Roll up your sleeves and revamp your application now!

Are you looking for an entirely new challenge? You're not alone. Almost a third of Brits are considering a career change in 2022. Whether you've lost your passion for your current job or simply want to try something new, the first step is creating an excellent CV. 

It's time to go back to the drawing board. If you want to “wow” potential employers, you need to know how to repurpose your CV for a new sector. In this guide, we'll take a look at the five simple steps you can take to do just that. Grab a cup of tea and let's get started.

Step 1: Research your chosen sector 

First things first: you need to do some research. Since you're new to the industry, you need to learn as much as possible before you get started. It may be helpful to look at some job advertisements to see what the general requirements are. This specific approach will help you to understand what hiring managers are looking for in candidates. 

Get a pen and paper and write down any recurring skills and qualifications that you see. The more time you spend researching your chosen sector, the better you can tailor your CV to it. While there will always be differences between job postings, you should find some core similarities. Consider how your skills and experiences can align with the new industry. 

Step 2: Define your transferable skills 

Next up, you need to define your transferable skills. By now, you will know what skills hiring managers expect you to have. For example, if you want to slide smoothly into the marketing sector, most employers will expect you to be a real pro when it comes to communication. When and how have you used that skill in your existing career? 

Transferable skills apply both to your existing sector and the one you're hoping to enter. The truth of the matter is that there are some skills which apply to a variety of industries. Let's take a look at some core transferable skills you could highlight: 

  • Communication 

  • Teamwork

  • Leadership

  • Critical thinking 

  • Problem-solving 

  • Adaptability

Peppering your CV with transferable skills will highlight your value to potential employers. It's worth defining the overlap between your current job and your dream job. When you've done that, you should have no problem including the transferable skills on your CV.

Step 3: Use a functional CV format

Most traditional CVs use a reverse chronological format. Chances are, this is the layout you've used on previous applications. You start with your most recent qualifications and work experience at the top and work your way back in time. You know the drill. 

However, when you're changing lanes, you may want to opt for a skills-focused CV instead. Known as a functional format CV, this approach puts the emphasis on your best attributes rather than your employment history. If you've got zero experience in this new industry, you can use this layout to highlight how your transferable skills align with the role.

Step 4: Rewrite your CV profile 

Your CV profile - sometimes called a personal summary - is often the first thing that potential employers see. It's the most creative part of your application and gives you the chance to speak directly to the reader. This 3-4 line blurb covers your professional history. Think of it like an elevator pitch. It is a chance to convey why you're perfect for the job. 

When you're changing sectors, you may have some explaining to do. You can go into more detail within your cover letter. However, you may want to hint at the shift when you're writing your CV profile. You could state that you are looking to move into a new sector and showcase your passion for doing so. However, keep things short, sweet, and to the point.

Step 5: Take some extra courses 

Is your CV lacking the skills and experience you need? There's one way to solve that problem. Before you start applying for jobs, you may want to undertake courses that relate directly to the new industry. This move shows the hiring manager that you're serious about the change and it will also help to bolster your CV. If you're currently in work, you can either take an evening course or explore online qualifications. The choice is 100% yours!

If in doubt, write a new CV from scratch! 

The above steps on how to repurpose your CV for a new sector are useful. However, if you're stepping into an entirely new industry, your existing CV may be telling the wrong story. In some cases, you may have to press the delete button and start over. Should you do that, you can still use the approaches we've outlined in this guide. Before you get started, consider whether you need to simply edit or completely rewrite your current CV.

 Now you know how to repurpose your CV for a new sector

When you're ready to make that all-important career change, you need a document that reflects that. Luckily, you can repurpose your CV for a new sector by following our easy steps. Be sure to specifically define the sector you want to target before you get started. That way, you can quickly tailor your CV to suit the needs of the hiring manager.

Looking for a way to accelerate your job search? Check out our CV writing service and get ahead of the game. Having a keyword-optimised application that's written by an expert may increase your chances of getting hired faster. If you're hoping to make the right first impression, you need a CV that talks the talk! 

Recommended reading:

Related Articles: