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the new job.

Follow this with you previous employment history. Start with your last job and work back. You will need to think about your transferable skills - the skills and experiences you have that are relevant to the new type of work.

Let's imagine you were sacked from a job as a gardener on an estate and have decided to apply for work in the administration department at a hospital. State that you want to work as part of a team. Say that you want to retrain and learn new skills. Emphasise your ability to keep accurate records - tell them you enjoy talking to people on the phone. Be positive about why you want to find a different kind of work.

Now you will list your previous work experience. Your knowledge of lawn mowing practices and procedures might not be specifically relevant. Think laterally, maybe this shows that you understand the importance of following procedures. Emphasise that. The hospital might not be interested in your knowledge of plant names, but were you responsible for liaising with clients? Was this a part of the job you enjoyed? If it was, say so. You will be liaising with customers and staff in your new job.

In my opinion it is not usually necessary or relevant to include your hobbies and interests on a resume. However, if you are changing career paths, inluding any relevant interests or hobbies might be helpful. Maybe you gained a relevant badge or award from a youth group. Do you have relevant computer skills because you use one at home?

Your resume should tell the employer that you are changing your work path because you positively want to. Be sure you have chosen a job that you feel motivated about. If possible or necessary emphasise your willingness and desire to retrain and attend appropriate workshops.

If you aren't sure about which type of work to apply for, don't fall into the trap of writing a generic resume. Write a specific one for each job, or type of job which emphasises your relevant, skills, abilities, aims and goals. It will take time, but it will pay dividends.

Learn more about this author, Carol Smith.
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