What do you do if your mid-career in Educational Technology needs a resume makeover?

2 Update Format

The format of your resume speaks volumes before an employer reads a single word. Opt for a clean, modern design that makes use of whitespace and bullet points for easy reading. Avoid outdated fonts and cluttered layouts. Remember, the goal is to make your resume as accessible as possible, which means being mindful of how it will be read both on screen and in print. A well-formatted resume not only looks professional but also helps key information stand out.

3 Showcase Achievements

Your achievements are the narrative peaks of your resume, illustrating your impact and expertise. Instead of just listing duties, focus on specific accomplishments that had measurable outcomes. For example, if you led a successful initiative to integrate technology into the classroom, detail the project's scope and the positive changes it brought about. Use action verbs and quantify results where possible to convey the significance of your work.

4 Emphasize Adaptability

In a field as dynamic as educational technology, showcasing your adaptability is essential. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your ability to learn new technologies or pedagogical approaches quickly. Discuss any professional development courses or certifications you've completed that show your commitment to staying current. Employers are looking for candidates who can not only keep pace with change but actively embrace and drive it.

5 Address Gaps

If your career path has taken some unconventional turns or you've taken time away from the workforce, address these gaps strategically. Rather than leaving unexplained absences, provide context that can reflect positively on you. For example, if you took time off for professional development or to care for family, mention the skills or experiences gained during that period. This can include freelance projects, volunteer work, or continued education.

6 Tailor Content

Finally, customize your resume for each job application. This doesn't mean rewriting it from scratch every time but rather tweaking it to align with the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to get past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catch the eye of hiring managers. Show how your unique blend of experience and skills makes you the ideal candidate for the position at hand, and be sure to include any relevant industry buzzwords that demonstrate your familiarity with current trends in educational technology.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?