With how competitive the job market is in the Chicago area, no wonder job seekers need to be more flexible and adaptable than ever. Because of the constant changes in technology, demands, and requirements, it is crucial to tailor one’s resume to the industry and positions one is applying for, even more so when switching to a new career field.
So if you’re considering a career change, ensure that your ambitions and plans for the future are reflected in your resume. Ideally, hire a Chicago resume writer to help you tailor your resume to the new industry. But if you’d like to do this yourself, here are a few tips on how to adapt your resume to the industry you are applying for.
#1 Make Sure the Industry Is in Demand (And Will Still Be in 10 Years)
The decision to change the industry is a big one. Any employee who dares to leave the career they no longer enjoy behind and jump into the unknown deserves credit. It’s always scary to leave one’s comfort zone for the sake of one’s personal or career growth.
However, before entering a new industry, you must ensure you won’t be out of a job soon. Some rapidly-growing industries might no longer be so in a few years. So before you apply for an entry-level position in a new sector, research everything thoroughly. Weigh all the factors to ensure that you have job security a decade from now.
#2 Know the Industry and Position
The first step to adapting your resume is to know the industry and position you are applying for. Researching the job market, occupations, and the skills and qualifications required for the job is essential. Collect as much data as possible on the job requirements, leading companies, and their corporate cultures.
The good idea is to use one’s network or LinkedIn Groups to connect with industry insiders. Don’t hesitate to message first and ask questions. Most experts are happy to share what they know. This will help you understand the demands of the industry and position and tailor your resume to meet the employer’s expectations.
#3 Highlight Your Skills and Expertise
Showcasing your skills and expertise is central to job search. Employers want to hire individuals with the necessary background and competencies to perform the job duties. Some candidates believe that if they’re switching careers and don’t have any experience in the new line of work, there is nothing to show off in their resume.
That’s not true, though. Many skills (both hard and soft) and professional accomplishments aren’t industry-specific. For example, being a great leader or knowing the fundamentals of project management is valued in any career path. Use specific examples of how you’ve successfully used your skills in the workplace—and the employer will be impressed.
#4 Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Once you have researched enough, tailor your resume to the jobs you are applying for. Use keywords that are relevant to the industry, position, and company. This will help your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the recruiter’s eye. Ensure to include any relevant training or certifications, even if it’s been a while since you got them.
A lot of job seekers forget about soft skills. Please don’t repeat this common mistake. When applicants enter a new industry, they don’t have much experience to show off. Yet they can still get employed for their dream job if their soft skills match the company’s culture. Recruiters and hiring managers often tell real-life success stories about such cases.
#5 Keep Your Resume Concise
Recruiters and employers receive hundreds of job applications for every job posting. Keep your resume concise and to the point. Use bullet points to emphasize your skills and experiences. But leave out the things that have nothing to do with the industry and position you’re applying for.
For example, the recruiter reading your resume or a potential employer doesn’t need to know you’re a talented artist if you’re applying for the project manager position. This information might have mattered for your previous design career, but it’s no longer relevant. So avoid cluttering your resume.
#6 Be Prepared for the Interview
Finally, get ready for interviews. The interview is the job seeker’s opportunity to engage with the employer and show why they are the right candidate for the job despite the lack of experience in the industry.
Be prepared to answer questions about your work experiences (including soft skills-related ones, such as challenging workplace communication situations) and level of qualification. Show enthusiasm. And don’t forget to prepare a few questions about the position and the company to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview.
Why It’s Important to Adapt Your Resume to the New Industry
Adapting one’s resume is essential to stand out in a competitive job market. Employers receive hundreds of job applications for every job posting, and the only way to get noticed is to make one’s resume look well-informed and appealing. It might even distract the recruiter from the fact that you don’t have much experience in the career line you’re stepping into.
By tailoring your resume to the industry and position, you can demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job despite switching industries. You also show the employer that you have taken the time to research the company and position. This shows genuine interest and willingness to put in the effort.
Final Thoughts
To survive in the cut-throat Chicago job market, job seekers switching industries need to put much thought into adjusting their resume to a new career. Choose an in-demand sector to get into, research the industry and desired position thoroughly, give your skills justice in the resume (while still staying concise), and tailor your resume to the specific job.
If resume writing isn’t your strong suit, professional resume writers can help you more you can find at TopResume review. They know how to make any job application look good, even when the job seeker is new to the industry they’re applying for.