Resume & Cover Letter Writing: Change

Showing posts with label Change. Show all posts

2/21/13

Career Change That Will Work For You: To Quit or Not To Quit

2/6/13

Career Change That Will Work For You: To Quit or Not To Quit

You just hate Mondays more passionately than ever. Sometimes you fancy leaving your office cubicle for an outside offer to do a job you really like. But then, you're grounded by the reality that it's not so easy to compete with younger and more experienced applicants out there. You find it hard to believe if there is such a career change that will work for you.

Pause there, you might be missing out the whole thing. The fact is that if you're not into the work you have now. You're only moving forward to a dead end. Whether you are climbing up the corporate ladder or not, chances are you will still end disappointed if you don't pursue a career you like.

So what to do? Ditch the baseless fear of not finding a suitable profession and start trying. There's no better way of dooming yourself than spending the rest of your days sitting in the same old cubicle and chewing the same old patch of grass. If you're still reluctant to leave your comfort zone (or is it?), take this short test and decide whether it's time to leave for good:

1. Do you find purpose despite your challenging tasks?

If you're all stressed up about your tasks, or if you just don't find the results of whatever you're doing as an employee, hang in there and keep trying. The desire to find another career may just be a mere reaction to all the pressure and frustration you're experiencing. On the other hand, if you're already plain worn out and uninterested in keeping your performance well, that is another case. Being unable to be concerned about the quality of your output may be a sign that you don't want the job anymore.

2. Do you think that you are being compensated according to your expertise?

The skills required to do your tasks simply do not match with what you earn - this a bad (and often common) case of lack of motivation. Don't believe if anybody says that it only means that you don't deserve your post and you're just up for the money of it. In the first place, you applied to make a living right? Whatever they tell you, there is a clear boundary between greediness and not being compensated accordingly. If it's the latter, seek for a change that actually works for you and ignore the risks.

3. Do you still find your work exciting?

What are the things you're looking forward to about your job? If you're still into the job, you will still find things to hope for even if you're going through a hard time. However, if the things you are excited about aren't related with your tasks, then, maybe, it's time to look for another adventure.

4. How many times have you thought of quitting your job and when?

Have you thought of it a few times when you're going through a really big trouble? Or is it too often and you just can't find happiness in every little thing you do? If you answered yes to the latter, then your case is a signal to find something more worthwhile to spend your days with.

Answering this four-way test is as easy as pie. However, the hardest part of it is finally doing something about an unhappy work life. The first step in finding the career change that will work for you is always the hardest to take.

Kate Ross-Myers works for a New-York based human resources magazine. She has a broad experience in preparing resource materials on hiring, recruitment, and training. Kate also speaks on forums and conventions on employee wellness and growth.

1/29/13

Starting From Scratch: Resume Writing for Career Change

11/5/12

Starting From Scratch: Resume Writing for Career Change

Imagine this, you've worked being an engineer for more than a decade, and after the long hours of contemplating and debating with your kins, you finally persuaded them to support you in taking a big leap in your career life: you want to be a writer.

Dreamy is it? Because in reality, before finally getting to what you want, you have to face hard questions like "Are you really willing to give up your good salary to start a not-so rewarding job?" and "Who will hire you at your irrelevant professional experience?" And most of the time, the latter query stays and hits you longer.

But never get discouraged, the fact that you stood up with your decision is already a good sign for you. Your passion for your aspired position will not fail you in landing the occupation you want. Since you've gone this far, we're here to give you advices on resume writing for career change. So relax, because there's a lot in store for people like you who dare to change for their passion. Here are some techniques to bring out your best to an employer:

1. List any of your relevant past experiences

Have you attended seminars regarding the new profession? Are there any past activities in your past job where you are assigned to do some relevant task? How about awards you won? If there are, write them. Your past job might not match for the line of work you're applying for, but your experiences, even though not full-time, may give some reference about your ability to handle the job.

2. Widen your network

If there are people you know who are currently in the target industry, you're still luckier than the others. Give them as your reference and tell them to say something good about your related abilities in case the employer phones them. Another thing, be a member of various organizations that are related to your application. In that way, you can give the hiring manager some assurance that you are a certified enthusiast and not some desperate John who just applied for the sake of finding a job.

3. Choose your format wisely

A chronological copy might be the tradition in the job market, but if it doesn't seem right to you, then you don't have to insist using this format. In fact, the most recommended for job changers is the unconventional combination application. While this type allows the applicant to emphasize his skills and abilities, it also allows him to show his related but non-fulltime job experiences. Functional application will also look good for you.

4. Notify the employer you are on a career change

But this doesn't have to sink you as inferior to your competitors. You can tell about your decision to heed a calling without making yourself look less qualified. The keyword here is honesty. If you tell right away that you are just yet to acquire fulltime professional hands-on, chances are, the employer might give some consideration and base your job compatibility with your skills and not your experiences.

Lastly, believe that resume writing for career change is far different from developing the way you did on your past application papers. Start from scratch if you must.

Melinda Edwards works as a career consultant and has been invited in many forums and events on human resource management. She is also a time management expert who effectively performs her roles both as a career woman and a mother.

5/14/12

Time to Change Career Directions? Five Tips for Creating a Great Resume

By now, you've weighed the pros and cons of staying in your current position. After, what I hope, was much thoughtful consideration, you've made the decision to look for another job.

Now you have a bit of a problem. You want to do something considerably different from your current job. How are you going to make that transition?

As with any job search, you're going to need a resume that will get you in front of a hiring decision maker. For you, the career changer, the resume will take a bit more creativity. While it's a bit of a challenge, there's no need to fear. Thousands of people have made career transitions into totally unrelated fields, and so will you.

Here are five tips to help you make the impression you want:

1. Make It Easy For the Prospective Employer To Contact You

Obviously, you need to make sure all of your contact information is accurate. You also need to remember who will see your resume after it leaves your hands. Be sure to use an easily readable font and letter size. Use bold lettering to highlight your contact information (including an e-mail address specifically for your job search), section headings, and the names of previous companies, schools, and associations.

Be sure to check your e-mail daily (along with your "junk mail" folder) to be sure your application and resume have been received, and so that you can respond to any follow-up correspondence that your prospective employer may send to you.

2. Have a Career Objective That Focuses on Your Prospective Employers Needs

I believe that you must have a career objective for two reasons. The first one is that it will keep you focused on the type of jobs you should apply for. The second is so that the resume screener will easily see that their company's needs are what you're qualified to do.

Back in "the good old days", it was difficult (and expensive) to make changes to your resume. Today, you can customize your resume for each position you're seeking. You should take the time to modify this section to match the stated requirements of the position to which you're applying. Be sure to keep it employer focused; not on what your end goals are. Briefly answer (50 words or less) the question "What can you do for us?" in a way that the screener will take the time to look at the rest of your resume.

Use the job title that the company is using in the description. Note the wording of the position's requirements and incorporate them into your objective.

For example, don't say something like "I'm looking for a (position that you're applying for) where I can utilize my vast experience in (whatever field of expertise) to eventually get into a supervisory position in your company."

Instead, try one similar to this - "A position in (field of desired job) that can utilize (specific skills you want to highlight that matches the job's description) gained from "X' years of experience in another industry, that helped my employer increase sales/cut costs/improve efficiency, and improved its position in the marketplace."

3. Use a Functional or Combination Resume Format

Since you're changing career paths, you need to show that your past experiences and accomplishments qualify you for your targeted position. Using the functional or combination formats will allow you to take your previous relatable work experiences and showcase them upfront.

Use the functional resume if you have large gaps between jobs, or little on-the-job experience related to your new career. Use the combination format if you've worked consistently, and you can show progressive acquisition of the skills needed in your new career.

For example, if you're an engineer that would like a position in sales, show how you made sales in your current position. Did you do presentations on a design or a process that was the key to the actual closing of a deal? If you're a computer technician, did you give information that helped a customer make the decision to buy an expensive upgrade to their system? Did you earn a certification from your hobby that makes you a strong candidate for your new position? All of these can be used to show your next employer that you have what it takes to succeed in your new position.

4. Use Numbers and Verbs

When thinking about your skills and qualifications, think about money and time. How did your efforts make or save your company money? What percentage of time was saved because of the systems you designed or implemented? Numbers can be documented. They stand out. They're good for your resume.

Showing your numbers and using action words that show you were an active participant in your company's success will show that you get results and can help your new employer reach their goals.

5. Limit Your Resume To Two Pages

Yes, I know you've done a lot in your career. You should be proud of your successes. However, the typical resume screener won't take the time to read your tome about how great you are. They want to see if you fit the basic qualifications for the opening.

That means you need to edit your resume to show only the skills that are directly related to your desired position. Stick to the basic information that's related to your new position:

Name and contact informationCareer ObjectiveSkills /Work Experience/Professional ExperienceEducationAssociations

I strongly recommend that you don't put the line "References Available Upon Request" on your resume. They know that you'll have references, and it wastes valuable space.

You should have three to five contacts' addresses and phone numbers on a separate sheet. Call your references to let them know that you're listing them as such.

Also, keep personal information and pictures off of your resume. The exception to this is if you're transitioning into a career where a specific look is required, such as acting, or TV personality. In those situations, you should have a professionally done portfolio in hand.

This is an exciting time for you. Try these five tips, and you'll have a resume that will open the doors to your next career.

Leon R. Scott is a Certified Master Life Coach specializing in Career Transitions for veterans, upwardly mobile employees, and those wanting to change career paths.

Get free access to Leon's advice and tips about changing careers in the report entitled "So You Want To Change Careers. Are You Sure About That?" Go to http://www.youtimestwoonline.com/services.

12/6/11

My CV's Fine - There's Nothing Wrong With It So Why Should I Change It?

If I had a pound for every time I was told "there's nothing wrong with my CV!" I would probably not be writing this article.

Having worked as an Employment Advisor, Job Search Tutor/Trainer and Careers Coach with a vastly differing set of clients ranging from school leavers to executives; one of the hardest things to do is to get a cynic to change or listen.

For some people a CV is a necessary evil that they have never needed or rarely had cause to use. The classic example of this is the tradesman who has previously gained employment either by word of mouth or by demonstrating his skills as part of a work trial. You cannot dispute that this is true. Let's face it if your great CV states you have certain skills; sooner or later you are going to have to demonstrate them. However the reality is that in the current economic climate, the employer holds the cards in more ways than one. Gone are the days when as a tradesman you could leave a job one day and find a new one the next. Employers can now pick from an ever increasing pool of talent and a CV is a useful tool many are now using to shortlist their candidates. A good CV will not guarantee you a job, but a bad CV will almost certainly cost you one.

Sometimes the reluctance to change can be put down to the fact that the CV was recently constructed by a professional or an agency. This can be very demoralising; especially if you have been charged a hefty fee.

Many recruitment agencies will have a set CV template or include information that many professional career coaches or advisors tell you not to include. The reason for this is very simple. An agency usually has clients that they have consulted with and agreed the quality of CV required. A CV is the agency equivalent of an application form.

There is no one way to create a great CV. If someone is offering you advice that will improve the quality of your CV, it is just that. You are free not to take it, but I would suggest you always listen. The bottom line is that it is your CV and you are the one who will have to explain it to prospective employers.

Here are some examples of things that you might consider to make your CV/resume more effective.

Length. I cannot underline how important the length of a CV can be. Whilst you may have a great deal of information to convey to the reader, their time is usually limited. If your CV can interest them in 2 pages, you will more than likely be given the opportunity to either submit a more in-depth /longer version or even better - get invited to an interview.

Too fancy. Unless you are in an artistic field/profession, there is no need to use fancy fonts, borders or images on your CV. Impress the reader with the content, not with tricks that have little relevance to your ability to do the job.

Not enough information If the reader cannot gain the information they require to make a decision about you from your CV then they are less likely to contact you. Make sure your CV sells you and your skills.

Blandness. This is my personal pet hate. I have been helping people into work for over 10 years. I have seen and helped write thousands of CVs. If you start your personal profile with: "I am a hard working, trustworthy individual who is able to work well in a team or on my own.." please do not expect the reader to jump off their chair in excitement. I am sure they might have read that exact statement a few times and might not be as impressed as they were the first time they read it.

There is no such thing as a perfect CV. If you are getting interviews, then your CV is doing its job; if not get another opinion and change it. However regularly updating your CV /resume to make sure it is accurate is strongly recommended.

Harry James has over 10 years experience of designing and delivering Personal Development courses, offering career advice and guidance, team building and helping people into work. Further useful careers advice and personal development articles can be found on http://www.thepersonaldevelopmentcafe.com/. He is also the owner of http://www.nlplifecoachdirectory.com/ - a website that lists NLP Practitioners, life coaches and hypnotherapists.

11/3/11

Career Change Resume Writing

Is A career Change Resume In Your Future?

Why has career change resume writing become an essential skill for job seekers? The answer is that the unique characteristics of the "New Economy" have instilled the highest levels of uncertainty into the process of planning and pursuing an occupational career than at any time since the Great Depression. A corollary of this fact is that the possibility of having to change careers, perhaps more than once, is an integral part of this new paradigm.

What Is Career Change Resume Writing?

A Career Change Resume is one that will be prepared and submitted in pursuit of a job or position in a discipline or industry different from one that you have previous experience and/or education in.

Why Must A Career Change Resume Be Different?

In this instance, you are seeking to change careers and will have to compete with applicants who already possess experience, a track-record and accomplishments in this area. In addition, you must assume that the hiring manager posting this position ranks relevant previous experience high on his or her decision tree. Your career change resume must address this concern.

How Feasible Is Successfully Changing Careers?

Employers usually do not want a long learning curve for a new hire. Your resume and subsequent interviewing sessions have to demonstrate your proven ability to quickly learn the essential aspects of your new discipline, thus positioning you to apply your, unique personal skills to getting things done! Stated another way, you must be able to instill the belief that you will have a near immediate impact in your new position.

The truth is that almost any reasonably intelligent prospect can learn the new business; the new industry; field, etc. This is simply a process of time and exposure. What you bring to the party are your documented skills that are transferable and can be applied in this prospective job to make this company successful! Changing careers is possible and happens on a consistent basis. High energy individuals from a different field with a proven record of accomplishments will frequently get into the interviewing process and win the job over others with tenure in the field. Effective career change resume writing helps to get them in the door. Your validated past successes increase in value if future career changes become necessary for you. Career change becomes easier once you establish a successful track record of moving between industries and performing at a high level.

It will also help your cause if you can sell yourself to one or more recruiters who work in your targeted field on your ability to successfully transcend disciplines. A recruiter's belief in you is a powerful testimony because many of them would not want to take the risk of recommending someone without previous experience. An effectively written career change resume will support the recommendation.

Preparation For Eventual Career Changes

If, at the beginning of your employment career, you had the foresight to anticipate the future possibility of having to change careers, one of the smartest actions you can take is to seek diversity of experience within your present company. Initiate actions such as volunteering within your company for projects involving cross-discipline participation. Further, watch for opportunities to make intra-company transfers and learn multiple positions in multiple areas. Considering that most organizations are operating with leaner staffing these days, it should be relatively easy to acquire cross-disciplinary experience. A diverse knowledge portfolio combined with a record of accomplishments in each area makes you an "in-demand" candidate.

Ron is a semi retired corporate exec with the current mission of helping middle class Americans survive in the post recession "New Economy".
A good job/career along with supplemental income sources is essential to maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Ron has built the informative website, http://moneyemploymentbusiness.com/ as a source of information on becoming more creative in finding ways to make money and build wealth.

9/3/11

Career Change Resume: How to Get Noticed!

Career change after you've worked in a career for a number of years requires you to draft a resume that will help you make the career change. In normal circumstances writing a strong resume is a difficult task but to write an effective resume to help accomplish a career switch is a task that requires some creativity to assure the new employer you can do the job.

Don't make the mistake that other mid-career changers make by trying to put some lipstick on their old resume and think it will work. Never expect the employer to connect the dots, after reading your mind, and determine how you fit the needs of the open position.

To generate ideas to focus your resume you need to do in-depth research on the new career field. If possible talk to others working in the new career. They can provide you with a wealth of information. What are the basic qualifications required to get hired in this job? What skills are required? How well does your skills and qualification match what is required?

Look at postings for a dozen or more jobs in the career you plan on entering. Write out each skill and qualification required and score how many items appear in one or more job opening. If a certification is required what do you need to do? If a specific skill appears frequently, and you are lacking, how can you acquire the skill?

Often these gaps can be filled by completing a short course of study and receiving your certification. Other times an accelerated course of self-study will get the job done. If a more formal course of study is required, there is distance learning and classes after work and on weekends.

In writing your career change resume your focus should be on the needs and requirements of the prospective employer. If you look back over your career, including volunteer and community activities, you will be surprised at the breadth of your experience.

Write out the qualifications and skills required for the job. Now go down the list and match up your experience with the job requirements. Pay particular attention to transferable skills like team work, communication skills, budgeting, cost cutting, people management, customer service skills, program management, organizational skills and technology.

If you worked at something, for example, only 10% or less of you time, and it happens to be the number one job requirement, any accomplishments in this area will be highlighted by listing them first on your resume. It's not lying to structure your resume this way and there is no need to say you spent 10% or less on this activity. If specifically asked about it in a job interview you will have prepared a well thought out answer.

It can't be emphasized enough that your career change resume should focus on the needs of the employer. Anything that does not support this goal you should consider keeping it off the resume. All of your accomplishments listed in the career change resume should strongly support why you are a viable candidate for the job.

The reasons for your career change should only be articulated in your resume cover letter. Keep it brief but logical. You can show in the job interview how passionate you are about the new career and the steps you have taken to build your skills to match the job requirements.