CV Tips for career change
CV Tips for Career Change
A dilemma many jobseekers face is how to augment their CV if they are looking for a career change. You may have worked in sales for all of your career and now wish to get into administration for example. So how do you approach this in your CV? The following article will offer some tip to help you with this process.
Step one – Deciding what career is right for you
Many people feel they need a change but are unsure of options that are open to them. They key is to research roles and talk to people doing various jobs to see if it would be something you would enjoy doing. You also need to look at the qualifications required, if any, for this role and how achievable it is for you to complete these. If competition is high in your new choice of role, then employers can look for someone with experience. This can make it difficult for people looking to make a transition. Make sure the role offers a salary range that you can afford to live on. A Career Coach can also assist you in finding the right path. There are also online resources and personality tests that can offer insights.
Step 2 – Designing your CV for a Career Change
Once you have chosen a new role, you need to design your CV. Look up job specifications on irishjobs.ie, which will give you a breakdown of the duties required. Using these lists of duties, tick off as many as possible that match or closely match duties you have experience doing in your career. Next look at the other areas which you do not have exposure to. Is there any way you can tailor your previous experience that will make it more closely match what their requirements are? Look to expand descriptions on areas you have exposure to. Sometimes people can use the work they have done in their free time with Associations, interests, hobbies and charities to bridge some skill gaps.
Step 3 – Writing your cover letter for a Career Change
When changing career, a cover letter is very important. The cover letter is used to explain the reason for your career change and to highlight why you are interested in the new role, company and how you can add value. It is important to show a keen interest in learning new skills, your ability to get up to speed quickly and your knowledge of the new industry.
Some final points
- When looking for a career change, recruitment agencies can work very well as they can recommend you to prospective employers which may otherwise overlook your application.
- Use your contacts and network to open doors where possible.
- Research the industry and role carefully so that when asked about it, you sow a deep knowledge of it.
- Get your application in early.
- Career fairs and seminars can offer an opportunity to talk to prospective employers face to face and impress them.
- Be prepared to take a drop in rank and/or salary.
- Ideally, do not quit your current role while looking to make a career change. It is easier to get a job from a job. Employers can be wary of employees who have quit their job, especially in a recession. A career change job search can take longer than looking for a role in which you have experience.
The more work you put into your application, the greater your chance of success. Best of luck in your career change.
Written by Gillian Knight, MD of Kala Management Solutions www.kala.ie. If you would like to book a career coaching session or help with interviews or your CV and over letter go to www.kala.ie/cvwriting
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