Because today’s resume is a forward-facing document that positions you for your next job, it has never been easier to reinvent yourself professionally.
I work with many mid-career professionals looking to reinvent themselves. Their industry may be contracting, job outsourced or they may simply want a change. Many want to pull back from the responsibilities and headaches that can accompany upper management roles and, once again, become individual contributors. The prospect of leaving your job behind at 5 pm and enjoying a personal life can be pretty attractive.
Until recently, I do not think many of us actively managed our careers. Sure, most of us were told by our parents that we could be anything we wanted to be, but how many of us followed our dreams? I doubt many people wanted to be stuck in an 8’ by 8’ beige cubicle, eating lunch at their desk under glaring fluorescent lights. Yet, that is where many of us Baby Boomers find ourselves. The time to restore your work/life balance and live a purpose-driven life is NOW!
Before you start rewriting your resume, you need to do some prep work.
1. Do a little soul searching to identify your natural abilities and interests. What would you really like to do? Help seniors live more active healthy lives or make a living using your Master Gardener skills?
2. Assess your marketable skills. Do you have the skills needed to make the transition, or are there training workshops that can provide the skills you need? Self-directed career exploration resources like O*NET and America’s Career InfoNet help people learn about career options and their required skills in great detail.
3. Review your professional experience and identify which parts support your new venture. Do not include all your experience just because it is part of your employment history. Pick and choose the information that will help you land your next role. Switching from IT to managing an adult literacy program? Play up your people skills and program management expertise.
Not sure where to start? There are many resources at your disposal. A Career Transition Coach can guide you through this exploration process and market your skillset with a fresh new resume. Your local business resource librarian can help you identify training programs in your area. Many of the larger public library systems offer free online training programs through Universal Class to their patrons. When you are ready to make a change, we are here to help!
As a Career Transition Coach, Professional Resume Writer and Certified MBTI Practitioner, Trish helps her clients articulate their unique value to gain the competition edge. Because she guides them through the entire process. Trish’s clients have a more positive job search experience with accelerated results. Want to learn more? Call Trish at (860) 658-6480 to discuss how you might work together. www.edgecareersolutions.com