Resume for Career Changers

The most common type of resume is the reverse chronological resume - in which your most recent job is listed first. However, this style of presentation may not be the most effective way to highlight your skills and accomplishments.

For example, if you are re-entering the workforce after many years or are trying to change career fields, the functional resume may work best. This type of resume puts the focus on your achievements instead of the sequence of your work history.

In the functional resume, your experience is presented through your general accomplishments and the skills you have developed in your working life.

If you are changing careers, the emphasis on skills and achievements is important. A functional resume can help accomplish this task. If you are re-entering the workforce after a long absence, a functional resume is the obvious choice. And if you lack full-time work experience, you will need to draw attention away from this fact and put the focus on your skills and abilities.

You may need to highlight your volunteer activities and part-time work. Education may also play a more important role in your resume.