Resumes for a Career Revolution

With big changes in the economy, many workers are also making big changes -- in their careers. From military to corporate, management to sales, graphic design to IT, many professionals are looking for a change. So you make the decision to look into a new career, explore your opportunities and get ready to take the plunge. But what resume will you use?

If you are making a career change, the same old resume won't do the trick. This is your chance to update, invigorate and detail your credentials. Here are some suggestions for creating a resume that will help you take that leap towards a new career:

1. Consider a skills-oriented resume

This idea is especially appropriate if you don't have any direct experience in the certain area of work that you want to explore. Instead of worrying over what you haven't done in this profession, focus on the skills that will make you an excellent new candidate for the field. If your experience includes a position as a controller with a company and you want to work in sales, highlight skills such as attention to detail, expertise in planning and knowledge of profit models.

2. Make your objective statement matter

Don't be too broad in your objective statement at the top of your resume. Make it clear that you are looking for a change in career and specify exactly what profession you would like to enter. When these statements are too broad, it can be frustrating for an employer to find out what you are all about. Don't make them work for it! Provide employers with a clear idea of who you are and where you want to go with your career. Instead of writing, "Seeking a fast-paced position with a mid-size company where possibilities exist for growth and learning," commit to a targeted goal like this: "Seeking a financial management position where my experience as a CPA will help me improve the success and profit of a mid-sized company."

3. Build different resumes for different reasons

When you make the decision to change your career, you will have quite a few options available. If you are thinking about a few new professions that interest you, make specific resumes for each one. Yes, this takes extra time, but it makes a difference when you focus on a specific career goal. Employers will appreciate your work to reach a specific goal, and they will also take note of your attention to detail. This will require different objective statements and-most likely-different tasks and highlights of your past employment.

Imagine you're a CPA with interests in financial planning and management. Your resume should be tailored differently when you're promoting yourself as a potential CFO compared to a potential financial consultant.

The most important thing to remember when getting ready for a career change is that the same old resume just won't do, even if it's gotten you three great jobs in the past eight years. When you try to switch career tracks, it will take extra work to convince a potential employer that you have what it takes to make the switch and the knowledge to be successful in the new field.

Your resume should be persuasive, clear and targeted to get you on your way to a new career. If you're one of those people interested in a career change, good luck and happy resume revising!