How Do I Write a Resume for a Career Change?

by Anonymous
(Somewhere)

I'm changing career from biochemistry to banking. How do I write a resume?

ANSWER: The first thing you want to consider is having the right resume format for your career change. The traditional chronological resume format is not your best choice for a career change. Instead, you want to use either a functional—or even better, combination—format. You can read more about the different types of resume formats here:

Click to learn about the right resume format for a career change

Second, you need to take a look at your transferable skills. That is, what current or past experience or skills do you possess (either from past jobs or in your personal life) that you could use in your new career?

For example, if you want to get any new career without any previous job experience or training... I'm not sure you CAN make such a career change without any training, but if so, then I advised you to look at any related experience you have had, even if it wasn't paid. Another idea (if possible) is to build a portfolio of your work, which can be a very effective way to get an employer's attention.

Thirdly, you have to be honest with yourself about whether you can really make a career change without adding to your skills and credentials by getting some training in the new field. There's a lot to be said for the contacts you can make during such training too, that may help you network with people who can provide an entree into the new career.

To your success,
Kathi