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Your Job Market Minute: How to Change Industries

Aug 13, 2012 8:23:49 AM

Job Seekers are changing industries more than ever before. In this job market, it may be necessary, but it can be intimidating if you've been in the same industry - or even with the same company - your entire career.

It is possible, however, and it's easier than you think. The secret is to brand yourself as "industry neutral." Use a functional, or skills-based resume that focuses on your strengths and achievements (rather than just where you've been and your job descriptions). 

This allows the reader - the decision maker - to more easily imagine you in his/her organization, and not define you as "just a telecom guy" or have their first thought be, "but she's been in energy all her career" without them even giving a quick read through your resume.

Eliminate all industry jargon from this resume. Do the same in your interviews, and research your target industry prior to an interview.

Search the internet for industry trends; it's as easy as typing in "transportation industry trends" into Google. This allows you to ask intelligent questions of the decision maker.

For examples of functional resumes where you won't see mention of any industry, visit my resume sample page for some ideas by clicking here.

Listen for these Monday Job Market Minutes each Monday morning on Talk Radio KCMO 710AM and 103.7FM at 7:49am and Monday afternoons during the Sean Hannity show.

I wish you the very best week EVER in your search!

Warm Regards,
Tammy Kabell
Career Resume Consulting
(816)600-2478

Tammy Kabell

Written by Tammy Kabell

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