There are many reasons why you might be considering a career change. You may have grown tired of your current profession, be looking for a better work-life balance, or perhaps you want to align your career more closely with your passions.
It can be a daunting process – there’s the prospect of starting afresh in a new industry, or you might have concerns about finances – particularly if you are looking at moving into a more junior position in your new industry. But a growing number of people are choosing a career change, aiming to achieve more free time, joy and fulfillment in their lives.
When you’ve identified a new career path that appeals to you, you can sometimes question whether you have the right skill set or experience to apply for a job in that field. In fact, it can feel a bit daunting as if you’re ‘starting again’. You might have spent years building up your experience in your current role and be unsure how to get a foot in the door in a job that sounds more interesting and enjoyable.
Transferable skills
Rather than direct experience, the important thing to focus on is your transferable skills. Think about specific skills that are useful in many different workplaces. Have you got people skills from working in customer service? Writing skills from compiling reports? You might have organisational skills from managing a project, or good listening skills which you have gained from working as part of a team.
How to highlight these on your CV
Focus on these all-important transferable skills when it comes to writing your CV ready for a career change. There are a few ways to organise your CV – choose the one that you feel suits you best.
Some people choose to group their CV into different periods of work experience. This is fine, but be sure to highlight those important transferable skills. For example, imagine you’ve spent ten years working as a project manager in a fast-paced role, but you’re now applying for a job as a teaching assistant. What skills can you identify from your existing career which would be of use in a school? Maybe problem-solving, time management, people skills or even creativity skills would be useful in the classroom? It’s all about identifying and showing off the skills you have to offer – don’t be afraid to blow your own trumpet!
Alternatively, you can organise your CV according to skills. This can seem a little trickier to put together at first, but it can be very effective in highlighting the skills you have to offer. As an example, you might include a number of subheadings such as ‘sales skills’, ‘project management skills’, etc., then showcase under each what real-life work experience you have to back up this skill.
For many people moving into a new career, it’s not just skills gained in the workplace which will look attractive to new employers. Perhaps you’ve always had a passion for gardening and you’re going to put the skills gained to good use by seeking a career in the open air. Do not be afraid to highlight your abilities and know-how gained from hobbies.
