In today’s ever-changing job market, a mismatch of majors to career fields is not surprising. Far too often the field we imagined ourselves in changes as new opportunities present themselves. One thing job seekers tend to forget is that as their industry changes, so does their resume. Below are some key changes for an attention-grabbing resume when applying to jobs in different industries:
1. A Fresh Start.
Recycling is good, unless you’re talking about resumes. Every industry is seeking specific skills in their candidates, so it follows that your resume should address these needs specifically. Many companies use databases that keyword match the job description and expectations to the words in your resume, so it is important to utilize similar wording.
2. The Right Format.
Mixed formats are becoming increasingly popular in the job market. Including both a chronological list of recent jobs and transferable skills and a concise, easy-on-the-eyes list of industry-specific skills seems to be the most successful approach to summarizing your work history without overwhelming the reader. Some industries have evolved into making resumes double as a skill test by asking applicants to reflect the very skills they are looking for in designing their resume. This trend is predominant in Graphic Design positions.
3. Know The Language.
For example, when applying to a goal-oriented position, like those in Sales or Finance, substitute your “objective” section with a “performance profile.” Place special focus on what you’ve achieved, something tangible, and not what you want to achieve. If you’re applying to a technical profession, include a list of computer programs that are pertinent to the position and your skill level in each. Remember, it’s important to always be honest when it comes to that resume!
4. Know What to Exclude.
Mentioning a long list of jobs and skills that are not particular to the position or industry to which you are applying is a disservice to you. More than likely, the reader will overlook the truly significant achievements if the long laundry list of other irrelevant items is overwhelming. Instead, try starting your skills section with the most relevant skill—gathering this from the job description is the best route—to ensure the reader’s interest. It’s okay to leave out some jobs, less is more in this case.
It is important to remember that ‘if at first you don’t succeed, try again!’ Consider creating several versions of your resume, send a bunch out, and see what works best. Think of it as an experiment. Good luck and enjoy the ride!