Transitioning industries with your resume full of buzzwords and jargon. How will you make a seamless shift?

1 Jargon Jettison

Your resume may be packed with industry-specific terms that showcase your expertise, but to a hiring manager in another field, these could be incomprehensible. Start by identifying the jargon and buzzwords that are specific to your current industry. Replace these with more general terms that convey the same skills or achievements. For example, if you're in finance and frequently use acronyms like EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization), translate this into language that shows you're skilled at detailed financial analysis and reporting .

2 Skill Synthesis

You have a wealth of skills, but how relevant are they to the new industry? Scrutinize your skill set and identify which are transferable. Highlight these skills prominently on your resume. For instance, project management doesn't just apply to construction or IT; it's a valuable skill across various sectors. Emphasize your ability to lead teams, manage budgets, and meet deadlines, as these are universally appreciated skills.

3 Achievements Aligned

Your achievements are impressive, but they may not resonate with someone unfamiliar with your current industry. Re-frame your accomplishments in a way that emphasizes their impact rather than the context. Instead of stating you "increased SaaS (Software as a Service) subscriptions by 20%," explain that you "drove significant growth in a subscription-based service model ," which is a concept that can be understood across various industries.

4 Resume Rebranding

Think of your resume as a personal brand that needs to be adapted for a new market. This might involve a more significant overhaul to ensure it aligns with the new industry's expectations. Research the industry you're targeting to understand what's valued and how you can present your experience in a way that fits. This could mean changing the layout of your resume or even the tone of your language to better match the culture of the new industry.

5 Networking Nuance

Networking is vital when switching industries. Use your connections to learn the lingo of your desired field and have them review your resume. They can provide valuable feedback on whether your resume is hitting the right notes or if it still sounds too entrenched in your old field. Personal connections can also offer insights into what hiring managers in the new industry are looking for.