Writing a Resume Differently for a Career Change

A career change in mid life is becoming a valuable choice for many adults, especially with the advances and rapid changes in technology, business, finance, and retail industries. Even when the midlife crisis is the catalyst for the leap into a new industry, taking a chance can prove to be a fruitful venture. Staying on one career track or path can lead to boredom, frustration, high stress, or even the unpleasant situation of being laid off. Being prepared to make the transition will require a shift in perspective and a certain level of open-mindedness. You'll need to re-establish your goals, and create an attractive resume and portfolio.

If you're thinking about a career change, updating that resume is a necessary step. It may have been years since you've taken a look at your resume, or even reviewed it. Here are some tips on writing a resume differently:

1. Print out the resume and take a look at the overall presentation. Does it need to be reformatted? Would a change in font or style help make it more attractive? Make usre you always print out a new version since most employers will be doing the same.
2. Change your words and phrases to active and compelling sentences. The key to resume success is to be specific. Avoid generalizations and ‘marketing-speak' when outlining your achievements, goals, and accomplishments. These will quickly get overlooked and the potential interview may ask you to explain.
3. List all your qualifications. Don't be shy about updating your resume to fit the job description you are applying for. It's important that the potential employer can identify you as a strong candidate, and outlining your qualifications and experience will help.
4. Create a references sheet. Some employers will only require this at the end of the interview process, while others will want this beforehand. In either case, it will make your life much easier if you develop this sheet and have it ready to go well before the interview.
5. Leverage what you can offer. This is a critical element of resume writing that is often overlooked. Always make a point about highlighting what you can bring to the company, encouraging the reader to pay attention to your strengths.
6. Be ready to provide examples. If you are vague about responsibilities and experience, it's likely that your prospective employer will ask you for examples. Being well-prepared for this portion of the interview will help you communicate the right information at the right time. Make sure you've looked over your resume with a critical eye so that you can catch those opportunities well beforehand.

A career change can be an important life transition, and it's a good idea to update your resume as soon as possible in your job search. Presenting yourself well and learning about the prospective company will give you confidence for your interview. If a career change is what you need to give your life a new direction, make sure your resume is up to date, well-developed, and highlights your best assets.

Good luck!