Making a career change can be a daunting prospect, especially when you’re switching from accounting to a different field. Writing a resume for this type of transition takes careful consideration and an understanding of how to highlight skills and experience in an effective way. With the correct approach, you can make a successful transition and land the job of your dreams. This article will provide guidance on how to write a resume for a career change into accounting, including the essential elements and actionable tips.
1. Brainstorm Employer Needs
Understand What Employers Seek
Before you start crafting your resume, it’s important to understand what employers in the accounting field are looking for. Try to research successful resumes in the same field, as well as what employers have specified in job postings, to get an idea of the skills you should target in your own resume. If you cannot find job postings, you can also search for generic job descriptions of the types of roles you are aiming for. You can also speak to people in the field or employers themselves to gain a better understanding of what employers are seeking in potential candidates.
Focus Your Experience
Once you know the types of skills employers want, you can begin to brainstorm your own experience and knowledge in those areas. It’s likely that you have some relevant experience from past jobs, such as team management and communication. Even if some of your experience was in a different field, you can still showcase how you were able to leverage these skills to produce results. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when listing your experience and skills.
Highlight Your Transferable Qualities
Additionally, to the skills you have acquired through previous jobs, consider the things you bring to the table that may not be included in your work history. Keep in mind the qualities specific to accounting employers and note how you can address their needs. These could include qualities such as your attention to detail, critical thinking or problem solving, and experience in the use of accounting software.
2. Structure Your Resume
Assess Your Resume Layout
When constructing your resume, it’s essential to select an appropriate format that will clearly communicate your skills and experience to employers. Take some time and review examples of successful career change resumes. If you’re starting your resume from scratch, then opt for the reverse chronological style, which is the most widely-used format. This format should have the following sections:
• Professional Summary
• Relevant Skills
• Work Experience
• Education
Tailor Your Header and Professional Summary
Your resume’s header should include your name and contact details, followed by a professional summary. This should be a brief description of yourself as a professional and mention your experience in accounting as well as any other relevant skills that you possess. You can also tie in some of the qualities you identified when brainstorming your skills.
Target Your Skills Section
The skills section is an important part of to get right, as this is where you’ll detail out what you bring to the role. Begin by listing out your accounting skills such as reconciliations, financial analysis, and taxation. If you have experience in other areas such as software, technology or customer service, list these down too. Try to follow each skill with a measurable result to give employers an indication of your capabilities.
3. Focus on Relevant Experience
Make Your Experience Relevant
When it comes to your work experience, it’s important to focus on the roles that serve as the most relevant to the job you’re applying for. When listing out previous jobs, start out with a job title and company name. Then explain your responsibilities and how these skills are pertinent to the accounting field. Use action words to portray yourself in a positive light. You can also include volunteering and unpaid experience, if applicable.
Emphasize Your Achievements
Make sure to include any achievements you gained in your roles, such as awards received or successful projects. Monetary values work really well in resumes, as it gives employers an immediate indication of the impact you’ve made. Achievements also tend to stand out more than duties under the work experience.
Prioritize Your Education
If you have prior education or certifications related to accounting, then include these in the education section of your resume. If they are more than 10 years old, you can skip the graduation dates. Doing this will bring attention to the qualifications you have in that field, while also keeping your resume concise.
4. Check Your Resume
Proofread Your Resume
Be sure to proofread your resume for any typos or mistakes. This shows potential employers your commitment to detail, one of the competencies of accounting. You can use resume-checking tools or ask a friend or professional for any feedback.
Test Different Formats
Don’t just stick to one resume format. As employers may utilize different applicant tracking systems, you should test reading your resume in different styles, such as PDF or plain text. Ideally, your formatting should be consistent and easily readable by the systems.
Update Your Resume Periodically
When making a career change, keep in mind that employers may be looking for different skills as business needs and trends evolve. So it’s important to update your resume with any new skills and experience you aquire relevant to the role you are applying for.
5. Final Words
Making a successful career change can seem like a difficult achievement. However, with the right approach and planning, it is entirely possible to move into a new career in accounting. Writing a resume for a career change takes careful consideration and should highlight relevant skills and achievements. By integrating the steps discussed in this article you’ll be well on your way to acieving the job of your dreams.
People Also Ask:
What Should I Include on My Career Change Resume?
When writing a career change resume, it’s important to include relevant work experience, skills, education and achievements that demonstrate why you are suitable for the job. Additionally, include transferable qualities such as problem solving, communication and team management.
How Do I Format a Career Change Resume?
The most widely used format for career change resumes is the reverse chronological style, which will include sections for a professional summary, relevant skills, work experience, and education.
How Do I Highlight My Transferable Skills?
When highlighting your transferable skills on your resume, try to provide measurable results and quantify these as much as possible. This will give employers an indication of how you can use these skills in the accounting field.
How Do I Check My Resume?
When checking your career change resume, proofread it for any typos or mistakes. Test the formatting on different formats such as PDF or plain text to make sure it is readable. Additionally, you can get feedback from a friend or professional.
Conclusion
Writing a resume to reflect a career change into accounting is achievable with the right approach. Brainstorm employer needs, structure your resume, focus on relevant experience, and make sure to check your resume before submission. Taking these steps will ensure your resume stands out in the job market and lands you the ideal role.