Seeking a change in your employment situation can be a smart move, especially if the industry you are in is experiencing a period of decline. But changing industries is not always as easy as it sounds. In fact, seeking a job in an industry other than the one where you have been employed is much like landing your first job. Employers are looking for workers with experience in their industry, but you cannot get that experience unless you first get a job in the industry.
Focus on Your Skills
Create a skills section on your resume and use that section to list any certifications you hold, and any systems you have worked on, either in school or on the job. This can give the hiring manager a comfort level and prove that you have the experience needed to the do the job, even if you are coming from an entirely different industry.
Get the Attention of the Hiring Manager
Use your cover letter to further highlight your relevant training and experience. You can, for instance, highlight the fact that you have achieved a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) certification when you are seeking a computer industry job. Even though you lack experience, that MCSE certification proves that you have a certain knowledge level concerning software and computer programs.
By using these strategies to highlight the experience you do have, you can make it through the screening process and get your resume in front of the decision makers in the company.
For help tailoring your CV to a new industry, contact an experienced Gateway Career Consultant.