Starting From Scratch: Resume Writing for Career Change

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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.

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Starting a New Life: Resume for Ex-Offenders and Felons

Despite the improving economy, ex-felons may still have a hard time finding employment. This may be attributed to the fact that there are a number of employers who are wary of hiring ex-offenders. Nonetheless, careful planning and re-aligning your job search will help you gain better results.

Here are some tips and pieces of career advice that can be used when drafting a resume for ex-offenders and felons:

Never conceal your conviction

No matter how tempting it may be, never leave-off or hide the fact that you're an ex-felon. While hiding your felony record may seem beneficial, it may even cause more problems and issues in the future. This is particularly true especially if your hiring manager discovers that you have served a term in prison.

However, don't directly mention that you have been imprisoned for XX number of years. This will just give hiring managers a reason to discard your application. If your incarceration left a huge gap on your application, instead of directly stating that you have been in prison, use the functional format. Nonetheless, if a functional format cannot hide the gap, it should include a "will discuss during interview" caption. This will help you secure a chance to discuss and explain your situation, something that you can't easily obtain when you directly state that you have served time in prison.

View your prison term in a different light

Instead of brooding over your conviction, your application should highlight the skills and proficiencies that you have developed while incarcerated. For instance, if you have attended crash courses in web site development, graphics design, and other computer courses, you can highlight them in your copy.

Again, a functional format is your best ally in this type of situation. This is due to the fact that it highlights skills and capabilities instead of focusing on work timelines.

Seek assistance when writing

Unless you have a good hand when it comes to writing, it is best that you seek assistance when writing your resume. A good writer can help you correct the flaws and minimize the imperfections in your document. Moreover, he can also help in highlighting your expertise without having to focus on your other issues such as incarceration or your felony records. Remember that a resume for ex-offenders and felons must be able to focus on the applicant's proficiencies and not on his felony issues.

Search for companies that hire ex-felons

It is normal for employers to be wary of hiring an ex-offender. This may sound biased, but this is the reality. In order to lessen your frustration and self-doubt, the best thing that you can do is to search for companies that hire ex-felons. This may sound tough since there are companies that claim to hire ex-felons even if they do not. As such, your company search should begin with your correctional or parole officer. Ask them if they can refer you to a company that welcomes ex-offenders. There are also a number of non-profit organizations that provide assistance to ex-felons who wish to rejoin the workforce.

There are many ways on how an ex-felon can enjoy better results from his or her job search. It may not be that easy since there are really those who would discriminate a former criminal regardless of how he or she exerts effort to change his/her life. As a matter of fact, it may even be more difficult than serving a sentence in prison. All it takes is a customized resume for ex-offenders and felons and the sheer determination to start all over again.

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.

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