Career Change? Do These Things On Your Resume and Cover Letter
How many years have you been working in your current field? Is it three or five years? Or you move abroad and want to get new experience. Perhaps it's time to consider expanding your horizons or exploring new opportunities. A career change is on the plan!

Starting a completely new career can seem scary, but there's no need to worry. We are here to guide you in making adjustments to your resume and cover letter.

Are you ready?
What to add to your resume when changing careers?
1. Bold Statement
Speak confidently about the skills you can use in the new job, highlighting your true passion and commitment to learning and focusing on this new field.

2. Highlight The Skills
Identify and highlight the skills that are applicable to the new specialization. This should encompass both concrete technical skills and adaptable soft skills that demonstrate your capacity to thrive in the fresh field. You will need to be a fast learner, have flexibility, and be a fast researcher.

Elaborate on how your decision to embark on a new professional path symbolizes personal growth and development.

Check the example:

  • A software developer applying for a product manager position:
"I am a certified scrum master with expertise in JAVA, SQL, and data analytics. With 10 years of professional technical experience and skills in people management and active participation in research and cross-departmental projects,I aim to leverage my skills and knowledge in a product manager role within a dynamic and goal-driven tech environment."

  • A customer service applying for sales agent position:
"I have 4+ years of experience as a customer support specialist, providing technical help over the phone and social media I'm now looking to use my communication skills as a Sales Agent at Company XYZ. I have a strong track record of delivering excellent support and maintaining an average rating of 4.6/5 over the past 2 years."

  • A copywriter applying for marketing assistant
"I'm a well-organized and diligent worker who wants to join XYZ as a marketing assistant. I'm excited to utilize my abilities in Photoshop, graphic design, research and creative writing to support XYZ in their marketing campaigns."

3. Underline The Experience
Highlight experiences and achievements that demonstrate your ability to adapt, learn quickly, and succeed in related areas. Emphasize tasks, projects, or accomplishments that are relevant to the new specialization.


4. New Certifications
It's important to boost your professionalism and credibility by taking courses related to your new profession. Adding the certificates to your resume will also create a strong impression.


5. Additional Sections
Think about incorporating sections in your portfolio, such as relevant projects, volunteer work, or personal projects, that highlight your passion and commitment to the new field. You could also consider reaching out to your friend's business and offering your assistance, which can serve as a valuable addition to your portfolio.

See, changing careers doesn't have to be frightening, especially when you have a clear plan in mind and follow these steps.

Now, let's examine the key components you should include in your cover letter when transitioning to a new profession.
What to add to your cover letter when changing careers?
1. Introduction
Being both unique and honest is possible. We highly recommend visiting the company's website and articulating why you are the perfect fit for the role you're applying for. Additionally, explain the value you bring that aligns with the company's objectives.

Example:
Stefanie wants to change career from a personal assistant to a marketing assistant in a jewelry company.

"The reasons why I am changing career are (state the first reason for changing career) I am confident that my abilities in (mention a specific skill) and (mention another specific skill) will help (employer's name) achieve their goals."

RESULT:
I want to scale up by increasing the range of things I am good at. I'm confident that my abilities to collect data suppliers and retailers, knowledge of client needs and also good relationships with them while being a personal assistant will help Gaya Jewelry achieve their marketing goals.

Or

I want to expand my range of skills. I am confident that my abilities to gather data from suppliers and retailers, understanding their needs as well as my strong relationships with them as a personal assistant, will assist Gaya Jewelry in achieving their marketing goals.

2. Transferable Skills
Explain your new skills and how they can contribute to the new profession. You can also mention specific examples of how your skills have helped you succeed in your current role.

3. Experience on New Role
This is the time that you can brag about how well your projects are in the new profession. Give priority to tasks or responsibilities that have a direct correlation with the position you are applying for.

4. Development
Be sure to include any workshops, courses, or self-study endeavors you have pursued, as they exemplify your commitment to acquiring new knowledge and continual personal development.

5. Convince the Company
Summarize your reason why you are interested in the role or the company. Do not forget to mention how your skills and background align with the company's missions.

6. Ask for Interaction
Express your eagerness to discuss how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for the new role.

You're all set!
When you have the interview, do not forget to address your career transition and explain how your existing skills and experiences make you a valuable asset in the field.
Skills you need for career change
It's great that you recognize the importance of these skills in your career change journey. Developing these skills will help you thrive in your new environment. Here are some suggestions on how to develop these skills:

  • Adaptability and flexibility: the ability to quickly adapt to new situations, learn new skills, and thrive in unfamiliar environments.
  • Communication: In any field, effective communication is essential. For teamwork and professional relationships, it's essential to be able to express thoughts clearly, listen intently, and communicate information.
  • Continuous/Fast Learning: Adopting a growth mindset and committing to continuous learning will help you stay relevant and adaptable in your new career.
  • Teamwork and Collaboration: The ability to work well with others, foster teamwork, and positively contribute to group dynamics is essential in most work environments.
  • Problem-solving skills are extremely valuable in any career.
  • Self-Motivation: Staying self-motivated and taking the initiative in your career change journey can lead to success.
Remember, developing these skills takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and continue to seek opportunities to grow and develop in these areas. Good luck with your career change!
Writer's tips
When changing careers, it's crucial to match the transition with our strongest skills. Identify the abilities where we truly shine and concentrate on refining and practicing them. Look for chances to provide trial services to friends, ex-colleagues, or family members who run small businesses, without asking for payment.

Gaining an understanding of your own capabilities and strengths is essential. It is important to identify the specific areas of knowledge where you excel and stand out. At the same time, consistently acquiring additional skills will strengthen your worth and improve your proficiency in your new field of work.

This serves as a stepping stone for my own career change. I began as a content writer and am currently building a community that will leverage it as a powerful marketing tool.
Whenever I come across a chance to offer innovative marketing strategies, particularly in the property and hospitality industries, I am eager to give it a shot. In this particular scenario, my objective is to enhance and emphasize my proficiency in identifying potential clients, engaging in negotiations, and executing successful event hosting.

So, are you ready for a career change?
Credits
Writer— Melisa Findiana

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