve used this skill. 

Not sure what type of skills to include in this section? Scan the job description for the position you’re applying for and use some of the required skills as your starting point. Some soft skills—such as leadership skills —are applicable for almost any job. Including some of the same keywords as the job description can help ensure that your resume makes it past automatic review filters.

In some situations, you might also choose to make a separate section for “Technical Skills.” In this section, you can briefly list your proficiency with various industry tools or software. This can be a great way to capture additional keywords from the job description, without having to list full examples of when you’ve used each tool. 

3. Focus on the most relevant work experience 

For a career change resume, the work experience section is all about transferable skills. You don’t necessarily need to list all of the responsibilities you had at your old job. Instead, focus on the responsibilities that are the most relevant for the new position you’re applying for. For example, if you’re a customer service representative hoping to land a job in digital marketing, you may choose to narrow in on your ability to find creative solutions for your customers. 

Here are a few tips for describing your work experience:

  • Connect your work experience back to the skills listed in your skills summary section
  • Focus on achievements, providing numbers and data whenever possible
  • Tailor your descriptions to each job you apply for, working in keywords from the job description

If you’re running out of space on your resume, keep in mind that you don’t need to list every job you’ve ever had. Stick to your most recent two or three jobs, and leave older, irrelevant jobs behind. 

Related: How to Successfully Navigate a Midlife Career Change and Avoid a Crisis

4. Highlight your education (including certificates) 

Whether or not your education is directly related to the job you’re applying for, it’s still important to include this section on your resume. If you have limited professional experience, you can bolster your resume with some descriptions of your academic achievements, such as your GPA or relevant coursework you’ve completed. 

For example, imagine you have an undergraduate degree in history and are applying for a role as a business analyst. If you took any courses in business or analytics during college, be sure to mention them. They might not have been a part of your degree, but they show that you’ve had an ongoing interest in understanding how businesses operate. 

If you’ve earned any certificates outside of a degree program, be sure to list these, too. Online programs and certificates offer a way to expand your knowledge in a specific subject area, without the time commitment of a full degree program. They can show employers that you are serious about your professional development and would like to gain more experience in a particular industry. 

Related: Top 10 Most In-Demand Online Courses from Wharton Online Right Now

5. Add in notable projects and accomplishments 

Dedicating a section of your resume to projects and accomplishments isn’t always necessary, but if you’re changing careers or do not have much work experience, this can be a valuable way to round out your resume. You can use this space to highlight any personal achievements that are not directly related to work or school—for example, personal projects, volunteer work, or involvement in industry-related clubs or organizations. 

If you choose to include a section for projects or accomplishments, make sure that everything you list ties back to a key skill or characteristic that is relevant for your desired career path.

Career Change Resume Example 

Now that we’ve covered some tips for creating a resume tailored to a career change, let’s explore an example. We crafted this resume for a customer service representative who is applying for a digital marketing specialist position. 

Name and Contact Information 

Abigail Jacobs 

Philadelphia, PA

267-555-0176 | [email protected]

linkedin.com/in/abigail-jacobs-example

Driven and hardworking professional with a proven track record of increasing customer satisfaction levels. Looking to leverage my problem-solving skills and build upon my 3+ years of customer service experience by transitioning into the digital marketing space.

Professional Skills 

Problem Solving

  • Developed creative solutions for unsatisfied customers at Platinum Auto Insurance and Accelerate Call Center
  • Lead brainstorming sessions with team members to improve customer satisfaction metrics

Communication 

  • 3+ years of experience in customer services roles, frequently communicating with customers both on the phone and over email 
  • Completed a B.A. in Communications and was an active member of the Public Speaking Club while in college 

Organization 

  • Used Excel to organize and track customer service metrics, and compiled these metrics into weekly reports for management 

Technical Skills 

  • Microsoft Word
  • Google Suite 
  • Google Analytics 
  • Google Search Console 

Work Experience

Senior Customer Service Advisor

Platinum Auto Insurance | Sept 2019 – Present

  • Resolved over 100 customer complaints per week, communicating with customers via phone and email 
  • Tracked KPIs for each ticket and delivered weekly customer satisfaction reports for management, consistently exceeding target satisfaction ratings by 5-10%
  • Collaborated with team members to identify creative solutions for customers

Customer Service Representative 

Accelerate Call Center | Jul 2018 – Sept 2019 

  • Responded to 50+ calls per day, answering questions from customers and redirecting to other departments as needed 
  • Demonstrated written communication skills by revamping customer service phone scripts, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction ratings 

Bachelor of Arts in Communication

University of Pennsylvania | Jun 2018

  • Completed courses in advertising and social media

Digital Marketing Certificate 

Wharton Online | Mar 2022

  • Completed a six-week program from The Wharton School
  • Learned about topics such as marketing analytics, customer relationships, social media, and e-commerce marketing 

Personal Projects

Marketing Assistant for Public Speaking Club 

2017 – 2018

  • As a member of the Public Speaking Club at University of Pennsylvania, assisted the club with creating a monthly newsletter
  • Managed social media accounts for the club, consistently posting content and engaging with followers 

Marketing Consultant 

2020 – Present 

  • Assisted a friend with the creation and management of photography business website
  • Used Google Analytics and Google Search Console to measure the performance of website content 

Career Change Resume Template

We’ve adapted this example into three different template formats, with the hope that it can serve as a jumping off point for your own career change resume. Click on the links below to download the template:

  • Microsoft Word .DOCX
  • Google Docs (click on “File > Make a copy” to save to your own Google Docs folder)

Screenshot of an example career change resume

Stand Out From the Crowd With Wharton Online

If you’re looking to switch careers in the near future, an online certificate program can help set you up for success. In addition to gaining valuable insights into a specific industry, you’ll be able to list your certificate on your resume and LinkedIn. This can give you a competitive edge during your job search. 

Wharton Online offers certificate programs in subjects such as leadership and management, asset and portfolio management, and digital marketing. All of our courses are conducted 100% online, giving you the flexibility to complete coursework on your own schedule. Explore our online programs today , or reach out to us with any questions. 

For more tips on how to navigate a career change, download our free guide, “ The Career-Switching Handbook for 30‑Somethings .”

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Download our eBook: The Career-Switching Handbook for 30‑Somethings

Job-hopping is a growing trend among young professionals, and for many good reasons. Download our free eBook, “The Career-Switching Handbook for 30‑Somethings,” for the latest career-switching tips, strategies, and data.

Download the eBook

The Wharton School is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU.

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Best for senior and mid-level candidates

There’s plenty of room in our elegant resume template to add your professional experience while impressing recruiters with a sleek design.

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  • Career Change Resumes
  • Changing Careers To Resumes
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  • Career Change Resumes for Teachers

Noah breathed a sigh of relief as he found a few accounting job descriptions that intrigued him. After spending years in various financial roles and racking up some impressive creds as a financial analyst, he felt confident in this career switch. But was he as ready for the resume overhaul he needed as he was for his career change?

Noah’s confidence went up when he found our library of career change resume examples and time-tested hints. Plus, he knew he’d be able to expand upon his career objective and add even more value by making a cover letter ! The notes he took while preparing his application materials even helped him navigate a victorious interview.

Whether you’re looking to change careers in accounting, teaching, or any other profession, check out our handy resources to build your own success story like Noah did!

Career Change Resume

or download as PDF

Career change resume example with 14 years of experience

Why this resume works

  • A summary merges your background with the opportunities you’re seeking. In other words, a summary demonstrates how your experience has prepared you for your new field. However, you should only use a summary if you’ve had  at least 10 years of experience.
  • Choosing a  professional resume template  and  resume format  can help make your resume look professional and cohesive without much effort.

Multiple Career Resume

Multiple career resume example with 13 years of experience

  • The keywords you include will help tie your expertise together and prove that you have the right abilities for the job. 
  • Start by listing hard skills (aka technical, learned skills) listed in the job description. If you don’t have a lot, then simply use soft skills like “analytical” and collaboration.”
  • Whatever jobs you’ve held, find a common thread between them and the new job, then sew that thread into every job experience. It’ll be a subtle but powerful tool to increase credibility despite multiple career changes. 

Career Change To Accounting Resume

Career change to accounting resume example with 10+ years of experience

  • If you’re applying to be an accountant but it wasn’t your most recent role, be sure to add a certifications section highlighting that you are a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Career Change To Administrative Assistant Resume

Career change to administrative assistant resume example with 7 years of experience

  • Enhance your career change to administrative assistant resume with a short summary that shows recruiters where to draw parallels between your past experience and target title.

Marketing Manager Career Change Resume

Marketing manager career change resume example with 12 years of experience

  • There are numbers everywhere; look for percentages relating to your skills, like how you boosted efficiency or increased sales from last quarter. The sky’s the limit!
  • If you can’t find (or don’t have access to) percentages, then use plain numbers relating to how many team members you worked with, how many clients you took on, or how many referrals you gained.
  • Things like only using active verbs and avoiding personal pronouns might seem minor, but they make reading your resume easier, which is huge for recruiters and hiring managers.
  • And speaking of details, always  double-check your resume  for proper grammar, punctuation, and overall flow.

RN Career Change Resume

RN career change resume example with 17 years of experience

  • An objective is only two to three sentences, so make sure each word packs a verbal punch by showing off your years of experience, skills, and desire for the role you’re seeking.
  • For example, mentioning your adherence to HIPPA guidelines can demonstrate to hiring managers that you will stick to the rules. On the flip side, explaining how you used active listening to assist patients will show your compassion and customer service skills.

Journalist Career Change Resume

Journalist career change resume example with 7 years of experience

  • Start by keeping your resume to a single page. Otherwise, you’ll overwhelm hiring managers (who will likely toss your resume into the recycling).
  • It’s best to use reverse-chronological formatting on your resume to keep your most relevant job history at the top. While other formats are necessarily wrong, they aren’t standard, and they’re harder for hiring managers (and the ATS) to read.
  • In your contact header, include your email address (make sure it’s a professional email), your phone number, and your location. 
  • Consider adding a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile if you have a LinkedIn account.

Mechanical Engineer Career Change Resume

Mechanical engineer career change resume example with 17 years of experience

  • Consider asking a friend, relative, or even a career advisor from your alma mater to scan your resume for errors and discrepancies.
  • Nothing tells a recruiter you’re not the right person for the job like saying you’re great at “time management.” 
  • Put color in your section headers (or company titles) and your contact header. This will add visual interest without being overwhelming.
  • If you’re applying to work at a conservative financial firm, you may want to stick to traditional colors rather than pastel pink or lavender.

Teacher Career Change Resume

Teacher career change resume example with 10 years of experience

  • Look for ways to connect your previous duties to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
  • Many skills  indirectly  transfer from one job to another. Consider your collaboration skills: your ability to work well with fellow teachers will help you work on team projects at your next job.
  • Of course, if you have any skills, projects, or experience in your new field, include them, and explain how you’ve mastered them in your career change cover letter .
  • Using a  resume template  is invaluable here, as you can easily scooch sections to the side, adjust your margins, and fix your font type to give you some extra wiggle room.

Teacher to Project Manager Resume

Teacher to project manager resume example with 6 years of experience

  • The work experience bullet points to occupy the largest share of your CV—no more than four bullets for each role. As for your contact info, education, skills, hobbies, and certifications, a side column will do the trick. The cherry on top is restricting the entire resume to one page.

Teacher to Human Resources Resume

Teacher to human resources resume example with counseling experience

  • But more importantly, mention the relevant transferable skills you bring to this entry-level role, a requirement Elijah executes well in his teacher to human resources resume. Better yet, let your bullet points show how you used these proficiencies in previous teaching roles.

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Career Change Resume for 2024 [9+ Examples]

Background Image

Thinking of switching careers?

It might feel a lot like taking a leap of faith. 

You’re stepping into the unknown - that alone takes a lot of courage and determination.

You might even feel like a recent graduate all over again.

You have 0 experience, entering an entirely new field, competing with people who’ve been doing it forever!

That sounds pretty scary.

But here’s the thing:

As long as you’re armed with the right resume, the transition can be a piece of cake.

And luckily, we’re here to help and guide you through the process.

So, if you’re thinking of breaking into a new career industry, be sure to read on.

  • How to pick the best resume format for a career change
  • How to create a skill summary and wow the recruiter
  • How to show off transferable work experience
  • 3+ other ways to impress the recruiter (even if you have 0 relevant work experience)

Choosing the Best Career Change Resume Format

career change resume

A big part of creating an effective resume is choosing the right resume format to tell your story with.

You need to structure your resume in a way that best shows your transferable skills and experience.

And when it comes to switching careers, the combination resume format does that best.

career change resume example

Here’s why:

This format places equal emphasis on skills and important work experience . 

This way, you can show you have the right industry transferable skills , even if you haven’t had the actual job title.

The format is ideal for people:

  • Making a career change with transferable skills or work experience.
  • With some employment gaps.
  • With a diverse range of skills and experience .
  • Applying to both creative and traditional roles.

And here’s what you include within this format:

  • Contact information
  • Resume objective or summary
  • Skills summary
  • Work experience
  • Certification

Now, we’re going to go over each of those sections and explain how to write them step-by-step.

Here’s what you need to know:

How to Add Your Contact Information the Right Way

Your contact information is arguably the most important part of your resume.

Even if you’re the most qualified person in the world, it’s not going to matter much if you misspell your email and the HR manager can’t contact you.

So, here’s what you should include in this section:

  • First name, last name 
  • Phone number - Make sure to include your country code if you’re applying outside your country.
  • Email address - Something professional like [[email protected]].
  • Location - The company needs to know if you’re located in the region or if they may have to sponsor your relocation.
  • Title - Either your current professional title or your new desired one. We’d recommend including the job title you’re applying for word-for-word.

Once you’re done, we’d recommend that you double-check, even triple-check everything. You wouldn’t want to miss your chances of landing the job because of a typo, would you?

  • Got an online portfolio? You can also mention the links here. For example, if you’re a developer, you can include a link to your GitHub profile. If you’re a writer, a Medium link, and so on...

All clear? Good!

Now, let’s cover how to write a successful career change resume objective or summary.

Impress the Recruiter With a Career Change Resume Objective or Summary

So you’ve got your contact details down.

Now, you need a reason for the HR manager to continue reading the rest of your resume.

So, how do you get the recruiter to stop and read your career change resume when they only look at resumes for 6 seconds on average?

The answer: by using a resume objective or summary.

Both of these sections explain why you’re the best person for the job and act as a preview to the rest of your resume.

Here’s how the two differ:

Your resume summary shows your best accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Your resume objective highlights how your current skills are relevant and will transfer to your new position.

As someone going through a career change, you can include either one.

But as a rule of thumb, if you were working in a related field and have some transferable skills, go for a resume summary.

On the other hand, if you were working in a completely unrelated field, go for a resume objective.

Check out these examples to get a better idea of what both of these might look like:

Career Change Resume Summary Example

  • “Customer support specialist with over 4+ years of experience in over-the-phone technical support looking to leverage communication skills as a Sales Agent at Company XYZ. Excellent track record of delivering quality support, with an average rating of 4.6/5 over the past 2 years.”

A career change resume summary helps the HR understand how your skillset from your previous job can translate into your new one.

In that case, it’s best to mention:

  • Your current relevant skills or experience.
  • How your background can help you excel at the current job.

Career Change Resume Objective Example

  • “Organized and hard-working employee looking to join XYZ as a marketing assistant. Looking to take advantage of my skills in Photoshop, graphic design, and creative copywriting to help XYZ with their marketing efforts.”

See the difference here?

Even though the person doesn’t have any relevant work experience, their resume objective still shows how their skill set is relevant to the new job.

Show Off Your Know-How With a Skills Summary Section

Your resume summary / objective is only an introduction. Now, you need to show the HR what you’ve got.

To do that, you need a good skills summary section.

Skills summary is a must-have section for just about any career change resume.

It puts more emphasis on your skill-set, as opposed to your work experience. This allows you to show how you’re a qualified candidate, even though you haven’t done the job before.

Here’s what a sample skills summary section might look like for a front-end developer.

Career Change Resume Skills Summary Example

  • Built an online personal portfolio and resume website using HTML, CSS, JS.
  • Created an online JS/jQuery quiz game that takes multiple answers and shows results to the user.
  • Built a beautiful weather app with Angular 8 from scratch, designed UI with Sketch.
  • Created responsive website templates (that are also mobile friendly) using modern CSS techniques and JS libraries.
  • Worked with design and development groups to create applications from mock-ups in Sketch, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
  • Familiar with Git, XDebug, and Chrome Developer Tools.
  • Debugged over 10 JS web apps for a SaaS project.

Simple enough, right?

You list out each of your key skills, and then back it up with how you’ve used it in the past.

Now, you might be thinking, “what about the work experience section?” Do I just skip it, and use a skills summary instead?

Nope - you still need to list your work experience.

In this case, though, you’d want to use it to show off your transferable skills. Here’s how:

Use Your Work Experience to Show Off Transferable Skills

Let’s take a different example and say you’re moving from a job in sales to copywriting.

A resume you’d use for sales compared to a more creative field like copywriting is probably going to be a bit different.

But what do both of the roles have in common?

Well, for one, they both require you to have excellent communication skills. You also need to be good at understanding your target market and conveying complex information in simple language.

And that’s the common thread you want to focus on in your work experience section.

So, when listing your previous jobs, think of some transferable skills that you bring to the table that are going to be relevant.

Even unrelated jobs have some universal skills that are helpful everywhere.

To give you a better idea of what we mean, let’s look at some examples:

Sales Executive

Company X - 11/2016 - 04/2019

  • Created and presented pitch deck that secured a $500,000 deal - largest for Company X to date.
  • Boosted sales for the most underperforming product by 40% by developing helpful and instructional material for prospects.
  • Created and edited sales materials, scripts, and technical documents for accuracy and consistency.

Here’s what’s done right:

  • Shows transferable skills and achievements.
  • Highlights only the parts from the experience that are related to the new role.

While the above example doesn’t talk about product descriptions or ads, communication materials and sales scripts do show that the candidate can write.

So, for a copywriting position, it’s going to be relevant and worth mentioning.

Now, compare that to the career change work experience below:

  • Cold-emailed 100+ prospects daily.
  • Closed 14+ deals in 2019 so far.
  • Hit and exceeded company KPIs for the past 2 years in a row.

Sure, this example is good. But only if the candidate is applying for a sales job.

For copywriting, though, none of the skills mentioned are going to come in handy.

So, when listing previous job positions, you should focus only on what’s relevant.

job search masterclass novoresume

Now that you know how to properly list work experience, let’s move on to the next section: Education.

Make Your Education Section Shine

Your education section is going to be an important requirement for just about any position above entry-level.

Listing education on your resume is pretty straightforward.

All you have to do is list your latest educational entry (e.g. college degree), and then include all the important stuff below it.

For example, you can include things like:

  • Name of degree (Minor - optional): e.g. B.A. International Business Administration.
  • Name of educational institution: e.g. University of Groningen.
  • Years attended: e.g. 2015 - 2019.
  • Location of the program (optional): e.g. Groningen, Netherlands.
  • GPA (optional): 3.84 (only include if you excelled).
  • Courses that are relevant to the job (optional): e.g. Advanced Business Finances.
  • Exchange programs (optional): e.g. exchange program in Florida, U.S.

Here’s what the full listing for this educational entry might look like:

career change education on resume

You might be wondering, what if I don’t have the right education for the job? Maybe, you have an M.A. in Philosophy, but you’re applying for a job in marketing. Do you still list it?

The answer is a definite yes.

Even if the degree is not relevant at all, it still shows that you’re passionate about learning and education.

In some cases, you might even be able to show off some transferable skills with your degree.

Let’s say, for example, you have a B.A. in English Literature , and you’re applying for a job in marketing. 

You could stress on how your degree gave you amazing writing skills (a must-have for most marketing roles), like so:

B.A. in English Literature.

University XYZ - 2014-2018

  • Excelled in creative writing courses
  • Part-time as a reporter for the university website

PS - Do you still have some questions on how to list your education section? Maybe you’re wondering what else you can include? Check out our full guide on how to list education on a resume with 13+ real-life examples.

Done with your education section? Awesome!

This brings us to the next section on your career change resume.

How (and Why) to List Skills On a Career Change Resume

skills on career change resume

When it comes to the skills section, what most recruiters want to know is if you can actually do what the job ad asks for.

And like with the other sections till now, relevance is key.

You should only ever list skills that are appropriate to the job you’re applying for.

To find out what’s relevant, start by scanning the job listing.

Most job ads usually include a list of requirements or skills they expect for a good candidate to have.

So, all you have to do is mention those exact skills on your resume.

Let’s take a look at an example.

Career Change Resume Skills Example

Assuming the job ad is for a junior front-end developer who has:

  • 2-4 Years of professional experience using JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
  • Up to 1 years of visual design experience focusing on strong UX/UI.
  • Good communication skills and team-player

You’d want to list the following skills:

  • Communication Skills
  • Team-Player

So, all you have to do is mention these skills, and you’re good to go!

  • Not sure which skills are a must-have for your role? Check out our complete list of all must-have skills for any given field or position!

Showing Career Certifications on a Resume

When you’re switching careers, certifications are an amazing way to show you’re serious about your craft.

This shows you’re willing to put in the work and that you’ve already taken the first steps.

When listing certifications though, make sure they’re relevant to your field.

For a marketing role, here’s what that might look like:

  • HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certified, 2019.
  • Google Analytics Individual Qualification, 2018.
  • SEMrush Content Marketing Toolkit Course, 2018.

And here’s an example done wrong:

  • TechCamp Python Bootcamp, 2019.
  • Udemy JavaScript 101 Course.

For a marketing role, those certificates are completely irrelevant and aren’t even in the same field.

While they might be impressive on their own, that doesn’t mean they make you a better marketer.

Listing Personal Projects

Another great way to show that you’re the right person for the job is to list personal projects.

This can be just about anything:

  • Founding a sports team in university
  • Project you did for business class
  • A Part-time online store you created on Etsy
  • Passion-project for wood-working
  • And whatever else you love (that’s relevant for your new career)

Pretty much anything that can make up for your lack of experience in the field counts.

But of course, keep in mind that your projects should be relevant to your new job.

Getting into coding? Here’s what your projects section could look like...

personal projects in career change resume

Make sure to stick to relevant projects, though.

The HR manager cares about your CODING experience, not about the fact that you started a basketball team in college.

Now, compare that to:

  • Excelled in Anthropology and Archaeology classes at University X.
  • Self-taught knitting pro.

You shouldn’t list projects just for the sake of standing out or filling up space. 

The more irrelevant information you mention in your resume, the more likely it is for the recruiter to accidentally skip out on all your must-have sections.

  • Still have some space on your resume? You can also include the hobbies & interests section. Check out our guide to learn how (and why)!

How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

Done with your resume?

But wait, before you get too excited - you’re still not done.

You need to back up your resume with a career change cover letter.

And no - it’s not like the usual cover letter you’re used to writing. 

When you’re switching careers, you want to use your cover letter to highlight WHY you’re switching fields and WHY your skills are a good match for the new role.

To do this, make sure you bring up a ton of examples and call out any key statistics or measurable results to draw upon, if possible.

To help you craft the best career change cover letter, check out the example below:

career change cover letter sample

Here’s what’s done right with this cover letter:

  • Addresses the reader (i.e. “Dear Doris” or if you can’t find their name, “To Whom it May Concern.”).
  • Makes it clear they want to transition into a different career (from marketing and retail sales into public relations in this case).
  • Shows they’ve done the research and the letter is tailored to the company's products and brand.
  • Provides specific examples and achievements (“raised more than $ 10,000 for the event.”).
  • Ends on a confident note and provides a call-to-action (and where to contact them).

Think your cover letter game is lacking? Check out our complete, step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter.

If you're thinking about a career change, and want to join a community of global professionals who are also re-designing and reframing their careers, then consider Unsettled’s Lifestyle Incubator.

Unsettled’s Lifestyle Incubator program is a 4-week highly interactive “virtual retreat” for professionals seeking to redefine their career trajectory and be more intentional about designing their next steps.

Through original workshops, weekly live sessions, practical tools, frameworks and peer-to-peer conversations with a global and diverse community of professionals, they will help you identify the core tensions between the lifestyle you want and the career trajectory that aligns your values, interests, and skills.

Key Takeaways

To recap, going through a mid-career transition probably sounds intimidating. 

But if you craft your career change resume focusing on transferable skills and experience - then you’re good to go!

Just make sure you follow these main key tips while working on your resume:

  • Use the combination resume format to highlight your transferable skills and work experience.
  • Include all the essential career change resume sections - contact information , resume objective or summary , skill summary , work experience , soft and technical skills , certifications and personal projects.
  • And while doing so, highlight only what’s relevant to your new position.
  • Finally, make sure you attach a tailored cover letter to your resume and mention WHY you’re switching fields and what unique skills you’re bringing with you.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you land your dream job, every step of the way. Be sure to check out our career blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice and more actionable tips.

Suggested Reading:

  • How to Get Your Resume Layout Right [3 Free Templates]
  • How to Write an ATS Resume
  • 20+ One-Page Resume Templates [Free Download]

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  • Resume and Cover Letter
  • Make the Perfect Resume For a...

Make the Perfect Resume For a Career Change

10 min read · Updated on May 09, 2023

Ken Chase

Before you start pursuing a career change, make sure that your resume is ready to play its part

According to various studies, the average American holds many different jobs throughout their career. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that Americans born between 1957 and 1964 held an average of more than 12 jobs during their working years. Gone are the days when people worked for the same employer for their entire career! As a result, you should expect that you'll need to make at least one career change between now and your eventual retirement.

In this post, we'll look at some of the steps you should take before making a career change and examine the important role that your resume can play in helping you to successfully make that switch. We'll also provide some tips that you can use to create the perfect resume to convince prospective employers to meet with you and consider you for their open positions.

Are you ready for a career change?

There are many reasons why people choose to change careers. For example, you might find yourself in a job that doesn't really fit your career goals. Or maybe your workplace has become toxic over time, and you just need to find a new and more positive environment. Whatever your reasons, only you will know when you're ready to move on to that next stage in your career. Making the decision to switch careers is only the first step, though. You also need to figure out what type of career change you need.

1.      Do some serious self-reflection

Before you make any serious change, do some serious self-reflection and assess your goals and aspirations. What type of work best fits your skill set and aligns with how you see yourself as an employee? How much money do you need to meet your needs and feel some sense of satisfaction? What type of work environment do you prefer? Check out our great post on career assessments to learn more:  Can a Career Assessment Help You Figure out Your Future?

2.      Make sure you've researched your options

You also need to do your homework to ensure that you're picking the right career path before you make that change. Get online and start researching everything you can find about your desired job and the industry. Read industry articles, news reports, and other information to ensure that you're up to speed on advancements in the sector. You should also consider talking to others in the industry, especially those who are already doing the type of work you want to pursue.

As you consider these things, think about some of the best jobs for a career change.  Lifetime earning potential may be key considerations if you're thinking about a career change at 30 or 40 years old. If you're considering a  career change at 50 , you might want to look at some of the fastest-growing careers that might offer quicker advancement. Older workers will also want to consider how  ageism might impact their job search so that they can counter it before it occurs.

3.      Determine whether you have the experience and skills you need

Take a hard and honest look at your own skills and experience. Do you have the transferrable skills needed to perform the job you want? Do you have at least some relevant experience that can convey your qualifications to a potential employer? Are there  skills that you need to acquire before you'll feel confident pursuing a new job?

4.      Create a plan

Don't make any concrete career chance decisions until you have a plan in place to help you to reach your goal. Make sure that this plan is a step-by-step roadmap that sets specific micro and macro goals to help you move toward your career objective. Be sure to include time estimates and metrics that you can use to measure your progress and hold yourself accountable.

Why you need to update your resume

When you are finally ready to begin that career change, the next step is to make sure that you have a compelling resume that reflects your qualifications and skills. Don't make the same mistake that so many job seekers make and think that you can simply continue to use your existing resume. 

That could be disastrous to your prospects, since that old resume won't be tailored to fit your new career goal. It likely won't focus on the transferrable skills you need to perform a different type of job, and probably includes experience and other information that has no direct relevance to your desired position.

With that in mind, we've compiled some simple tips that you can use to update your resume and ensure that it's suitable for use in your career change and job search.

Tips to help you to create the perfect career change resume

Before we get started, it's vital to understand that a career change resume is going to look a little different than your typical resume. As a result, the process that you use to craft that resume is going to be a little different too. That's why we've compiled some tips that you can use to create a compelling narrative that can increase your chances of using your resume to secure an interview. As you might expect, a good career change resume needs to demonstrate that you're qualified for the position, even though your experience may not be directly relevant to that job.

Use a hybrid resume format

There are three main resume formats that you can choose for any resume: the chronological format that highlights your work experience, starting from the most recent job, the functional resume that focuses on your skills and achievements (often a necessary choice for candidates who have no work experience), and the hybrid format which combines both options. When you're switching careers and relying on transferrable skills and achievements, that hybrid option is often the best choice.

By using the hybrid format for your resume, you can focus the hiring manager's attention on your qualifications at the beginning of the resume. That way, the reader can quickly see all your relevant attributes, including transferrable abilities that match the position's needs. 

Create a compelling resume summary

The old objective statement has gone out of fashion - and for good reason. Candidates who stated their objectives were usually focused on their own needs rather than those of the company. The more fashionable resume summary statement reads like a sales elevator pitch. It is a brief, two or three sentence summary that highlights your background, experience, notable skills, and major achievements. It's a great way to quickly showcase the value that you offer as a potential hire.

Your summary may include reference to the fact that you're seeking a career change. Follow that by highlighting relevant experience that speaks directly to the qualifications needed for the position you're seeking. Then, include mention of the key transferable skills you bring to the table, as well as an attention-grabbing achievement that shows your value. The following template shows an example of how this can be done:

Former [Previous or current job title] seeking a [job title you are seeking] position. Proven track record of success, using [list most relevant transferable skills] abilities to provide consistent value for employers. Recently [cite major recent achievement, using action verbs and measurable value provided to company or customers].

Focus on transferable skills

If you're not sure what transferable skills you might have, take the time to research those needed for the position you want. Since most transferable skills tend to be soft skills, chances are that you possess at least some skills the company will want to see. By placing your transferable skills right below your summary, you can draw the reader's attention to your suitability before they ever get to your work experience.

Wherever possible, you should make sure that you include skills listed in the job description. When you have them, be sure to use the posting's keywords in your resume too. That will help to ensure that the  applicant tracking system recognizes your skills. Be sure to include relevant hard skills, as well as any that you're in the process of developing. For instance, if you're taking classes to learn project management analytics, include mention of your studies.

To identify your transferable skills, think about all of the soft skills that you possess that could benefit you in a new career. Abilities like communication, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving, and effective customer service are needed in almost every profession. By examining the job description, you should be able to get a good idea about which of your soft skills can provide value to a specific job role and employer.

Tailor your work experience

When you're trying to switch careers, it's likely that your current resume's work experience section won't be tailored to showcase your qualifications for the new job. That shouldn't be a problem, though, if you know how to revise that section to ensure that it focuses on your key transferable skills. To do this the right way, you simply modify your bullet points to ensure that you highlight those skills. For example, if you want to convey your communication and problem-solving skills, you might include something like this:

  • Led successful search for new invoicing solution, facilitating communication between multiple departments to implement processes that reduced labor involvement by 35%, resulting in an average 2-day reduction in invoice turnaround times
  • Implemented new outreach and donor management systems to address 20% decline in donor support, reversing the decline and increasing donor contributions by 31% in the first quarter

No matter what each previous job entailed, make sure that you focus your bullet points on relevant skills you'll need to land your desired job. Even more importantly, make sure that you include those measurable results that will enable the hiring manager to see just how valuable you might be if they hire you for their team.

Highlight any relevant education

Since you may not have the work experience a hiring manager might be looking for, you'll need to bolster your transferable skill list by also including relevant coursework, training, or certifications. If you lack any relevant education and feel as though your resume could benefit from those qualifications, you might want to consider getting some online training or a new certification.

Don't forget to include related projects

One other way that you can highlight relevant experience is to include any  projects that demonstrate the skills you need for the job. For example, if you were involved in the development of your employer's customer service app, listing that achievement could be a great way to showcase some of your more relevant teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Include a career change cover letter

Don't forget to create a tailored career change cover letter that explains your transition. Of course, you should create a cover letter for every resume you submit, but it could be especially important when you're trying to switch careers. Use that cover letter to focus on your best qualifications and try to convey how your skills and experience have prepared you for your new career.

Like most people, you will probably switch jobs and career directions several times over the course of your life – and each time, you'll need to ensure that you have the right resume to successfully make that career change. By focusing on your transferable skills and knowing how to highlight the right kind of experience, you can increase your chances of landing the interview and job offers you need.

Get your  free resume review today to ensure that your resume presents the compelling narrative you need for a successful career change!

Recommended reading:

How to Include Relevant Coursework on a Resume (with Examples)

How to Write a Targeted Resume That Lands You an Interview

How to Write a Resume Outline that Can Simplify the Resume Creation Process

Related Articles:

Top 5 Resume Strategies for Career Shifters - Get Hired!

TopResume on SkimmThis: New Year, New Resume

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

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After 23 years in corporate America, I took a career-change course to figure out what's next. Here are 9 tips that actually helped.

  • After 23 years in corporate America, I decided I needed a career change and signed up for a course.
  • Throughout the program, I learned how important it was to build a network and test out new things. 
  • After eight months, I was finally able to confidently start doing more fulfilling work.

Insider Today

Career change, shift, pivot. Whatever you call it, after 23 years in corporate America , I wanted out.

I didn't know what I wanted to do next, but I was sure it wasn't what I was doing now.

Luckily, the US job market is more stable now than it's been since before 2020. But changing careers is more than finding a new boss or moving to a different company.

During one marathon search session, I stumbled upon Careershifters and paid $1,175 for its eight-week Career Change Launch Pad course.

Now that I've successfully pivoted, here are the best tips I took away from the course.

Step back and assess where you're at

We started the course by taking a quiz that was supposed to help us determine what stage of the pivoting process we were in (questioner, browser, explorer, pathfinder, and shifter).

These kinds of assessments can sometimes feel gimmicky, but it was helpful to zoom out a bit and reflect on where I was at.

The categories stretched from questioner (wondering whether you need to make a change) to shifter (successfully finding more fulfilling work), and the assessment told me I was an explorer (ready to change but not sure what to do).

Look for people, not jobs

Building my network was exponentially more helpful than skimming through endless job descriptions.

I recommend talking to everyone about your shift — family, friends, former colleagues, yoga teachers, LinkedIn connections . You never know what or who they know.

I met a McDonald's Happy Meal toy designer through a former boss, and my chiropractor connected me with a lifestyle magazine.

Don't try to do everything alone

Surrounding myself with a community of other people going through a career change made all the difference in my process.

My program included coaches who had changed careers and about 65 fellow participants from around the world — including a programmer in the UK, a writer in Greece, and an accountant in Brooklyn.

They all understood what it was like to feel stuck and overwhelmed, and we shared ideas, work experiences, and networks.

Related stories

Even if you don't want to do a course, there are career-change coaches , podcasts, books, and so many other resources out there to help.

Career shifts don't happen overnight

We're asked what we want to be when we grow up all the time as kids, but I hadn't had the opportunity to explore that question as an adult.

Deciding to pivot allowed me to take the time to discover more about myself, explore my options, and experiment with different possibilities.

Changing careers is a process — don't rush it. I was eight months into my career shift before I felt confident about what I wanted.

Don't start with updating your résumé

A résumé is all about where you've been. But a career shift is about what you want in the future.

Instead of rushing to update résumés or spruce up my portfolio, I tried to trust the process and focus on figuring out what I wanted.

My career experience up to that point had been something like, "You're perfect. You're hired. Now change."

But after a career-shift coach told me she gets paid to be herself, that became my new mission.

Physically try new things that get you out of your head

It's going to be really hard to find fulfilling work if you're just sitting behind your desk all day looking for opportunities online.

Instead of endlessly searching job boards , I did an informational interview with an author, ran promotions for a high-school musical, and went behind the scenes at a local bakery.

Even if I wasn't necessarily interested in those fields, physically getting myself out there and trying new things helped me along in my process.

Expand your reality bubble

Everyone has what I like to call a "reality bubble," and they're full of different ideas, perspectives, people, and experiences.

Simply expanding that bubble a little bit opened my mind to new possibilities for my career shift.

When I pushed myself to have new and different conversations, I met a gift concierge who helped me identify small businesses that needed marketing help and a Disney travel planner who ended up being my first client when I started working as a career-change consultant.

Take your ideas for a low-risk test drive

Attending workshops and testing things out with friends are great, low-risk ways to experiment with different career possibilities.

I did pro-bono marketing for a doggie day care , took an hourlong course on book publishing, and designed a line of 1980s-themed scented markers — along with 25 other short-lived experiments.

Through all these different experiences, I figured out what gives me energy, what I could get good at, and what I might actually be able to get paid for.

Holding one salaried job isn't the only way to work

When I started this process, I knew I didn't want to do one thing in one place with one company anymore.

Just because having a single source of income is the norm doesn't mean that's where you have to wind up. Eventually, I was able to create a hodgepodged career that met my goal of feeling like I was getting paid to be myself.

Now I work with a variety of people and companies as a freelance writer, career-change consultant, and small-business marketing strategist.

Watch: Marketing leaders from Amazon, LinkedIn, Lego Group and more tell Insider what pandemic-fueled business changes are likely to stick around

how to make a career change resume

  • Main content

Goodwin University Home

A Guide to Changing Careers at 30 or 40 Years Old

While changing careers can be intimidating, it’s completely normal. Studies show that the average American will hold about 12 jobs during their lifetime, with an average tenure of four years working for each employer. Changing jobs is more frequent during our younger years, as we begin to navigate the workforce and discover our interests and talents. However, it’s entirely possible to change careers at any time in your life—even 30 or 40 years old!

And if you decide to change careers late in the game, you are not alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) found that, between the ages of 25 and 34 years old, Americans will change jobs an average of 2.4 times. Between ages 35 and 44, the BLS estimates about 2.9 career changes. It’s never too late to switch gears, learn new skills, and travel down a different road, especially if that means reaching a career that brings you fulfillment and joy. Changing careers at 30, or even 40 years old, just requires a bit of persistence and planning ahead.

How to change careers as an adult

1. identify your talents and skill sets..

As you think about changing careers, it’s important to pinpoint your strengths and your most transferable skills. For example, are you a strong communicator? Do you excel in project management and organization? Do you tend to think outside the box with good problem-solving skills? Take time to identify both your soft skills and your technical capabilities, and consider updating your (now possibly outdated) resume to reflect these strengths. Even if you do not have super relevant job experience, employers will love to see skills like critical thinking, communication, and project management on your application. In fact, research shows that an incredible 97 percent of employers today place high value on soft skills, deeming they are equally or more important than hard skills for a job.

2. Consider your interests and what you want out of a job.

On top of identifying your skill sets, it’s also essential to pin down your passions and interests. If you are changing careers at 30, 35, or 40 years old, it’s likely you have a good idea of what career you want to pursue next. However, if you do not know exactly where you want to go, try making a list of the things or topics that interest you most. Are you an avid lover of science, number-crunching, or creative writing? Do you enjoy helping people and making an impact in their lives? Or, do you prefer behind-the-scenes, operational work?

As you think about your interests, be sure to consider what type of job will bring you fulfillment and purpose. Oftentimes, many people leave their jobs because they crave more meaning in their careers. On top of aligning your career switch with your passion areas, also think about:

  • What type of workplace culture are you seeking?
  • Do you want to work on a team?
  • Are you interested in a people-facing or operational role?
  • Do you want a career that allows you to be a decision- and change-maker?
  • Are you seeking a career that welcomes creativity?
  • Do you desire a career where you feel challenged and pushed, or where you can grow?
  • Is there a certain salary threshold you are hoping to achieve?

These are just some of the many questions you should ask as you consider what’s next in your career trajectory. Once you have a grasp on what’s important to you, you can then begin the process of working towards that job.

3. Research potential career paths and their requirements.

Whether you are exploring your career options, or have your sights set on a specific job already, take time to research the standard requirements for the position or industry. The pathway to some careers are relatively straightforward, with some on-the-job training or professional certification required. Others might necessitate going back to school , either to finish your degree or to start a new program where you can gain career-specific skills.

For example, many of the best jobs for adults switching careers ( according to Indeed ) are in the healthcare field. Most healthcare careers require some technical training and know-how, before being able to get licensed and/or practice in patient care. The great news is, many of these pathways are fast-paced and flexible!

Nursing, for instance, requires an associate degree that only takes about two years to complete. There are even faster nursing programs for those who already have a bachelor’s degree. On the other hand, careers in medical coding and medical assisting require a postsecondary certificate from an accredited program, taking even less time to launch an impactful career.

Every job and every employer will have their own set requirements. As you begin the process of making a career change, no matter your age, you should always begin with a knowledge of the required steps to get there. This will help streamline your career change and save you time and money in the long-run.

Interested in learning more about the process of changing careers? Read our article, here.

4. find an educational training program that meets your needs..

Once you get familiar with the requirements of your dream job, it’s time to check off the boxes. To do so, you must research local schools in your area, or possibly online programs, that offer your pathway of choice. Be sure to look for an institution that is reputable, accredited, and that supports your new career trajectory from start to finish. For example, if you are hoping to change careers to nursing , you should find a nursing school that offers the level of degree and training required by your state.

On top of finding a school or program that supports your career goals, you must also find an academic offering that supports you as an adult student. It’s scary enough to think about going back to school as an adult learner. However, many schools offer flexible programs that are designed for busy individuals like you! And, the right institution will be ready to offer you support services along the way. For example, at Goodwin University, you will find:

  • Accelerated degrees and certificates, to get you into a career you love fast
  • Comprehensive student services , including resume workshops, counseling, job search support, veteran services, and more
  • Customizable schedules, tailored to your individual needs as an adult student
  • Degree completion programs for adults needing to complete their bachelor’s
  • Online and hybrid programs, to support distance learners
  • Part-time program offerings, so you can continue to work while going to school

Going back to school is often an essential part of the process of changing careers. And right now you might be thinking, “Can you really teach an old dog new tricks?” The answer is yes! In fact, the vast majority (almost 75 percent!) of students at Goodwin University are over the age of 25. Many have transferred from other schools or institutions, and many are in the process of changing careers.

Rather than shying away from it, try your best to embrace and welcome the change. Going back to school at 30 or 40 years old is a great way to obtain new skills and gain relevant experience related to your future role. When choosing an educational program, it’s best to choose one that is highly focused on your specific career and building skill sets within that profession. Career-focused colleges and universities are designed to help students develop their skills, and become eligible for the workforce, as fast and thoroughly as possible.

5. Update your resume and begin your job search.

Once you gain relevant skills and the experience or training needed to launch a new career, it’s time to make the big moves: beginning your job search. Before you do this, however, be sure to dust off your resume and update it with any new skills you’ve gained, education you’ve acquired, and training or certifications you’ve completed as an adult. Don’t forget to add your most recent job experience to your resume, too, and remove anything that is especially outdated or no longer relevant.

At Goodwin, we offer our students and alumni support in recreating their resumes, writing cover letters, and preparing for job interviews. We also can help you begin your job search, if and when you are ready. As a career-focused institution , Goodwin has connections with employers throughout Connecticut and beyond.

What are the best career changes at 30 or 40 years old?

As an adult with experience in the workforce, you likely know what you like and what you don’t like in a professional setting. You likely have an idea of what you’re interested in doing for work, and where your talents lie. However, you may still be unsure how those all translate to a career, and which careers will be most fruitful—and feasible—for you at 30 or 40 years old.

While there is no “right” or “wrong” career choice, there are some that are especially popular for adults switching professions. Below are some of the most cited careers to consider at 30, 35, or 40 years old. Hint: These careers offer a comfortable pay, and can be achieved quickly, without a large investment in school.

  • Dental hygienist (requires an associate degree)
  • Entrepreneur or starting your own product/company (business experience recommended, but not required)
  • Event planner (business or on-the-job experience preferred)
  • HR specialist or recruiter (some business administration experience required)
  • Medical assistant (can be achieved with a certificate or associate degree)
  • Patient care technician (typically requires a postsecondary certificate)
  • Personal trainer (certification is typically required)
  • Project manager (a bachelor’s degree may be preferred)
  • Real estate agent (training and professional license required)
  • Registered nurse (requires an associate degree in Nursing)
  • Web designer or developer (some training and experience required)
  • Yoga instructor (certification required)

Should You Change Careers?

Deciding whether or not to change careers is a significant decision that requires careful consideration. After all, you have a life to protect. But you also have a life that’s worth living out to the best of your ability, and this may mean finding a job that better suits your interests and needs. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help determine if a career change is the right choice for you:

  • Do you lack fulfillment in your current career?
  • Are you limited in terms of your growth?
  • Do you feel like your position is insecure or on the line?
  • Do you strive for more work-life balance?
  • Are you seeking a higher salary or more reward in your profession?
  • Are you experiencing personal life changes that warrant a career change?

If you are unsure whether or not it’s the right time to change careers, you may consider consulting someone who has experience in this exact topic. As mentioned, Goodwin University’s student body is filled with adult students who are making changes in their professional lives. We are happy to speak with you, learn more about your situation, and answer any questions you might have about making a career change as an adult. Ready to get started?

Contact us at 800-889-3282 today. You may also request more information online here.

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  1. How to Write a Career Change Resume (Guide, Templates, & Examples

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  2. Career Change Resume: 2023 Guide to Resume for Career Change

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  3. Career Change Resume Sample and Tips

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  4. Career Change Resume: 2023 Guide to Resume for Career Change

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  5. Changing Careers? 7 Details to Include on Your Resume

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  6. Ultimate Guide to Creating a Resumé for a Career Change

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  3. Career Change: The Stressful & Frustrating Reality

  4. How to Change Resume in LinkedIn (Quick Tutorial)

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COMMENTS

  1. Switching Careers? Here's How to Write a Strong Resume

    Begin the resume with a personal statement. This is a short description about who you are, your reasons for changing your career, your new goals, how your previous experience can be transferred to ...

  2. How to Write a Career Change Resume (3+ Examples)

    Anyone can write a strong resume to change careers by emphasizing these two things in their application: 1.) relevant experience, and 2.) transferable skills. To make sure you cover all the information hiring managers want to see on a career change resume, follow these five steps: Use the functional resume format.

  3. Resume Examples for Making a Career Change (Plus Tips)

    To make your resume clear and effective, use these five tips to restructure your resume for a career change: Create a professional summary A professional summary is a brief statement that lists your credentials and skills and outlines why you're the right candidate for the role. Try to keep it between two and three sentences to make it easy to ...

  4. How to Write a Career Change Resume [With Template]

    We've adapted this example into three different template formats, with the hope that it can serve as a jumping off point for your own career change resume. Click on the links below to download the template: Microsoft Word .DOCX. Pages. Google Docs (click on "File > Make a copy" to save to your own Google Docs folder)

  5. Career Change Resume Example (Guide, Samples & Tips)

    Career Change Resume Objective—Sample. Most resume objectives just show passion. As a career changer, you can't stop there, or you'll lose the hiring manager. This objective from a resume for a career changer does it wrong: wrong. Passionate project manager with skills in lean principles and defining requirements.

  6. 11 Career Change Resume Examples Designed for 2024

    Whatever else, don't let building your resume or writing a cover letter be a source of anxiety. We've compiled 11 career change resume examples and a free guide to help steer you toward your dream job in 2024 . Even if your new career isn't in our samples, that's okay! What's essential in these samples is the how and why, so keep ...

  7. Career Change Resume for 2024 [9+ Examples]

    Career Change Resume Objective Example. Resume Objective Example: Changing Careers. "Organized and hard-working employee looking to join XYZ as a marketing assistant. Looking to take advantage of my skills in Photoshop, graphic design, and creative copywriting to help XYZ with their marketing efforts.".

  8. How to Write a Career Change Resume (Guide, Templates ...

    And one way to prove your value to recruiters is by creating a career change resume that will grab their attention. Here's how you write one. 1. Study the job description to match up your transferable skills. First things first, you need to carefully read the job posting and understand how your past achievements and transferable skills can ...

  9. Career Change Resume Examples for 2024 (+Templates & Tips)

    A switching careers skills summary does just that. These career change resume examples give a map: Career Change Resume Samples—Skills Summary. The job ad wants skills in (1) Java (2) C++ (3) debugging. Let's say you've never had the job title, but you've done side-tasks and projects. Skills Summary.

  10. Tips for Crafting a Standout Career Change Resume [+ Example]

    Data Analysis with Excel. Project management using Asana. Python programming for data scraping. JavaScript for front-end development. #5. Education. In the context of a career change resume, the education section often takes a back seat to skills and relevant work experience.

  11. The Ultimate Guide To Writing A Career Change Resume

    Elements Of A Stand-Out Career Change Resume. The typical resume sections are still relevant: Skills, competencies, accolades, experience, volunteer work, education and training. For career ...

  12. How to Write a Career Change Resume

    Step 1: Choose a template. You'll discover several options when choosing a resume template or format. Many templates can work, depending on your experience, skills, and education and how they relate to your career change. Functional or skills-based resumes are excellent for a career change because they focus on skills over experience.

  13. Resume Summary for a Career Change (With Guide and Examples)

    For example, a nurse looking for a new career as a kindergarten teacher might highlight providing emotional support to patients and supporting the pediatric unit to show that they can interact with kids and help manage students' emotions. 4. Highlight relevant skills in a skills section.

  14. Updating Your Resume for a Career Change

    Here are 6 steps to follow to write a resume that can get you hired, even without direct experience in your new target field: Use a combination resume format. Include a resume summary or objective. Add a skills section. Showcase certifications/courses. Revise your professional experience. Include projects.

  15. Make the Perfect Resume For a Career Change

    Making the decision to switch careers is only the first step, though. You also need to figure out what type of career change you need. 1. Do some serious self-reflection. Before you make any serious change, do some serious self-reflection and assess your goals and aspirations.

  16. Career Change Resume Examples & Writing Tips (2024)

    First, make a Master List of your skills and think about which ones are transferrable. Research the job market for your new career. Analyze job listings for the keywords and phrases that will get you past the ATS. Inject your Objective or Career Summary with passion and your professional personality.

  17. How To Write Career Change Resumes (With Example and Tips)

    How to write a career change resume. Follow these steps to write an effective resume for a career change: 1. Consider using a combination resume format. A resume's format refers to the order of its elements. While there are various options to choose from, a combination resume is ideal when changing careers.

  18. How to Update Your Resume for a Career Change

    Pick the Right Format. When updating your regular resume, the first step is deciding which format to use. As a career changer who might be lacking all of the right work experience and/or skills, the traditional reverse chronological approach isn't necessarily the only way to go. You could use a functional resume, also known as a skills-based ...

  19. Career Change Resume Tips: Translating Your Skills (Examples)

    Career Change Resume Example 2: Military Police Officer Transitioning to a Civilian Administrative Assistant Role. This resume effectively gets rid of jargon that may not make sense for the new role. It also highlights the administrative-related tasks of their job to show that they have the skills needed. Before:

  20. How to Spin Your Resume for a Career Change

    In addition to your career timeline, use your heading and skills sections to highlight content creation (and consider flipping the order, combination resume style). Ditto for your summary: Make it clear up front that you know how to string together words to inspire action. (And yes, you'll see summaries here, because career change is one time ...

  21. 7 Career change tips that will lead to your new job · Career.io

    Deciding to make a career change can be an exciting time, ... Helen is an experienced freelance writer with a strong background in job search and career advice, in particular resume best practices, interviewing, and personal and professional development. Before Career.io, Helen worked for high-profile recruitment firms and in the field of HR ...

  22. How To Make A Resume (With Free Template)

    Whether you're a college grad or looking for a career change, you need a compelling résumé to show you're the best fit for a position. Here's how to make one.

  23. How To Craft a Career Change Resume Objective (With Examples)

    Use these steps when writing a career change resume objective: 1. Read the job description. First review the job description to gain a clear understanding of what the employer is seeking from candidates so you can tailor your objective to the role. To catch the potential employer's attention, use the same or similar language and keywords in ...

  24. I Took a Course to Help Me Change Careers: Best Things I Learned

    Look for people, not jobs. Building my network was exponentially more helpful than skimming through endless job descriptions. I recommend talking to everyone about your shift — family, friends ...

  25. Changing Careers at 30 or 40 Years Old

    As you begin the process of making a career change, no matter your age, you should always begin with a knowledge of the required steps to get there. This will help streamline your career change and save you time and money in the long-run. Interested in learning more about the process of changing careers? Read our article, here. 4.

  26. How to Write a Cover Letter When You're Changing Careers (Sample + Tips)

    How to write a career change cover letter. A cover letter is a chance to expand upon the bullet points outlined in your resume. It's a space where you can explain your interest in the role and company, highlight your experience and skills, and sell a recruiter on the overall fit you'd make. But a career changer needs to do all of that and more.

  27. Preparing for a Career at Pitt: Resume Writing Workshop

    These one-hour workshops are designed to equip you with the essential skills you need to navigate a career search, ace a job interview, and make a good first impression. This one-hour workshop will guide you in preparing a draft of your first resume or updating it for a career change. Plus, learn how to effectively review and evaluate a resume.

  28. 9 Steps To Change Your Career Path at Any Age

    How to change your career path. If you're considering changing careers—whether you're in your 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s and older —here are nine steps to guide you through a change in your career path: 1. Take a personal inventory. Start a journal. First, consider your reactions to your current job and how they impact your job satisfaction.

  29. Navigating Life After College

    Take Advantage of Career Services Maricopa Community Colleges Career Services is a valuable and free resource that can significantly aid in your transition from college to the professional world. They host workshops and career fairs, help with resume writing, interviewing, and internships, and assist with the university transfer process.