How do I reflect my breadth of experience in different fields on my resume?

by Gina
(Lombard, IL USA)

I am preparing a resume for the first time in 10 years. I have been self employed for 9 years (Real Estate and Real Estate Education). Prior to that I spent 7 years in a semi-related Field (Relocation/ Moving Industry).

Before that I spent 5 years and in a completely unrelated field(Health and Fitness) However the skills learned in all of these fields are important.

I would like to prepare a resume that reflects this without being five pages long.

On a separate note, I would also like to prepare three different versions should I want to go back to any of these previous fields to search for an appropriate position. I greatly appreciate your response in advance. Thank you...

Gina... First of all, nothing wrong at all with having 3 different versions of a resume, each targeted for a different purpose (in your case, different career fields). Second, I think a combination resume format would serve you well. In it, you can emphasize all the different skills you have, many of which are transferable between different fields. You do list your work history, but it's not the main focus of the resume.

Also, in your cover letter, be sure to address why you switched between so many different fields.