Rewrite Your Resume to Make a Big Career Pivot

You can’t make a career pivot without overhauling your resume. Here’s how to do it. Begin the resume with a personal statement. This is a short description of who you are, your reasons for changing your career path, your new goals, how your previous experiences transfer to the new industry, and why you’re perfect for the job you’re applying for. Next, instead of highlighting your work experience first, showcase the skills you’ve gathered throughout your career. That’s because when changing careers, hiring managers might not always be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of a different industry — but they are familiar with skills and talent. Focus on keywords listed in the description that apply to you — for example, “good communicator,” “strong collaborator,” and “emotional intelligence.” Below your skills, include a more traditional description of your relevant work history. You don’t need to include every job you’ve ever had, especially positions that don’t highlight any essential transferable skills. Finally, end with a chronological list of your educational experience. You can also include details about any certifications or courses that may be relevant, even if you haven’t completed them yet.