Looking for a change
of career? How should
you write your resume or CV?

• Resume
• Executive Resume

Few people will remain in the same job or line of work for their entire working life in Perth. My first professional role was in an academic library and I went on to get my degree in information science.

Since that time, libraries have changed – dramatically, and the role of the librarian has changed along with it. There are also fewer libraries and library positions than there used to be. So what did I do? I used my time while working in libraries to develop other skills. I learnt computing and how to interrogate databases - a major skill for the roles I was later to undertake in Perth. Then I learned how to take those skills and translate those into the digital world we know today and embraced website creation, SEO and social media. Along the way I learned how to write – well, and mixed that with a 13 year stint in Human Resources for an employment agency placing library and information professionals. I helped build websites and wrote articles, white papers and policy documents. I edited a legal manual for 12 years, and wrote Resumes for contractors whose Resumes needed updating and improving – which brings us to today.

Today I am an CV & Resume Writer and Interview Coach based in Perth, Western Australia. I am also a SEO Content Specialist and Digital Marketing Expert. But I am constantly looking to what is coming next - and so should you. With the rapid changes occurring in the Perth job market it is essential to keep an open mind about the work that you do, or want to do.

So how do you change careers in Perth?

First of all I would recommend that you look at your Perth Resume or CV against your current job description and duties. Highlight all your significant achievements. Note which of those skills you use on a daily basis that can apply to other businesses and job titles (believe it or not – there is going to be a lot of overlap).

Download the job description (Selection Criteria) of the position you are interested in – and highlight the skills and requirements that are not job specific. These should be similar to, if not the same as those skills you have highlighted in your current position and listed on your Resume or CV.

Now highlight those items that are job specific and meet the selection criteria, for example, a requirement to have a knowledge of a particular industry. Most positions I see, say things like - "you must have 5 years experience in xyz or similar" because most recruiters in Perth recognise that skills are transferable.

Once you have completed these initial steps you can go through the advertisement again and pick out the keywords and phrases and ensure they are listed in your Resume or CV and cover letter.

What are transferable skills and how do you highlight them in a Perth Resume or CV?

• Ability to communicate with and lead team/stakeholders to ensure positive engagement
• Determination to achieve results and complete projects (strong work ethic)
• Genuinely interested in helping those around me grow/progress (succession planning, training, coaching, mentoring)
• Ability to deal with difficult and/or emotional situations (including change management)
• Able to develop key stakeholder relationships (sales and marketing, business development)

Every Perth employer wants to know why they should hire you and not someone else. Have you been able to convince them? Your Resume or CV and cover letter is a chance to prove that you have excellent written communication skills and can match your skills, knowledge and experience to a employer's selection criteria. Changing careers allows you to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from another profession - which in turn will boost their standing in the marketplace.

Your job application (Resume or CV and cover letter) should highlight:

• Their keywords and phrases
• Your strengths and significant achievements
• Your abilities and adaptability to change
• Your transferable skills - based on the selection criteria in the job advertisement

Do not be afraid of change. Every position that you hold or will hold in the future will change as the Perth market and technology changes. Your preparation today will ensure a successful future. Just remember that your Resume or CV should never be set in stone. Keep your Resume and LinkedIn profile up to date so you can take advantage of changes in the Perth job market.

• Resume
• Executive Resume