Career Changer - Resume Tips

The Reengineered Résumé

As the saying goes, you get only one chance to make a first impression. For the career changer, if the first impression comes via a résumé, it must emphasize how accomplishments in unrelated realms can make a difference in a new field. Here are some tips for constructing an effective career changer's résumé:

-- Share successes, not daily tasks. No one cares what you did every day at 9 a.m. and 3p.m. on your old job.

-- Emphasize transferable skills, such as managing people and translating highly technical information for nontechnical audiences.

-- Include an objectives statement that explains your goals in switching disciplines.

-- Avoid jargon from your old career, and don't play up affiliations associated with it.

If you're over 50, also consider these pointers:

-- Delete the earliest years of your job history. Recruiters recommend detailing only the past 10 to 20 years. This shortens your résumé and dampens the "vintage effect." But do mention any early jobs that tie to your career-change aspirations.

-- To allay health concerns about older employees, include a leisure activities category that shows your physical prowess. If you run marathons, say so.

By Liz Ryan