How do I word my resume objective for a change in careers?

by Marie
(Pleasanton, CA)

How would I word my past experience in retail with my time as a stay at home mom who decided to change careers and went to school for CNA/HHA/CMA? My opening objective is giving me trouble... I want to say my experience in retail over 18 yrs but the past 2 yrs been a stay at home mom who decided to change careers during that time and went to school for my CNA/HHA/CMA. I want to sound professional.

Answer: Marie, what you are asking here isn't entirely clear to me. But it sounds as though you're trying to come up with a resume objective that will show how your past experience is valuable to you in your future career in healthcare.

What you are talking about, if so, is transferable skills. These are skills that you gained from one type of job but that can be valuable in other types of jobs. I'm guessing that your years in retail may have given you good communication skills, customer service skills, organizational skills, perhaps other things too? All of those would be useful in your new career. Also, look at skills you gained while staying at home with your child(ren)... organization, multitasking, etc.

Then, I would also use a power statement or summary of qualifications rather than an objective. This is especially useful when changing careers.

Good luck to you!