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Teacher Career Change Resume: Tips to Help You Land that Job!

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If you want to land that new job, you’ll have to work hard on your teacher career change resume. Remember, your teacher transition resume is your first impression. It’s all about showcasing those transferrable skills and highlighting why you’re the best fit for getting the job done.

If you need help leaving the classroom, check out the  Teacher Career Coach Course .  This step-by-step guide has helped thousands with a transition from teaching. Save time and get support with every step of picking a new path, rewriting your resume, and answering tricky interview questions.

It can be intimidating applying to jobs outside of the classroom, no matter how badly you want out! You may be having a hard time identifying the experiences to highlight on your resume. Maybe you’re struggling with how to write them in a way that applies to a job outside of the classroom. Anyhow, you’re about to break through that barrier! Here are some of my top tips from The Teacher Career Coach Course . These will help you put your best foot forward and land that interview! But first, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You don’t have to start from scratch.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just a teacher,” it’s time to look closely at all you do on a daily basis as part of that role. Honestly, teachers are some of the most skillful and multi talented professionals I know. The truth is, many teachers battle with Impostor Syndrome , often overlooking their achievements and the value they bring to the table in many careers. Whether you realize it or not, the skills and accomplishments you have already achieved will make a stellar resume. (Trust me). 

You are an asset to your school, and you’ll be an asset wherever your career transition takes you next. First, identify your career accomplishments as a teacher. Then you can effectively apply them to the next chapter of your working life. Without knowing the specifics of your teaching experience, as a former teacher, I know you have desirable skills and valuable experience. Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself. Your new career change resume should reflect your many achievements and in-demand teacher skills! 

Teacher Career Change Resume Resources

In this post, I gathered expert advice to help you master rewriting those resume skills. I want to help you avoid the most common mistakes teachers make when writing their teacher career change resume. Read on to learn how you can tweak your teaching-focused resume to highlight your skills and experience that apply jobs outside of the classroom.

You can also listen to my interview with HR and Resume-writing expert Alli Arney to learn how to effectively translate your teaching experience on your transition resume . 

Let’s get to rebranding your expertise, shall we? 

*But first a note!* Much of what you include in your resume and cover letter will be dependent on the job for which you’re applying. If you’re not sure what jobs you’re qualified for or even what’s out there, take a look at Best Jobs For Former Teachers . This post will give you an idea of what’s out there, who’s hiring, and what you need to qualify for a position.

Writing a Cover Letter for Your Resume

Every teacher career change resume needs a cover letter! Your cover letter introduces who you are and what you can offer in position X at company Y. A common mistake I see teachers make is creating a generic cover letter to send with all of their applications. 

Some hiring managers may approach your application with the assumption you’re willing to take any job outside of the classroom. Even if that’s the truth, you don’t want the hiring manager to know that. Use the cover letter and an opportunity to showcase why their job is a great fit for you and what you can bring to the table for their company. Hiring managers want someone qualified, excited about the position, and a good fit for the company culture. 

Make sure every cover letter is unique to the job and company you are sending it to. Add in specifics regarding what excites you about the role and how your experience will translate into the new responsibilities. Do research about the company and address how you are equally passionate about their core values and company culture. You will learn so much from a company’s website, including its mission statement and core values.

Get Started on you Cover Letter

First, start with an introduction paragraph. This will likely stay the same on every cover letter as you introduce yourself. Next, add five to six bullet points about why you are qualified for this specific position and reflect on your qualifying achievements. For example, I am constantly focused on collaborative relationships and strategic partnerships that advance the mission, vision, and goals of the organization. Last, add a closing statement about the position to which you’re applying, why it excites you, and how you will be able to effectively fulfill the role and responsibilities.

Add an Elevator Pitch to your Teacher Career Change Resume

An elevator pitch is basically highlights who you are,  your area of expertise, and your career intentions. It’s clear, concise, and is key to a teacher transition resume. Think about it like this: Imagine being on an elevator and only having about 30 seconds to sell yourself to the hiring manager. You should utilize your elevator pitch on your resume and when you get in front of a hiring manager at an interview. Just like your cover letter, this pitch should always be catered to a specific audience rather than being overly generic. 

Practice your elevator pitch so that it is second nature. It may sound silly but practicing your pitch in front of a friend or even a mirror helps. You can gain confidence in front of a hiring manager or an interview committee after practicing.

Again, an elevator pitch goes beyond your resume. Have your pitch handy at networking events, in job interviews, on any social bios, and in your resume header. Let’s say you are an experienced teacher looking for a transition into a Training and Development Manager position. Here’s an example of an elevator pitch you could use at a networking event or in your LinkedIn bio:

Elevator Pitch Examples

“I have more than 10 years of experience in training and development as a high school teacher where I have planned, directed, and coordinated various vocational programs. I am skilled in the ADDIE Model and various training methodologies, and I am currently looking to transition from the classroom to the corporate world. If you know anyone who is adding to their Training and Development Team, I hope you’ll send them my way.”

To adjust it to be more resume friendly, you could make the following tweaks:

” have more than 10 years of experience in training and development as a high school teacher where I have planned, directed, and coordinated various vocational programs. I am skilled in the ADDIE Model and a variety of training methodologies, and I am currently looking to make a transition from the classroom to the corporate world as a Corporate Trainer at Company X.”

While your elevator pitch is short and sweet, you should always be prepared for follow-up questions. Make sure you are comfortable with the different occupational terms and acronyms associated with any career path you seek. This shows your audience that you are knowledgeable and ready to move into that field of work.

Developing your Teacher Career Change Resume: Formatting Essentials

When it comes to your teacher transition resume, we need to talk about the big F-word: Formatting. 

A whopping 75% of resumes NEVER GET OPENED or seen by a hiring manager. One of the biggest culprits? Formatting. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through applications before they even make their way to a hiring manager’s hands. Luckily there are a few formatting tips that can help you pass the test. 

Length, File Format, and Other Tips For Your Teacher Career Change Resume

When it comes to the length of your resume, it really depends on your experience. While one-page resumes were once a rule-of-thumb, most resumes are now one and a half to two pages. However, if you have 15 years of work experience, you shouldn’t shy away from your accomplishments. In that case, it’s totally acceptable to have a 2-page resume. 

Next, you want to focus on another F-word: file format. There are different platforms and software, but I recommend you send your resume as a Word document, unless otherwise specified. So, when you go to save your resume file, be sure it’s saved in the .doc or .docx format. ATS will reject files saved in Pages, Excel, or JPEG format. 

The last big resume formatting tip is about style . If your go-to is a creative and colorful template that landed you your job in the classroom, it’s time for a change. Simple, chronological resume templates are your best bet in the corporate world, listing your experience starting with your most recent job. This is the most popular resume style, and it’s best for ATSs. It also happens to be preferred by recruiters and HR professionals, so you really can’t go wrong here. 

A chronological resume should be written to include the following elements in the listed order: 

• Header (including your personal information and your keyword-rich elevator pitch) 
• Technology experience and expertise 
• Current volunteer experience (if applicable)

Developing your Teacher Career Change Resume: Spill About Your Skills (The Right Way). 

As a teacher, you already have skills that can be utilized in the corporate world. It’s time to brag about them. Before you can do that, you have to move past any Impostor Syndrome you may be experiencing and acknowledge the value, experience, and expertise you have to offer. Trust me. You have a lot more to offer in roles outside of the classroom than you may think.

For example, your organization and multitasking skills can easily transfer to administrative tasks. Parent-teacher conferences give you the experience to handle customer service situations, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement. You’re no stranger to goat setting or data tracking and analysis. Think about any committees or after-school activities you’ve contributed to or helped organize as project management experience. 

Related Resources: Creating your Instructional Designer Resume

WALKING THE WALK AND TALKING THE TALK 

It’s not just about identifying your transferable skills but how you translate them on your resume.

Here are three of my biggest tips to help you effectively translate your transferable skills and experience on your teacher transition resume. 

First, be specific by quantifying your accomplishments . 

Second, unless you transition into an education-based role, leave out the teacher-specific terminology, acronyms, or pedagogy.   One of the biggest mistakes teachers make on their transition resumes is not rewriting or translating their resume experience so that it is applied to the world outside of the classroom setting. 

Make sure you are showcasing your skills and experience in a way that translates into the new roles you are looking for. Hiring managers don’t want to see you as a teacher. They want to see you as someone qualified for and ready to take on the role you are applying for.  Depending on the role, managers don’t want to know about record keeping for 25 students, but that you managed a portfolio of 25 clients. They don’t want to hear about teaching pedagogy and lesson planning but about training strategy and training materials. The corporate world isn’t about grading and cumulative assessments but about data tracking and analysis. 

Go back to your career buckets. Figure out which teaching duties fall under each and then focus on translating the teacher-specific language into corporate-appropriate terminology.  Then you’ll have an already translated list you can easily pull from any time you need to tailor a resume for a new job. 

Do Your Research For Your Teacher Career Change Resume

Last but not least, do your research and include job and industry-specific language and keywords in your resume. These terms should be peppered throughout your elevator pitch summary and throughout your highlighted experiences throughout your resume. Not only will using the language make your experience and skills more relatable to the position you are applying for, but it will show the hiring manager that you have done the work and are fully committed to stepping into the role, rather than a teacher looking for any new job they can get. 

Insider tip? You can utilize job descriptions as a tool, looking for the keywords and experiences highlighted throughout. Find a way to incorporate the industry-specific language as you translate your skills and experiences. Just make sure you know enough to expand upon the ideas if asked in an interview.

If you don’t feel like you have experience in any of the major keywords that pop up, look them up before you write them off. You likely have more experience than you are giving yourself credit for. More often than not, teachers have the skills. They’re just used to calling it something else.

Acquiring New Skills for Your Teacher Change Resume

Even after translating all of your relevant experience, you might find that there are some areas where you are lacking and that’s okay. Depending on the experiences you had while teaching and the role you are looking to transition into, you might find that there are certain skills that would be beneficial to have to make you a more desirable candidate. 

The good news is you can work on new skills while you are still teaching in the classroom. There are a variety of online classes and tutorials you can take at home and add to your teacher transition resume. The added keywords will make it easier for you to find a new career and you’ll likely go into it feeling more confident and prepared. 

Developing your Teacher Career Change Resume: Final Thoughts.

I know that was a lot of information. Maybe you were already stressed about writing your career transition resume, and now you’re feeling even more overwhelmed. If that’s the case, start by taking a deep breath. (Right here, right now). You don’t have to write and send out a hundred resumes in one day, or even one week. 

In fact, you don’t have to write hundreds of resumes at all. 

A lot of teachers ask, “Do I have to create a million different resume templates for all of these jobs?”   Absolutely not. While you should tweak your resume to fit each specific position you are applying for, you can save time by creating a template for each general category of positions you apply to. For example, you might have one template for training-type positions and another for jobs that fall under curriculum writing and instructional design categories.  One final word of advice? When it comes to taking resume writing advice, please, please, please vet your source to ensure the information applies to the position and industry you are applying to.

Teacher Career Change, Beyond the Resume

Developing a professional teacher transition resume is just the first step on your journey to a new career. If you have more questions like: How do I get employers to notice my resume? What kind of jobs am I qualified for? What do I do after I get the interview?!?

I want you to know that if being in the classroom is no longer an option for you, there are many career options for teachers. As a former teacher who transitioned out of the classroom, I have been at that crossroads. I successfully moved from teaching into a new career that has left me happier, healthier, and more relaxed than I ever could have been in the classroom.

Next steps to a new career

One of the biggest mistakes that we see teachers make is that they try to  navigate this process alone . Often, they put off “researching” until the very last minute. Which sets them up for a very stressful application season. I want to help you get some clarity in the options available to you. To know EXACTLY what you need to do (and not do) in order to get your foot in the door. You don’t have to do this on your own. With the help of an HR expert with over 10 years of experience and a team of former teachers, I’ve created a guide to support you in the early stages of your transition out of the classroom.  Tap the button below to learn more .

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How to Craft Your Teacher Career Change Resume + Ace Your Interview

Once you’ve decided that you want to leave the classroom, the next big question on your mind is, “What career am I going to pursue?”  Well, there are two different ways you can go…the employee route or the entrepreneur route.

The entrepreneur route means that you go into business for yourself. Maybe you start a website , a boutique , a virtual assistant business , an online tutoring business, a photography business , or a TpT shop . The career is irrelevant; the important thing to note is that as an entrepreneur, you are going into business for yourself.

The employee route means that you choose to work for another individual or company. Again, we are less concerned with who hires you and more interested in how to get you hired for the job of your dreams.

So in today’s episode, we are going to focus on the employee route and how writing a teacher career change resume will help you land some of the best jobs for teachers outside of education. The cool part about what I’m sharing is that these tips will help you in getting hired for ANY position.

But we are going to spend the majority of our time unpacking some of the specifics you might not have considered when you began thinking about landing the best jobs for teachers outside of the classroom .

So let’s discuss the 15 things you need to do to design a winning teacher career change resume and land your dream job outside of teaching.

Creating Your Teacher Career Change Resume

1| write specifically.

Everyone has a resume, but there is a lot of difference between a “leaving teaching resume that includes all of your teaching experience and literally nothing else” and a well-planned, well-executed specific resume.

Think about it like this. There are dollar store pens and then there are flair pens…I rest my case.

The whole point of writing a resume is to give the applicant board as much relevant information as possible in as little space as possible.

So you want your transition out of teaching resume to be unique and a nice reflection of you while still being completely tailored to the position for which you are applying.

Your resume shouldn’t be generic. I know this may feel frustrating when you’re applying for a lot of positions at once, but I promise it will pay off in the long run. You definitely want your resume to reflect specifics of the field and position into which you want to move.

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2| Research transferable skills

Be sure to listen to Episode #5 where we discuss the top transferable skills that teachers possess that makes you a prime candidate for any job you want. Think about what types of transferable skills you have that apply to the particular field you are interested in.

The most important part about this is remembering that each field of study and each niche has its own language. So you want to take time to figure out which of the skills are your strengths and then translate those into the niche-specific buzzwords that particular community uses.

Then add those words onto your teacher career change resume so the application board knows you have the skills they are seeking.

3| Use niche-specific language

I mentioned this in tip 2, but you want to make sure that you speak the language of the people in your potential career. Most professions have a “lingo” and you want to be sure that you know the lingo of your chosen field of interest.

Think about teaching. We use words and acronyms like social-emotional learning (SEL), individualized education plan (IEP), and curriculum-based assessment (CBA).

If you stopped people on the street and asked them what these acronyms meant, most probably wouldn’t have any idea what you were talking about. However, if you are a new teacher wanting to get hired, these acronyms are important for you to know.

This same rule applies for other fields. If you want to break into a community or niche outside of the world of education, you need to learn the lingo. The best way to do this is by using Google and type in common acronyms for (fill in the blank of the field).

Once you understand the common acronyms for that field, you will want to compare these to your transferable teacher skills and see which ones are similar. Then research the buzzwords in the niche of the job you hope to pursue to find even more gold to add to your teacher career change resume.

4| Be prepared

You would think this would be supremely obvious, but according to my husband, who does interviews regularly for his job, the number of individuals who come to interviews completely unprepared is staggering.

So after researching the lingo (including buzzwords & acronyms) of your potential profession, make sure you research the specific position you hope to get as well as the company you want to join.

Make certain that your career goals align with the motto and beliefs of this particular company . You don’t want to go through the trouble of interviewing, getting offered the position, and working for one day only to realize you don’t agree with the company’s position on an important issue.

Once you determine you are a good fit for the company, take some time to look online for interview questions related to your chosen field and formulate answers as a way to prepare for the questions you might be asked in an interview.

This will instill confidence in you and help you get into the mindset of someone who already has the position…before you ever walk through the door of the interview.

5| Reach out to someone at the company

If you want to be prepared for a potential interview, then you need to know about the company and also the workers there.

You can call the company and ask to speak with someone in the department to which you are applying or ask to speak with the supervisor about the position.

Be respectful of this individual’s time and ask if he/she has 5 minutes to answer a couple of quick questions about the position. If the person is busy, let him/her call you at a more convenient time because the last thing you want to do is be a nuisance.

Ask a few preselected questions that will help you understand more about the work environment, the position itself, and the supervisor. Remember, to write these ahead of time so you don’t waste time trying to think of them on the spot.

The point of this exercise is to get a little extra insight and to get your name in front of the individual early.

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Nailing Your Teacher Career Change Interview

6| know what you’re interviewing for.

This may seem ridiculous, but there are so many people who just saunter into interviews with no idea what they’re even interviewing for. My husband sees this all the time.

He is always astounded by how many individuals step into an interview completely clueless about the position. Ultimately, the interviewee is simply wasting everyone’s time.

This is a very frustrating situation…especially when an interview panel has a full day of interviews. Make sure you’ve spent time studying the position and dissecting the job requirements and duties so that you can answer the questions in an interview well.

Think about the specific skills you bring to the table that will allow you to be an asset to the company and how those skills set you up as the perfect candidate for the position.

7| Be aware of your strengths and weaknesses

In every interview, there is always the obligatory “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” question. While it may be phrased in a number of different ways, this is the moment for you to shine.

You want to spend time talking about what you have to offer the company that makes you the obvious choice of candidate. Then you want to be honest about your weaknesses in a way that does not make you look like a liability. Let me give you some examples.

Instead of saying this…

• I’m a terrible speller.
• I hate people.
• I’m OCD about organization.

Say this…

• I appreciate spell check as spelling isn’t my strong suit.
• I work best independently as I tend to be introverted by nature.
• I thrive in a tidy workspace . I’m not a fan of disorganization.

The point here is for you to admit your weaknesses, but in a way that doesn’t take you out of the running for this particular position.

8| Don’t assume anything

You cannot assume the interview panel knows anything you don’t say or that you haven’t told them during the meeting. You may have written something in your application or even in your resume, but you still need to mention it during the interview as needed. 

This is especially important if you happen to know someone on the interview board or you have worked at this particular company before. They are only able to write down things you say during the meeting and if you don’t say it, it might get overlooked elsewhere.

Also remember to avoid the word etcetera.

This is something people say when they’ve been asked a question that they aren’t fully prepared to answer. They will say “etcetera” to fill in the space of those things they can’t think of during the interview.

But remember, the interviewers don’t know what etcetera covers unless you clarify it. So just leave it out of the conversation completely.

9| Answer ALL of the questions

Another issue that my husband sees frequently in interviews is candidates not answering all of the questions. For example, the interviewer might ask you something like this…“Name some skills that you feel would be important to have to do this job effectively. Then tell us your strongest skill.”

Potential candidates answer with their strongest skill while completely ignoring the first part of the question. This isn’t an encouraging start for interviewers because they want an employee that actually listens.

So listen carefully to the questions asked and answer ALL of them as succinctly (and thoroughly) as possible.

Now what I just said might seem a bit like an oxymoron. How are you supposed to answer a question succinctly and thoroughly? Think of it like this…

You want to include as much information as needed to answer the question(s) completely without talking in circles and repeating yourself 53 times. You want to prove that you have a thoughtful answer while also being respectful of the interviewers’ time. 

10| Dress Appropriately

It doesn’t matter if you are applying for a non-profit, a grocery store, or a Fortune 500 company, you want to dress appropriately. Think about the old adage…Dress for the job you want, not for the job you have!!

Even if the place you’re interviewing at has “Casual Fridays” and you happen to be getting an interview on one of these days, you are not yet an employee and those rules don’t apply to you. So think about how a professional would dress and dress accordingly.

Men should wear a suit and tie or at the bare minimum a polo shirt and nice slacks. If you come in with wrinkled khakis and a shirt 2 sizes too small, you are not going to make a good impression.

Women should wear a nice pair of slacks or skirt with a MODEST dressy top or dress if you feel more comfortable. Leggings (unless under a dress), low cut or revealing tops, and bra straps make a terrible first impression.

Remember, you will be the face of this particular company to the world and they don’t want sloppily-dressed individuals representing their brand. And even the best teacher career change resume will not cover up the negative impression a poorly dressed applicant gives during the interview.

11| Don’t fidget

When we get nervous, we do annoying things without even realizing it. We tend to tap our pencils, shift in our seats, click our pens, or clear our throats because we literally don’t know what to do with ourselves. 

But this is super-distracting to the interviewers. That’s why practicing with someone prior to your actual interview can be really helpful.

You can simulate the interview environment (including paper, pen, or pencil on the table) to see if you have any fidget or annoying habit that will cause the interviewers to be distracted. After the simulation, the person can give you feedback on things you are doing well and things you need to work on before completing your interview.

12| Show interest

It is sad to even have to mention this, but another thing my husband has mentioned that amazes him is how little people seem to care about the job for which they are interviewing. There have been times he wanted to ask the interviewee if they actually even wanted the job.

To avoid this, be forthcoming with all of the information you have to share and don’t make the interview panel prod you for answers. This doesn’t make a good impression and since the goal is to land this job, you want to show interest.

If you don’t feel like you’ve had the opportunity to truly express why you want the job, at the end say something like…

• “I want this position because…”
• “I would like the opportunity to work here because…”

Then mention anything you gleaned during your conversation with the supervisor in your pre-interview phone conversation. This may be exactly what they’ve been waiting for someone to say!

13| Don’t be afraid to ask questions at the end

In many interviews, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions of the panel. Be sure to take advantage of the time and ask any clarifying questions.

You want to make sure you’ve already determined the types of questions you want to ask BEFORE you step into the interview though so you don’t forget them when you get nervous. You might even want to write them down and pull out your note at the end.

This will allow you to show the panel how serious you are about the position and also give you the opportunity to ask any questions that you would like answered related to work environment, their favorite things about working for the company, and how long they have been with the company.

Staying Front of Mind

14| send a thank you.

This is such an important part of the interview process. You want to thank the supervisor for the opportunity to interview for the position. This can be done “old school” style by sending a physical thank you note or card or it can be sent via email.

Make sure you are specific so that it doesn’t appear to simply be a canned response that you send to everyone. This is also one more way for your name to stay in front of the supervisor’s mind.

15| Ask for feedback

After you have sent your thank you email, you will find out whether or not you were chosen as the candidate for hire. If you did NOT get hired, don’t be afraid to reach out to the supervisor and see if he/she could give you a little insight into why you didn’t get the position.

This isn’t a power move; it’s simply a way for you to determine what you could have done better. But if you are going to go to the trouble of asking what you could have done better, be sure to listen carefully to feedback given to you.

Then take the time to turn that feedback into  better interviewing skills. And who knows? You may be able to use this insight to secure a different position with the company in the future.

These 15 tips are designed to help you create an amazing teacher career change resume and deliver an awe-inspiring interview that leaves the company begging for you to work for them.

You are an extremely enticing candidate, but it is your job to show these companies just how badly they need you on their team.

So take time to create a standout resume designed for the position to which you are applying, prepare for the interview, arrive at the interview dressed professionally and confident that you are the best candidate.

You can do this!

If you know you need some help designing a teacher career change resume and strategic interview coaching, I can help! As a coach, I love helping clients leave the classroom ready to begin their new career with confidence. Click the button below for your free 30 minute Zoom call.

Jennifer is a former elementary school teacher (M. Ed.) turned literacy interventionist, blogger, podcaster, TpT author, and homeschooling mom. When she's not with her husband & boys, she's sharing her love for Jesus, designing websites, helping other teachers pursue online businesses, organizing ALL THE THINGS, or watching New Girl. Read More >>

• • Taught 5 classes of 20 students each
• • Increased student performance by 34%
• • Мaintaining the school website, updating news and essential information
• • Created and graded bi-weekly assignments
• • Participating in the design of teaching materials
• • Holding classes on MS Office and coding basics
• • Created teaching materials for students aged 15-19
• • Developed lessons that helped students understand complex mathematical concepts in an interactive way
• • Adopted a 'blended learning' approach that boosted students' creativity and problem-solving skills
• • Came up with assignments that tested students' abilities
• • Delivered math lessons in English
• • Increased pass rate by 30% on standardized tests
• • Provided moral support to students
• • Held out-of-class groups for students who wanted to improve their math skills
• • Supervised children aged 15-18 and encouraged social interaction

5 Teacher Career Change Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Customize this resume with ease using our seamless online resume builder.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Former IT & Math Teacher, aspiring QA Analyst resume example

Resume Guide

Teacher Career Change Resume

Resume Format

Resume Experience

Hard & Soft Skills

Certification & Education

Resume Summary & Objective

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

Teacher burnout is no joke.

You’ve probably considered changing your career for a while now.

Yet, how do you overcome the stereotypes that go with being “just” a teacher? How do you prove that you can thrive in a different industry?

Continue reading to find out how to:

• Adapt your teacher career change resume for various other roles;
• Use our teacher career change resume example to craft your own;
• Draw inspiration from side projects and hobbies to build your experience section.

Once you figure out the writing process, come back to check out our job-specific guides:

• Career change resume summary
• Career change resume guide
• Transitioning teacher resume

Teacher career change  resume example

• Effectively Showcasing Relevant Skills: By bringing the “Attention to Detail” and “Basic coding” skills to the forefront, the applicant bridges the gap between teaching and QA roles.
• Emphasizing a Drive for Continuous Learning: Including recent role-related training you’ve completed (be it from Udemy or IT Sligo) demonstrates your commitment to transitioning to the QA field.
• Highlighting Quantifiable Achievements in Teaching: The candidate successfully proves they know how to measure the impact of their work. Numbers and data speak louder than any buzzwords.
• Affirm Your Experience with Technology in Education: Having a solid foundational knowledge of coding basics makes the applicant the perfect candidate for a QA Analyst.

How to format a teacher career change  resume

Even if your academic specialization isn’t Literature, you have an appreciation for good organization.

Such as a neat and concise mathematical solution. Or a well-structured code.

Resume writing is no different. You have to make the most of each section by emphasizing your key achievements and skills.

To do that, consider the following writing tips:

• Stick  to the reverse-chronological resume format , it’s a recruiters’ favorite.  Make sure to draw role-relevant experiences from each of your past teaching positions.
• Take advantage of the extra space in your resume header.  Link to other professional profiles you have or a portfolio pertinent to the position. For instance, share your GitHub, if you’re aiming for an IT-related job.
• Build a strong resume objective.  If you have no practical experience in your target industry, appeal to companies by strategically pointing to relevant transferable skills.
• Don’t underestimate the education and talent sections.  While some positions require a specific degree, other jobs, such as a QA Analyst, have a low-entry threshold. Describe any relevant training you’ve undergone.
• Limit your resume to a maximum of 2 pages.  Grab recruiters' attention from the get-go. Regardless of your new career path, hiring managers spend no more than 7 seconds on any given resume.
• Save your information as a PDF document , unless otherwise instructed .  This file type is best at preserving the formatting of your resume. And it’s Applicant Tracking System-friendly (ATS).
• Ensure you use a readable font, such as Lato or Raleway.  But any other serif and sans-serif font works just as well.

Keep in mind these are general formatting recommendations. Always check for any extra requirements present within the business niche and the job ad.

Some industry leaders have additional company-specific rules of their own.

For example, Google recruiters request applicants to bolden the names of tools  and programming languages within the resume .

So, be vigilant.

It’s best to prepare a different resume for each of the roles you’ve targeted.

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The top sections on a teacher career change resume:

• Summary:  Showcasing how your accomplishments and transferable skills align with your potential employer’s goals is crucial. It highlights your aspirations for a career change. And the work you’ve put into doing so.
• Skills : Separate yourself from the stereotype of the “all theory, no practice” teacher. As a professional transitioning to another industry, you must emphasize your role-relevant transferable talents.
• Experience:  Demonstrate how your teaching experience can be beneficial in your new career path by mentioning pertinent achievements.
• Education:  List relevant degrees and certifications to prove you’re no stranger to the business niche and you’re aware of current industry trends.
• Training/Courses:  Direct recruiters’ attention to your strive for learning by displaying all the new abilities you acquired in preparation for your career change.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Transferable Skills:  Hiring managers want to know how much of your skill set applies to the new role.
• Adaptability:  Convince recruiters that your transition from the education sector to your industry of choice is going to be smooth.
• Continuous Learning:  Showcase your determination to do well on your new career path by providing evidence of ongoing training.
• Relevant Experience:  Include any pertinent non-teaching side projects, volunteer work, or practical experiences to show the full scope of your abilities.
• Achievement Metrics:  Explain how your teaching work made an impact on your students by quantifying your achievements.

How to write your teacher career change resume experience

As its name suggests, the resume experience section  is where you detail your professional expertise.

It’s tempting not to describe your work history in full if you fear teaching will lower your chances of getting the job.

But you’re robbing yourself of the great opportunity to align your accomplishments and talents with the available position.

That’s why, when building your experience entries, refrain from listing teaching duties and responsibilities.

Instead, shift the focus toward how your career has progressed so far. Share pertinent and measurable achievements that demonstrate the impact of your work.

Describe how your actions have affected your students, their parents, and even other teachers.

But more importantly, relate your work experience to the role you desire.

The best way to do this is to think of professional challenges you’ve overcome and explain how you did it.

For example, imagine you’re a physical education (PE) teacher who’s set their sights on becoming a fitness instructor.

You can emphasize how your combined theoretical knowledge and practical experience have helped you raise the fitness level of your students.

Let’s make it a little more difficult with another example.

You’re still a physical education teacher looking for a career change. But now you’re aiming to become an emergency medical technician (EMT). How do you translate your teaching experience?

Well, in this case, you’ll have to highlight your physical endurance. Couple that with relevant volunteer work and all the essential certificates qualifying you for the role, and you’re good to go!

Having these tips in mind, take a look at the experience entry example below. Do you think Ava managed to make the most out of the section?

• • Experimented with various tools and managed to preserve the class participation rate.
• • Adjusted the use of unfamiliar tools during class.
• • Looked after students with various learning disabilities.

Not really because her entry reads very matter-of-factly.

Yes, it’s a resume, after all.

But even though this is essentially a corporate document, you must appeal to hiring managers to secure an interview.

What Ava failed to do is:

• Detail key information about the institution and its focus
• Mention her academic specialization to let recruiters know her area of expertise
• Add enough context or quantifiable data to make her achievements stand out

Hence, the candidate doesn’t showcase any of the transferable skills she could apply in her new role, such as:

• Adaptability
• Ability to work in various learning environments
• Ability to learn new skills
• Bettering the lives of students
• Having a proactive attitude

Another unfortunate result of the bland experience entry is there’s no hint of what position Ava is aiming for.

Granted, building a targeted resume  will take you more time. But your efforts will pay off once you receive a call-back interview.

To illustrate, let’s assume Ava’s desired role is QA Analyst. Here is how she can translate her teaching experience to fit the position:

• • Experimented with blended and e-learning environments during the pandemic, managing to preserve a 93% class participation rate and increasing performance by 85%.
• • Adjusted the use of unfamiliar tools during class and provided troubleshooting advice to students, which resulted in a better classroom environment and a rise of 30% in lesson comprehension.
• • Increased accessibility to lesson resources for students with various learning disabilities through research and the introduction of 10 new learning tools.

How to quantify the impact on your resume

The example above proves just how much numbers make a difference when describing your work experience .

Employers use the data to gauge your workplace awareness. It separates those who go to work just to collect a salary and employees who seek professional growth.

And when you’re changing your career, recruiters will pry into why you’re leaving teaching.

So, to make your resume relate to other industries, try to reframe your accomplishments in a way that will hint at other abilities you have.

Depending on your new career of choice, some achievements you can add include:

• Student performance improvements: Demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable results.
• Size of classes or programs managed:  Emphasize your ability to handle complex large-scale projects.
• School events participation increases: Detail situations where your skills have helped students engage better with school life.
• The number of educational projects led: Highlight your classroom management skills, leadership talent, and ability to foster teamwork spirit.
• Types of technology tools used, as well as your proficiency level: Indicate you’re tech-savvy and know your way around most project management platforms.
• Number in efficiency improvements (e.g. time saved): Showcase your talent for process optimization and achieving results.
• Amount of extracurricular activities coordinated: Prove you have the organizational and time management skills for your new role.
• The number of public appearances and conferences held: Illustrate your networking and presentation skills.
• Business niche involvement: Share how you stay up-to-date with industry trends close to your academic area of expertise.
• Additional training acquired:  Draw attention to your knack for learning new abilities.

How do I write a teacher career change resume with no experience

We understand the frustration of getting disappointed with your degree halfway through doing it.

Crafting a resume with no work history  means you must rely on additional coaching you’ve undergone and other side projects you’ve done.

So, if you:

• Are certain of what you want to pursue professionally
• Hold an Education degree, but have no practical experience

…start brainstorming!

All you need to do is:

• Familiarize yourself with the business niche you want to work in. Including industry traditions and jargon.
• Review current job ads for various positions within the industry, even if you don’t plan on applying for the roles.
• Take note of what qualities and skills are considered perfect for the job.
• Make a list of experiences you can share, such as temporary work and internships .
• Relate your professional achievements to the requirements listed in the job description.
• Support your application with details about relevant hobbies, side projects, and portfolios you’ve built.

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Regardless of your chosen profession, having a balanced mix of hard and soft skills on your resume will always impress recruiters.

Hard skills  display your proficiency in a variety of technical tools and platforms.

For example, most IT-related jobs demand experts who have a deep understanding of coding basics and Object Oriented Programming (OOP).

When listing your technical skills, make sure you follow the exact phrasing used in the job description.

This will ensure your resume is optimized to pass ATS checks.

By contrast, soft skills  demonstrate how:

• How high your Emotional intelligence (EQ) is
• How well you can work with other members of your team
• If you’ll be a good leader and mentor in the long run

You know your professional impact goes beyond the classroom.

Parents rely on you to inform them of their children’s well-being and educational progress. Principals, on the other hand, expect you to build a bridge between students and potential employers.

So, as a teacher looking for a career change, the best way to create a perfectly varied skills resume section  is to:

• Jot down your top professional talents and transferable abilities.
• Divide them into hard and soft skills.
• Check which of the two groups has fewer entries.
• Don’t worry if you can’t boast as many tech skills as the job ad demands.
• Review the tables below for ideas on what other talents you can add to your skills section.
• Describe your abilities by sharing how each of your talents helped you overcome a professional challenge. Make sure to provide enough context!
• Remember to relate your achievements and skills to the available position.

Best hard skills for your teacher career change resume

• Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Public Speaking
• Conflict Resolution
• Budget Management
• Time Management
• Organizational Skills
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Social Media Management
• Event Planning
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
• Basic Coding (e.g., Python, HTML)
• Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• Educational Technology Tools
• Research and Reporting
• Team Leadership
• Curriculum Development
• E-Learning Platforms
• Bilingual Communication Skills

Best soft skills for your teacher career change resume

• Effective Communication
• Active Listening
• Problem-Solving
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Motivational Skills
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional Intelligence
• Continuous Learning
• Student Advocacy

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Another conundrum you may have come across while building your resume is how to tackle the education section .

As a teacher, you understand the significance of having the right academic background. Especially for roles in the medical, financial, or legal industry.

Yet, you also know that some roles have a low entry threshold. For instance, Digital Marketing Specialist, QA Analyst, or Event Planner.

This is why a bit of research in advance can help you with sifting through which degrees and certificates to add . And which ones to leave out of your resume.

If you’re a tenured professional, do add your Bachelor's and/or Master’s degree:

• Include the name of your degree and your alma mater
• List the date you graduated
• Cite the names of relevant associations or clubs you’ve been involved with
• Detail role-related side projects or internships you’ve done

But if you’re a recent graduate, you can also mention:

• Your GPA, if it’s above 3.25
• Pertinent majors and minors
• A few of your significant accomplishments, such as an award, a recognition, or a presentation

Have a look at how Ava tailored her education section to fit the role of a QA Analyst:

• • Developed and completed a project for the audit and security strengthening of the university's library network. The project was primarily focused on securing students' files and private information.
• • Minored in Applied Science, Math and Computer Science.

Although her focus is on Early Childhood Education, Ava emphasizes the relevant parts of her training.

If you’re yet to complete your degree, you can disclose your high school diploma. But do so only if you don’t have enough certifications to fill the education section.

Best certifications for your teacher career change resume

• ISTQB Certified Tester  | International Software Testing Qualifications Board
• Certified Software Quality Engineer (CSQE)  | American Society for Quality
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)  | Scrum Alliance
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals  | Microsoft
• AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner  | Amazon Web Services
• Project Management Professional (PMP)  | Project Management Institute
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)  | National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

How to write your teacher career change resume summary or objective

One of the few spaces on your resume where you can express yourself in a more freeform manner is the personal statement .

This is a short paragraph of no more than 5-6 sentences, where you provide a brief description of your:

• Key career achievements
• Technical and social strengths
• Relevant certificates and professional connections

But before you start writing, you need to know which type of personal statement is best for your case.

If you’ve been teaching for some time now and you have plenty of work experience, craft a resume summary .

Its purpose is to grab recruiters’ attention by creating a highlight reel of your top achievements. Despite your Education background.

As long as you emphasize the relevant parts of your experience. Just like Ava did with her education section.

In contrast, if your work history isn’t that long, build an appealing resume objective . It’s similar to the summary, but the focus lies on how your transferable skills can benefit your future employer.

Check out the following resume objective:

The applicant is hoping to secure a position with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

Given that the person is currently a teacher and has experience working with children, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Yet, the candidate’s reliance on listing a ton of resume buzzwords  is a sure way for hiring managers to lose interest.

Adding more:

• Pertinent career success stories
• Information about professional connections
• Details about what motivates the applicant

…is what this objective needs.

Here is the difference a few edits can make:

In our second example, the candidate is a math teacher aiming to transition to the IT sector.

Since the individual is a more experienced teacher, the resume summary is bound to be full of achievements, right?

Take a look:

Again, there are too many self-descriptive adjectives and resume buzzwords.

And while some of the cited skills are what hiring managers are looking for, they are not tied to any specific measurable accomplishments.

Also, the applicant has failed to relate how either the languages or the degree minor is relevant to the available position.

This resume summary doesn’t bode well for the candidate. So, let’s make a few edits to make it even more impressive:

Now the applicant is bound to get noticed for all the right reasons!

Additional sections for a teacher career change resume

There are countless other opportunities to impress recruiters.

You can always add an extra segment on your resume to showcase other aspects of your life. Ones you may not necessarily have had the chance to exhibit while at work.

Some of these include, but are not limited to:

• Side gigs and personal projects, related to your desired industry
• Portfolios, scrapbooks, testimonial pages, or anything that displays your work. As well as customer feedback (if applicable).
• Awards, recognitions, prizes, and competition rankings  (if applicable)
• Human and/or programming languages
• White papers, presentations, research materials, resources , etc.
• Knowledge of professional tools, platforms, and project management styles

What you list on your career change resume will depend on:

• What else do you have to offer, but haven’t mentioned yet
• What other talents from your skill set do you want to flaunt and are in demand for the job

How to put side projects section on a resume

Projects are all-encompassing and can take many forms. That’s why, even if you’ve worked on something very small and personal if it’s relevant - add it!

• State the name of your project.
• Describe its purpose and why it’s important.
• Share the results of your project and if there were any developments following its completion.
• Elaborate on specific skills you’ve acquired throughout the process.
• Remember to quantify your achievements.

The side project section doesn’t have to look fancy to make you stand out. Have a look at the example below for reference:

• • The project was implemented as part of the auditing processes at 13+ other educational institutions as a way to protect students from personal information leakages.

Key takeaways

In short, writing a teacher career change resume isn’t difficult. But it requires some soul-searching. Just keep in mind to:

• Brainstorm possible career paths you want to pursue before you begin building your resume.
• Select the reverse-chronological resume format to showcase your current professional development.
• Don’t forget to link to industry-related business profiles and portfolios in your resume header.
• Opt for a resume objective if you’re a fresh graduate or don’t have much work experience in the education sector.
• Concentrate on tailoring your resume to your desired role by including job ad keywords.
• Use data and numbers to quantify your achievements wherever possible.  
• Emphasize the variety of transferable abilities in your skill set. Don’t forget to balance out your social talents with a few tech skills.

Looking to build your own Teacher For Career Change resume?

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How to Craft an Effective Resume for a Teacher Career Change

Crafting an impressive teacher resume when changing careers so that you can land the job you really want.

The path you chose in the early years of your career doesn’t have to stick! You could lose interest in your current role or find something more fulfilling along the way.  

If you’re feeling discontented in your teaching career, you don’t have to keep pushing through. There are several career paths you can choose from by leveraging the transferable skills you’ve developed in your career so far. 

Today, we’ll guide you on crafting an impressive teacher resume when changing careers so that you can land the job you really want . 

What Are Some Jobs For Former Teachers?

Here are some new career paths available to former teachers based on desirable skills requirements.

EdTech Professional

Turning to EdTech is the easiest career transition one could think of, as it allows you to continue impacting education but on a larger scale! Start from an entry-level role and fill the skill gaps by developing other relevant skills such as coding, design, product management, and data analysis. Course designing and content creation are some EdTech domains you could easily tap into as a former teacher.

5 key skills requirements:

• Strong communication 
• Problem-solving
• Web development 
• Knowledge of programming languages
• Data Analytics

See this example job listing for a Learning Experience Designer at Columbus State University. It’s a perfect opportunity for experienced university teachers with a passion for course creation.

Instructional Design

Instructional design is a division of EdTech that mainly focuses on creating effective learning experiences, including courses, manuals, learning simulations, and more. Your lesson planning and curriculum development skills will come in handy for this role. 

• Understanding of learning models
• Project management 
• Presentation technology knowledge
• Visual design and storyboarding
• Assessment development

See this example job listing for an Instructional Designer to direct adult learning in a workplace. If you’re looking to work in a corporate setting and have deep knowledge about workplace practices, this role could be perfect for you!

The love for reading and learning is second nature to most teachers, which is why a career as a librarian is a good next step for former teachers. They are skilled in creating and delivering course curriculums, which translates well to a librarian’s responsibility of curating collections and resources to meet the needs of diverse readers. 

• Organizational skills
• Community engagement
• Basic computer literacy
• Research skills
• Customer service

This example job listing for a Reference Librarian is ideal for someone who is great at research and has a knack for handling software related to library database management.

Writer/Author/Editor 

One of the most important skills a teacher possesses is the ability to articulate their thoughts and words effectively. If you’re great at this, you might want to consider writing or editing as your next career. You could try magazines, newspapers, websites, books, and any other publishing mediums that pay to write.

Additionally, you can tap into copywriting or advertising if consumer psychology and marketing excite you.

• Excellent writing ability
• Critical thinking
• Storytelling

See this example job listing for a copywriter, which is perfect for someone who excels at storytelling and editorial writing.

Assessing and evaluating a person’s skills are a daily part of teaching, and you can translate these skills into recruiting candidates for a company. All you need is an eye for good talent, and you’re gold.

• Interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills
• Sales and persuasion

This example job listing is for Recruiters in the financial services space, perfect for former teachers with a commerce background.  

Corporate Trainer

How about teaching, but in a different setting and to a different audience? Offering training in a corporate environment allows you to experience a whole new world and expand your horizons. This role also allows for flexibility to set your own schedule—something that is a welcome reprieve from the rigid schedule of most educators.

• Presentation skills
• Technical literacy
• Analytical skills
• Cultural sensitivity

This example job listing for a Corporate Trainer is ideal for you if you love helping individuals perform better in their roles.

Teacher Career Change Resume Example

Your resume plays a critical role when switching from teaching to a more corporate role—it’s all about how you present your experiences and skills in a manner to make them attractive to any potential employer.  

Here’s one resume example that has the potential to get attention:

Why does this resume work?

• Using numbers and percentages to talk about results and transformations. This shows that the candidate is data-driven (which is perfect in the corporate realm) and the ability to drive results and productivity with their work. 
• Employers love resume keywords such as “goal-setting,” “planning,” “strategy,” and “feedback.” These show the applicant knows the industry skills required and helps form a positive first impression.
• The work history tells how the applicant has been more than just a teacher and has been involved in the development of their previous institution . This involves other relevant responsibilities such as leading a team of instructors, building partnerships with local schools, collaborating with faculties, designing training programs, and more.

How to Write a Resume When Transitioning from Teaching

1. make the most of transferable skills.

Transferable skills are the experiences and qualities you develop in your teaching career that can also be applied to your new career. 

These skills not only include your hard skills (i.e., your expertise) but also include all soft skills (problem-solving, analytical skills, team-leading abilities, etc) you pick up along the journey. 

How to identify your transferable skills:

• Reflect on your teaching journey and note all your achievements, milestones, and the skills you demonstrated in those times.
• Review job descriptions of the roles you’re interested in and translate your skills per the specific job requirements. 
• Network with people from the industry you wish to join outside of teaching to learn about the potential roles you can apply to with your skills. 
• Consider all the training and courses you’ve done in your teaching career and use them to create a portfolio. You can create a mock project to showcase your skills in a real-world scenario. 

Suggested reading: Resume templates for various industries

2. Customize Your Resume for a New Field

One resume will not fit every job role. You must adapt the jargon, formats, and language specific to each field. Align your experiences and achievements with the requirements of your new field.

Here’s an example:

“Prepared and curated lesson plans for students.”

This line from a teacher’s resume becomes….

“Oversaw curriculum development to maximize learning for students while collaborating with team members and leadership.”

The updated version shows you’re a team player who likes taking end-to-end initiatives. 

3. Address Career Change Concerns

Transitioning from a teacher to a corporate role may raise objections and concerns from employers. 

Some of these concerns could be:

• Lack of experience in a corporate setting
• Being overqualified for entry-level roles
• Your ability to transfer and translate skills

You can address these concerns using the following strategies:

• Share instances from your teaching journey where you applied your transferable skills. For example,  instances where you led a team and contributed to the development of your past organization. Or where you navigated a change that increased students’ performance by a significant percentage. 
• Talk about the technical tools you’ve used in your past role and how they’ve helped you in the job.
• Prepare a solid answer to the question, “Why should we hire you.” Use your skills like adaptability, team player, problem-solving, critical thinking, etc, to lead the argument.
• Mention any courses, certifications, workshops, or additional education you have pursued or are pursuing to enhance your skills for the corporate role.

4. Showcase Accomplishments and Impact

Numbers speak louder than words, and quantifying your achievements emphasizes their impact. For starters, it shows the employer you really care about achieving results rather than just getting the work done. Secondly, it makes you look more credible and encourages the employer to trust you.

Here’s how to write a resume that highlights quantitative achievements:

• Avoid vague statements and be highly specific—always specify who you helped, how you helped, and the results you produced. 
• Highlight metrics relevant to the job you’re applying for, not just your old job.
• It doesn’t always have to be a percentage—you can include the number of people impacted or a range of data in case you don’t have the precise figures. 

Here are two examples of showcasing impact: 

• Led and managed a student mentorship program for senior students and helped 15+ students achieve scholarships to attend prestigious universities in Germany in 2022.
• Aligned with key stakeholders to manage additional events in the organization to drive student engagement and learning. Raised $20,000 from trustees for this cause. 

5. Include Professional Development and Upskilling

It’s good practice to focus on training and upskilling when transitioning to a different career. It helps you close the skill gaps between your old and new role and make you more qualified for corporate. 

Here are some places you can search for courses and certifications:

• Udemy: You get a huge library of courses for every field imaginable, at affordable prices.
• LinkedIn Learning: This comes with your LinkedIn premium subscription. Showcase the course certification as you finish; it’ll act as a huge employer magnet on your profile!
• Look for courses and certifications available in your local area. 

Don’t forget to highlight ongoing learning and upskilling on the resume. It shows the recruiter how invested you are in adapting to a new career path and the effort you put into making it happen.

Here’s an example of how to highlight it on your resume:

Currently pursuing a certification course, “Email Marketing Fundamentals”, on Udemy after finishing “Digital Marketing 101”, and “Basics of Branding” successfully. 

Key Takeaways

Transitioning from teaching into a new role can be a smooth ride if you know where to look and how to apply and position yourself. Your resume is your entry ticket into another role—make sure you create an excellent first impression!

Tailor your resume for the field you’re applying to and show off your transferable skills. Remain calm during the job hunting process and continue upskilling for new roles to complement your existing skills and experience.  

And if you want to fast-track the resume writing process and increase your chances of landing your dream job, consider giving Rezi’s resume builder a try!

How do I write a resume for a career change from teaching?

Identify your transferable skills that fit the requirements for the role you’re applying to and follow these resume tips .

What do you put on a resume when leaving teaching?

Mention all your relevant experiences from your teaching background in your resume and tailor these experiences to the new role. 

How do I switch to a career in teaching?

Get clarity about who you want to teach and what should be your subject, and apply for all the necessary certifications to complete the process. 

Kels Styles

Kels is a career writer and editor with a background in entertainment, advertising, and startups. Kels aims to provide, reinforce, and organize authentic, digestible content that helps you take the next step in your career. 

• Transitioning Teacher Resume Example

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Common Responsibilities Listed on Transitioning Teacher Resumes:

• Develop and implement lesson plans that meet the needs of all students
• Create a positive learning environment that encourages student engagement and participation
• Provide instruction and assessment of student learning
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues
• Collaborate with other teachers to develop and implement curriculum
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to students and parents
• Participate in professional development activities to stay current with best practices
• Utilize technology to enhance instruction and student learning
• Maintain accurate records of student performance and attendance
• Enforce school policies and procedures
• Participate in extracurricular activities and school events

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Transitioning Teacher Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented innovative lesson plans that catered to diverse student needs, resulting in a 10% increase in overall student engagement and participation.
• Established a positive and inclusive classroom environment, fostering strong relationships with students and parents, leading to a 15% improvement in student satisfaction scores.
• Collaborated with a team of teachers to design and implement a new curriculum, aligning with educational standards and resulting in a 20% improvement in student performance.
• Utilized technology tools and resources to enhance instruction and student learning, resulting in a 25% increase in student achievement and academic growth.
• Monitored and tracked student progress, providing timely and constructive feedback to students and parents, leading to a 10% improvement in student performance and grades.
• Participated in professional development activities and workshops, staying up-to-date with best practices and instructional strategies, resulting in a 15% improvement in teaching effectiveness.
• Implemented effective classroom management strategies, enforcing school policies and procedures, resulting in a 20% reduction in disciplinary incidents and disruptions.
• Participated in extracurricular activities and school events, fostering a sense of community and school spirit, leading to a 10% increase in student involvement and engagement.
• Maintained accurate records of student performance and attendance, ensuring data integrity and providing valuable insights for student support and intervention, resulting in a 15% improvement in overall student success.
• Innovative lesson planning
• Classroom management
• Curriculum development
• Student engagement strategies
• Inclusive education
• Parent-teacher communication
• Team collaboration
• Technology integration in teaching
• Student progress monitoring
• Constructive feedback delivery
• Professional development participation
• Instructional strategy application
• School policy enforcement
• Extracurricular activity coordination
• Record keeping and data integrity
• Student support and intervention strategies
• Community building within school
• Adaptability to diverse student needs
• Knowledge of educational standards
• Ability to increase student performance and satisfaction.

Top Skills & Keywords for Transitioning Teacher Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Curriculum Development
• Classroom Management
• Differentiated Instruction
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Lesson Planning
• Special Education
• Technology Integration
• Behavior Management
• Parent-Teacher Communication
• Classroom Organization
• Data Analysis and Interpretation
• Professional Development

Soft Skills

• Classroom Management and Discipline
• Instructional Design and Lesson Planning
• Differentiated Instruction and Individualized Learning
• Student Engagement and Motivation
• Assessment and Data Analysis
• Collaboration and Teamwork with Colleagues
• Parent and Guardian Communication
• Adaptability and Flexibility in Teaching Methods
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking in Education
• Time Management and Organization in the Classroom
• Empathy and Understanding of Student Needs
• Communication and Active Listening with Students and Parents

Resume Action Verbs for Transitioning Teachers:

• Facilitated
• Collaborated
• Differentiated
• Implemented
• Coordinated
• Communicated

Generate Your Resume Summary

Resume FAQs for Transitioning Teachers:

How long should i make my transitioning teacher resume, what is the best way to format a transitioning teacher resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a transitioning teacher resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a transitioning teacher, compare your transitioning teacher resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Transitioning Teacher job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Transitioning Teachers:

Teacher career change, career coach, substitute teacher, experienced teacher, teacher assistant, special education teacher, high school teacher, elementary school teacher.

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11 Career Change Resume Examples Designed for 2024

Marketing Manager

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• Career Change Resumes
• Changing Careers To Resumes
• Changing Careers From Resumes
• Career Change Resumes for Teachers

Perhaps you’ve spent decades crafting your profession only to feel drawn toward a new challenge. Maybe you’ve only spent a few years in your job but realized it’s not everything you’d hoped for. 

While the decision to pursue a new career can be thrilling, it comes with a challenge—convincing hiring managers to employ you. Whatever else, don’t let  building your resume  or writing a cover letter be a source of anxiety.

We’ve compiled  11 career change resume examples and a free guide to help steer you toward your dream job in 2024 . 

Even if your new career isn’t in our samples, that’s okay! What’s essential in these samples is the how and why, so keep reading because we’re sure there’s something here for you!

Career Change Resume

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• A summary merges your background with the opportunities you’re seeking. In other words, a summary demonstrates how your experience has prepared you for your new field. However, you should only use a summary if you’ve had  at least 10 years of experience.
• Choosing a  professional resume template  and  resume format  can help make your resume look professional and cohesive without much effort.

Multiple Career Resume

• The keywords you include will help tie your expertise together and prove that you have the right abilities for the job. 
• Start by listing hard skills (aka technical, learned skills) listed in the job description. If you don’t have a lot, then simply use soft skills like “analytical” and collaboration.”
• Whatever jobs you’ve held, find a common thread between them and the new job, then sew that thread into every job experience. It’ll be a subtle but powerful tool to increase credibility despite multiple career changes. 

Career Change To Accounting Resume

• If you’re applying to be an accountant but it wasn’t your most recent role, be sure to add a certifications section highlighting that you are a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Career Change To Administrative Assistant Resume

• Enhance your career change to administrative assistant resume with a short summary that shows recruiters where to draw parallels between your past experience and target title.

Marketing Manager Career Change Resume

• There are numbers everywhere; look for percentages relating to your skills, like how you boosted efficiency or increased sales from last quarter. The sky’s the limit!
• If you can’t find (or don’t have access to) percentages, then use plain numbers relating to how many team members you worked with, how many clients you took on, or how many referrals you gained.
• Things like only using active verbs and avoiding personal pronouns might seem minor, but they make reading your resume easier, which is huge for recruiters and hiring managers.
• And speaking of details, always  double-check your resume  for proper grammar, punctuation, and overall flow.

RN Career Change Resume

• An objective is only two to three sentences, so make sure each word packs a verbal punch by showing off your years of experience, skills, and desire for the role you’re seeking.
• For example, mentioning your adherence to HIPPA guidelines can demonstrate to hiring managers that you will stick to the rules. On the flip side, explaining how you used active listening to assist patients will show your compassion and customer service skills.

Journalist Career Change Resume

• Start by keeping your resume to a single page. Otherwise, you’ll overwhelm hiring managers (who will likely toss your resume into the recycling).
• It’s best to use reverse-chronological formatting on your resume to keep your most relevant job history at the top. While other formats are necessarily wrong, they aren’t standard, and they’re harder for hiring managers (and the ATS) to read.
• In your contact header, include your email address (make sure it’s a professional email), your phone number, and your location. 
• Consider adding a hyperlink to your LinkedIn profile if you have a LinkedIn account.

Mechanical Engineer Career Change Resume

• Consider asking a friend, relative, or even a career advisor from your alma mater to scan your resume for errors and discrepancies.
• Nothing tells a recruiter you’re not the right person for the job like saying you’re great at “time management.” 
• Put color in your section headers (or company titles) and your contact header. This will add visual interest without being overwhelming.
• If you’re applying to work at a conservative financial firm, you may want to stick to traditional colors rather than pastel pink or lavender.

Teacher Career Change Resume

• Look for ways to connect your previous duties to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
• Many skills  indirectly  transfer from one job to another. Consider your collaboration skills: your ability to work well with fellow teachers will help you work on team projects at your next job.
• Of course, if you have any skills, projects, or experience in your new field, include them, and explain how you’ve mastered them in your career change cover letter .
• Using a  resume template  is invaluable here, as you can easily scooch sections to the side, adjust your margins, and fix your font type to give you some extra wiggle room.

Teacher to Project Manager Resume

• The work experience bullet points to occupy the largest share of your CV—no more than four bullets for each role. As for your contact info, education, skills, hobbies, and certifications, a side column will do the trick. The cherry on top is restricting the entire resume to one page.

Teacher to Human Resources Resume

• But more importantly, mention the relevant transferable skills you bring to this entry-level role, a requirement Elijah executes well in his teacher to human resources resume. Better yet, let your bullet points show how you used these proficiencies in previous teaching roles.

Related resume guides

• Engineering

Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

Teacher resume summary examples.

Approved by hiring managers, here are proven resume summary examples you can use on your Teacher resume. Learn what real hiring managers want to see on your resume, and when to use which.

• Career Transitioning Teacher
• ESL Teacher
• Junior Elementary School Teacher
• Music Teacher
• Physical Education Teacher
• Senior High School Mathematics Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• Substitute Teacher
• Teacher Assistant
• Teacher resume templates
• Similar summary examples

Teacher Resume Summary Example

Demonstrate versatility.

The phrase 'Educator with a decade of experience in the classroom' tells us a lot. But let's dig deeper. Here, the teacher is not just stating their experience, they're subtly illustrating versatility. Teaching in a classroom setting for a decade indicates adaptability to changing education landscapes and diverse student needs. It's a testament to their resilience, patience, and dedication.

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Showcase Diversity

'Experience spans across both public and private schools' is a small phrase with a big impact. It shows the educator's ability to navigate different educational environments, each with its unique set of challenges. By showcasing this, they're communicating their ability to understand and adapt to the specific needs of students from varied backgrounds.

Career Transitioning Teacher Resume Summary Example

Leverage your unique background.

Having a non-traditional background can be a strength, not a liability. With your previous corporate experience, you bring a unique perspective to education. You're not just a teacher, you're a teacher with real-world business acumen.

Show the impact of your initiatives

By developing a real-world business curriculum and showing its impact (20% increase in student business literacy), you're proving that you understand what skills students need to succeed in the modern job market. This shows that you're not only an educator but also a visionary, preparing students for life beyond the classroom.

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ESL Teacher Resume Summary Example

Showcase your impact.

'Helping non-native speakers achieve fluency in English' shows a tangible impact. It's not just about teaching English, it's about making non-native speakers fluent, a challenging and rewarding task. By highlighting this, the ESL teacher is showing the value they bring.

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Junior Elementary School Teacher Resume Summary Example

Emphasize your specialty.

'Elementary school teacher with a specialty in literacy and numeracy development' conveys the teacher's focus and passion. It shows the teacher's commitment to foundational skills, which could be what a school is looking for. It's not just about being an elementary teacher, it's about specializing in areas that matter.

Link Actions to Results

'Increase student engagement and reduce classroom disruptions by 20%' not only exhibits the teacher’s creativity but also quantifies the result of their efforts. This clearly shows their ability to implement effective strategies that create a conducive learning environment.

Music Teacher Resume Summary Example

Highlight your specialized skills.

When you explicitly mention that you nurture student interest in music and enhance their performance skills, you're communicating a skill that's very specific to your role as a music teacher. Not only does it show your expertise, but it also tells potential employers that you're deeply invested in your students' growth and success.

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Demonstrate your innovation and its impact

As a music teacher, bringing innovation to your work is a strong selling point. By highlighting your digital music program and its direct result (a 20% increase in student enrollment), you're showing you're a forward-thinking educator who can adapt and thrive in a digital age.

Physical Education Teacher Resume Summary Example

Show passion for extracurricular activities.

'Increased student participation in extracurricular sports by 25%' shows a commitment to holistic student development - it's not just about academics. This phrase highlights how the teacher encourages students to explore their interests outside the classroom.

Promote Health Initiatives

'Reduced student obesity rates by 10%' says the teacher is not just about teaching physical activities. They're focused on health outcomes, which is a critical part of education today.

Senior High School Mathematics Teacher Resume Summary Example

Specify your expertise.

The phrase 'focus on calculus and statistics' is a great way for the teacher to specify their expertise. Not only does it show they're adept at two complex mathematical areas, but it also helps recruiters who are looking for someone with these specific skills. It's a clever way to stand out from other mathematics teachers.

Highlight Innovation

'Developed an innovative, technology-based teaching approach' — it's not just about teaching, it's about how you do it. This phrase tells recruiters that this professional is forward-thinking and isn’t afraid to try new methods to improve student outcomes.

Special Education Teacher Resume Summary Example

Highlight special needs expertise.

'Autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities' is more than just a list of conditions. It positions the teacher as a specialist who understands the unique challenges and learning styles associated with these conditions. This specificity can be a powerful selling point.

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Demonstrate Improvement in Behavior

'Improved student behavior by 30%' is a measurable outcome that speaks volumes about the teacher’s effectiveness. It's about changing lives, not just grades.

Substitute Teacher Resume Summary Example

Emphasize adaptability.

As a substitute teacher, being able to adapt quickly to various classroom environments is crucial. This phrase not only shows that you possess this skill, but also that you can maintain order, reinforcing your competency in managing different classroom setups.

Show off your creative teaching methods

When you mention implementing creative teaching methods, it gives potential employers insight into your approach to education. It shows that you're more than just a stand-in, you're a dedicated educator who can inspire and engage students in any situation.

Teacher Assistant Resume Summary Example

Showcase your adaptability.

When you mention your experience in both special needs and general education classrooms, you're demonstrating your adaptability and versatility as an educator. This is a strong signal to potential employers that you can handle diverse learning environments and meet a variety of student needs.

Highlight your contribution to a team

By stating that you played a key role in a classroom management strategy that reduced disruptions, you're showing that you're a team player who can make significant contributions to the overall success of a classroom.

Teacher Resume Templates

Social worker.

Other Resume Summary Examples

• > Executive Assistant Summary Examples
• > Operations Manager Summary Examples

Other Resume Objective Examples

• > Executive Assistant Objective Examples
• > Operations Manager Objective Examples

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• > Operations Manager Resume Guides

Thank you for the checklist! I realized I was making so many mistakes on my resume that I've now fixed. I'm much more confident in my resume now.

Teacher Resume Summary With Examples

To get hired as a teacher, you can make sure to write an inclusive summary to your resume. It is best to include any qualifications you have and which type of teaching position you want to apply for. In this article, you’ll learn how to write a great teacher resume summary and view examples of properly formatted teacher resume samples.

What is a teacher resume summary?

A teacher resume summary is a short paragraph that showcases educational achievements, classroom skills and past teaching experience. It may also be known as a teacher professional summary for resume or a teacher personal profile sample. 

Teacher resume summary examples

Here are some examples of statements from teacher resume summaries with helpful explanations:

Showcase emotional intelligence 

In the example below, a middle school teacher displays emotional intelligence by using the words, ‘social skills’ and ’empathy.’ Employers want to hire compassionate and intuitive teachers.

Example:  ‘Conscientious and flexible middle school English teacher well-versed in using social skills and empathy to manage student behavior; utilizes feedback from students to create compelling lesson plans that take into account the strengths and weaknesses of students.’

Display your leadership skills

You should show skills that other applicants might not have, including leadership skills. In the example below, the teacher states that they ‘trained a newly-hired teacher’s aide.’ This gives the teacher more credibility, Training requires patience, knowledge, authority and determination.

Example:  ‘Elementary school teacher with experience instructing grades one, two and three, and class sizes of up to 23 students; created unique activities that enhanced student literacy and mathematical ability; trained a newly-hired teacher’s aide.’

Use statistics to impress

In the following example, a high school chemistry teacher used a statistic to impress employers. This type of statistic shows that the teacher helps students to learn and excel. Statistics are facts that employers are able to understand immediately. 

Example:  ‘High school chemistry teacher with more than three years of experience teaching high school students. Introduced standardized testing and state curriculum; helped 42 out of 50 students to get scores of 3 or higher on the AP Chemistry Exam.’

Add teaching hours to show experience

In the example below, an art teacher writes that they have ‘400 hours of teaching experience.’ Adding this detail makes it easy for employers to see how much hands-on time was done in the classroom. Experience is something that a lot of employers are looking for.

Example : ‘Boston College art teacher and education degree graduate with more than two years of art teaching experience in Boston public schools; received a ‘Teacher of the Year’ award in 2018; interested in leveraging 400 hours of teaching experience to take on a new art teacher role.’

Add a brief slogan

This example includes a brief slogan that explains the applicant’s teaching philosophy. It also shows a high level of enthusiasm for teaching.

Example:  ‘Excited to provide an inspiring learning experience to students.’

Include language skills

This example highlights appealing language skills. If you’re a multi-lingual candidate, be sure to show off your language skills, as every applicant won’t have them.

Example:  ‘Fluent in verbal and written English and Spanish.’

Reference experience with technology and classroom innovations

This example includes information about embracing innovative learning techniques. Teachers need to adapt to plenty of new teaching methods, rather than resisting change.

Example:  ‘Able to use interactive whiteboards in the classroom.’

Show knowledge of a local school district

This example shows knowledge of an area and its school district. 

Example:  ‘Longtime local resident with detailed knowledge of district educational requirements.’

Highlight a commitment to diversity

This example shows inclusiveness. Teachers who value diverse classrooms send a positive message.

Example:  ‘Respectful of cultural diversity in the classroom and in the community.’

Showcase a well-rounded skill set

This example highlights a teacher’s comprehensive skill set. 

Example:  ‘Actively participate in all aspects of education from parent-teacher organized activities to district curriculum policies.’

Display concern for students and parents

This example shows a desire to connect with students and their parents.

Example:  ‘Builds strong and positive relationships with students and parents.’

Showcase troubleshooting skills

This example shows a teacher’s ability to find solutions to everyday problems in the classroom.

Example:  ‘Solution-oriented classroom management style.’

Focus on measurable achievements

In the following subpar example, the teacher focuses on their career ambitions, rather than highlighting measurable achievements.

Example:  ‘Seeking a job with the Los Angeles School District to utilize my teaching degree.’

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Nowadays, the competition in the US job market can be fierce, and this is especially true for those seeking a career change.

The first and foremost element of your job search is your resume, and without a strong one, it is not possible to stand out from the crowd.

But the part where it gets tricky is a resume summary for a career change!

For those looking to transition to a new career field, a well-crafted summary can be particularly powerful, providing a snapshot of your transferable skills and value proposition.

We will discuss the key components of an effective resume summary for a career change and also provide real-world examples of career summaries along with tips for crafting your own. Check out our topical breakdown for the same:

• Key points to keep in mind for writing a resume summary
• Writing a resume summary for a career change
• Dos and don'ts of a resume summary for a career change

How to Write a Career Summary for a Resume?

Start by identifying your key strengths and professional highlights relevant to the new position and include them in the resume summary.

Make proper and optimum use of action verbs and power words , and quantify your accomplishments wherever possible to demonstrate your impact.

Also, tailor your resume summary by including keywords and phrases from the job description. This will show the employer that you have taken the time to understand the position which, in turn, will reflect you as a strong candidate for the job.

Remember, your resume summary should be concise and to the point. Keep it up to 3 to 4 sentences and focus on the most important information that showcases your qualifications for the job.

Also read : What are some good resume summary examples for freshers?

How to Write a Resume Summary when Changing Careers?

Start with this thought! Your resume summary for a career change should not only emphasize relevant skills but should also address the career shift.

We will elaborate upon these keynotes for writing an effective resume summary for a career change:

Importance of Addressing the Career Change

The resume summary is the first section of the document that potential employers will read, making it a prime opportunity to address the career change head-on.

By acknowledging the shift in your career path up front, you can highlight your motivation for the change and showcase your enthusiasm for the new field.

Strategies for Emphasizing Transferable Skills

When writing a resume summary for a career change, it is essential to focus on transferable skills that are relevant to the new position.

Consider highlighting any soft skills that are transferable to the new role, such as leadership or communication abilities.

Also, mention any hard skills or technical knowledge that can be applied in the new field, such as proficiency in data analysis or project management .

Examples of Effective Resume Summaries for Career Change

Here are a few resume summaries for career change examples that you can refer to for writing your own:

Experienced marketing professional seeking to transition into human resources. Highly skilled in project management, communication, and employee relations. Passionate about supporting individuals and teams to achieve their goals.

4+ years customer service representative with a background in hospitality seeking to transition to a career in sales. Demonstrated track record in building strong relationships with customers, identifying their needs, and providing effective solutions. Eager to leverage these skills in a sales environment.

Former teacher seeking to transition into healthcare administration. Proven track record of effective communication, organizational skills, and problem-solving under challenging circumstances. Passionate about improving patient experiences and outcomes.

Also read : How to explain career change during an interview?

Dos and Don'ts of Writing a Resume Summary for Career Change

There are certain Dos and Don'ts that you must comply with while writing a resume summary for a career change.

Here are some tips to help you craft an effective summary, and common mistakes to avoid:

Highlight transferable skills : Emphasize your skills that can be applied to your new career. This can include both soft skills and hard skills.

Mention relevant experience : Highlight any experience that can be transferred over, but first assess if it has enough potential for your new field. For example, if you are switching from marketing to sales, highlight any experience you have with client relations or customer service.

Customize the summary to the job : Tailor your resume summary to the specific job you are applying for. Research the company and the job description to get a sense of what skills and experience they are looking for and mention them if you possess them (if not, upskill-upskill-and-upskill!).

Overemphasize unrelated experience : While it is important to highlight transferable skills, you need to be selective, prompt, and aligning them to your new job should not drain the life out of you. Don’t spend too much time pondering over unrelated experiences.

Generic language : Stay away from generic language that could apply to any job seeker. Use specific keywords and phrases that align with the job you are applying for. It is best to target keywords from your job posting wherever suitable.

Irrelevant personal information : Your resume summary should focus on your professional experience and skills. Avoid including any personal information such as hobbies or interests. They are only acceptable in the case of freshers as they lack professional experience.

By keeping these dos and don'ts in mind, you can craft a strong resume summary that highlights your transferable skills and relevant experience, and increase your chances of landing a job in your new career.

Also read : What is the CV-making process to demonstrate a career change?

What is a resume summary for a career change, and why is it important? A resume summary for a career change is a brief statement highlighting your relevant skills and professional achievements that align with your new job. It is the first thing a hiring manager will read, and it can help you demonstrate your interest in the career shift head-on.

How do I write a resume summary for a career change? Start by identifying the key skills and experience required for the job. Then, highlight your relevant experience and transferable skills that demonstrate your ability to perform well in the new role. Be concise and specific, and do not go beyond 3 to 4 lines.

Can I use the same resume summary for every job I apply for? No, you should customize your resume summary for each job you apply for. Tailor your summary to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position, and make sure to optimally use keywords and phrases from the job description.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a resume summary for a career change? Don’t use generic statements that don't differentiate you from other candidates, avoid focusing on all of your experience rather than your transferable skills and relevant experiences, and do not use industry-specific jargon that you or the hiring manager may not be familiar with.

Lastly, if you want to optimize your resumes as per the latest practices in 2023, use Hiration's next-gen ChatGPT-powered career platform, which offers a solution to every obstacle faced by job seekers across the US.

Try it out today to enhance your job search and take your career to the next level.

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Career Change Resume for 2024 [9+ Examples]

Thinking of switching careers?

It might feel a lot like taking a leap of faith. 

You’re stepping into the unknown - that alone takes a lot of courage and determination.

You might even feel like a recent graduate all over again.

You have 0 experience, entering an entirely new field, competing with people who’ve been doing it forever!

That sounds pretty scary.

But here’s the thing:

As long as you’re armed with the right resume, the transition can be a piece of cake.

And luckily, we’re here to help and guide you through the process.

So, if you’re thinking of breaking into a new career industry, be sure to read on.

• How to pick the best resume format for a career change
• How to create a skill summary and wow the recruiter
• How to show off transferable work experience
• 3+ other ways to impress the recruiter (even if you have 0 relevant work experience)

Choosing the Best Career Change Resume Format

A big part of creating an effective resume is choosing the right resume format to tell your story with.

You need to structure your resume in a way that best shows your transferable skills and experience.

And when it comes to switching careers, the combination resume format does that best.

Here’s why:

This format places equal emphasis on skills and important work experience . 

This way, you can show you have the right industry transferable skills , even if you haven’t had the actual job title.

The format is ideal for people:

• Making a career change with transferable skills or work experience.
• With some employment gaps.
• With a diverse range of skills and experience .
• Applying to both creative and traditional roles.

And here’s what you include within this format:

• Contact information
• Resume objective or summary
• Skills summary
• Work experience
• Certification

Now, we’re going to go over each of those sections and explain how to write them step-by-step.

Here’s what you need to know:

How to Add Your Contact Information the Right Way

Your contact information is arguably the most important part of your resume.

Even if you’re the most qualified person in the world, it’s not going to matter much if you misspell your email and the HR manager can’t contact you.

So, here’s what you should include in this section:

• First name, last name 
• Phone number - Make sure to include your country code if you’re applying outside your country.
• Email address - Something professional like [[email protected]].
• Location - The company needs to know if you’re located in the region or if they may have to sponsor your relocation.
• Title - Either your current professional title or your new desired one. We’d recommend including the job title you’re applying for word-for-word.

Once you’re done, we’d recommend that you double-check, even triple-check everything. You wouldn’t want to miss your chances of landing the job because of a typo, would you?

• Got an online portfolio? You can also mention the links here. For example, if you’re a developer, you can include a link to your GitHub profile. If you’re a writer, a Medium link, and so on...

All clear? Good!

Now, let’s cover how to write a successful career change resume objective or summary.

Impress the Recruiter With a Career Change Resume Objective or Summary

So you’ve got your contact details down.

Now, you need a reason for the HR manager to continue reading the rest of your resume.

So, how do you get the recruiter to stop and read your career change resume when they only look at resumes for 6 seconds on average?

The answer: by using a resume objective or summary.

Both of these sections explain why you’re the best person for the job and act as a preview to the rest of your resume.

Here’s how the two differ:

Your resume summary shows your best accomplishments that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Your resume objective highlights how your current skills are relevant and will transfer to your new position.

As someone going through a career change, you can include either one.

But as a rule of thumb, if you were working in a related field and have some transferable skills, go for a resume summary.

On the other hand, if you were working in a completely unrelated field, go for a resume objective.

Check out these examples to get a better idea of what both of these might look like:

Career Change Resume Summary Example

• “Customer support specialist with over 4+ years of experience in over-the-phone technical support looking to leverage communication skills as a Sales Agent at Company XYZ. Excellent track record of delivering quality support, with an average rating of 4.6/5 over the past 2 years.”

A career change resume summary helps the HR understand how your skillset from your previous job can translate into your new one.

In that case, it’s best to mention:

• Your current relevant skills or experience.
• How your background can help you excel at the current job.

Career Change Resume Objective Example

• “Organized and hard-working employee looking to join XYZ as a marketing assistant. Looking to take advantage of my skills in Photoshop, graphic design, and creative copywriting to help XYZ with their marketing efforts.”

See the difference here?

Even though the person doesn’t have any relevant work experience, their resume objective still shows how their skill set is relevant to the new job.

Show Off Your Know-How With a Skills Summary Section

Your resume summary / objective is only an introduction. Now, you need to show the HR what you’ve got.

To do that, you need a good skills summary section.

Skills summary is a must-have section for just about any career change resume.

It puts more emphasis on your skill-set, as opposed to your work experience. This allows you to show how you’re a qualified candidate, even though you haven’t done the job before.

Here’s what a sample skills summary section might look like for a front-end developer.

Career Change Resume Skills Summary Example

• Built an online personal portfolio and resume website using HTML, CSS, JS.
• Created an online JS/jQuery quiz game that takes multiple answers and shows results to the user.
• Built a beautiful weather app with Angular 8 from scratch, designed UI with Sketch.
• Created responsive website templates (that are also mobile friendly) using modern CSS techniques and JS libraries.
• Worked with design and development groups to create applications from mock-ups in Sketch, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
• Familiar with Git, XDebug, and Chrome Developer Tools.
• Debugged over 10 JS web apps for a SaaS project.

Simple enough, right?

You list out each of your key skills, and then back it up with how you’ve used it in the past.

Now, you might be thinking, “what about the work experience section?” Do I just skip it, and use a skills summary instead?

Nope - you still need to list your work experience.

In this case, though, you’d want to use it to show off your transferable skills. Here’s how:

Use Your Work Experience to Show Off Transferable Skills

Let’s take a different example and say you’re moving from a job in sales to copywriting.

A resume you’d use for sales compared to a more creative field like copywriting is probably going to be a bit different.

But what do both of the roles have in common?

Well, for one, they both require you to have excellent communication skills. You also need to be good at understanding your target market and conveying complex information in simple language.

And that’s the common thread you want to focus on in your work experience section.

So, when listing your previous jobs, think of some transferable skills that you bring to the table that are going to be relevant.

Even unrelated jobs have some universal skills that are helpful everywhere.

To give you a better idea of what we mean, let’s look at some examples:

Sales Executive

Company X - 11/2016 - 04/2019

• Created and presented pitch deck that secured a $500,000 deal - largest for Company X to date.
• Boosted sales for the most underperforming product by 40% by developing helpful and instructional material for prospects.
• Created and edited sales materials, scripts, and technical documents for accuracy and consistency.

Here’s what’s done right:

• Shows transferable skills and achievements.
• Highlights only the parts from the experience that are related to the new role.

While the above example doesn’t talk about product descriptions or ads, communication materials and sales scripts do show that the candidate can write.

So, for a copywriting position, it’s going to be relevant and worth mentioning.

Now, compare that to the career change work experience below:

• Cold-emailed 100+ prospects daily.
• Closed 14+ deals in 2019 so far.
• Hit and exceeded company KPIs for the past 2 years in a row.

Sure, this example is good. But only if the candidate is applying for a sales job.

For copywriting, though, none of the skills mentioned are going to come in handy.

So, when listing previous job positions, you should focus only on what’s relevant.

Now that you know how to properly list work experience, let’s move on to the next section: Education.

Make Your Education Section Shine

Your education section is going to be an important requirement for just about any position above entry-level.

Listing education on your resume is pretty straightforward.

All you have to do is list your latest educational entry (e.g. college degree), and then include all the important stuff below it.

For example, you can include things like:

• Name of degree (Minor - optional): e.g. B.A. International Business Administration.
• Name of educational institution: e.g. University of Groningen.
• Years attended: e.g. 2015 - 2019.
• Location of the program (optional): e.g. Groningen, Netherlands.
• GPA (optional): 3.84 (only include if you excelled).
• Courses that are relevant to the job (optional): e.g. Advanced Business Finances.
• Exchange programs (optional): e.g. exchange program in Florida, U.S.

Here’s what the full listing for this educational entry might look like:

You might be wondering, what if I don’t have the right education for the job? Maybe, you have an M.A. in Philosophy, but you’re applying for a job in marketing. Do you still list it?

The answer is a definite yes.

Even if the degree is not relevant at all, it still shows that you’re passionate about learning and education.

In some cases, you might even be able to show off some transferable skills with your degree.

Let’s say, for example, you have a B.A. in English Literature , and you’re applying for a job in marketing. 

You could stress on how your degree gave you amazing writing skills (a must-have for most marketing roles), like so:

B.A. in English Literature.

University XYZ - 2014-2018

• Excelled in creative writing courses
• Part-time as a reporter for the university website

PS - Do you still have some questions on how to list your education section? Maybe you’re wondering what else you can include? Check out our full guide on how to list education on a resume with 13+ real-life examples.

Done with your education section? Awesome!

This brings us to the next section on your career change resume.

How (and Why) to List Skills On a Career Change Resume

When it comes to the skills section, what most recruiters want to know is if you can actually do what the job ad asks for.

And like with the other sections till now, relevance is key.

You should only ever list skills that are appropriate to the job you’re applying for.

To find out what’s relevant, start by scanning the job listing.

Most job ads usually include a list of requirements or skills they expect for a good candidate to have.

So, all you have to do is mention those exact skills on your resume.

Let’s take a look at an example.

Career Change Resume Skills Example

Assuming the job ad is for a junior front-end developer who has:

• 2-4 Years of professional experience using JavaScript, CSS, and HTML.
• Up to 1 years of visual design experience focusing on strong UX/UI.
• Good communication skills and team-player

You’d want to list the following skills:

• Communication Skills
• Team-Player

So, all you have to do is mention these skills, and you’re good to go!

• Not sure which skills are a must-have for your role? Check out our complete list of all must-have skills for any given field or position!

Showing Career Certifications on a Resume

When you’re switching careers, certifications are an amazing way to show you’re serious about your craft.

This shows you’re willing to put in the work and that you’ve already taken the first steps.

When listing certifications though, make sure they’re relevant to your field.

For a marketing role, here’s what that might look like:

• HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certified, 2019.
• Google Analytics Individual Qualification, 2018.
• SEMrush Content Marketing Toolkit Course, 2018.

And here’s an example done wrong:

• TechCamp Python Bootcamp, 2019.
• Udemy JavaScript 101 Course.

For a marketing role, those certificates are completely irrelevant and aren’t even in the same field.

While they might be impressive on their own, that doesn’t mean they make you a better marketer.

Listing Personal Projects

Another great way to show that you’re the right person for the job is to list personal projects.

This can be just about anything:

• Founding a sports team in university
• Project you did for business class
• A Part-time online store you created on Etsy
• Passion-project for wood-working
• And whatever else you love (that’s relevant for your new career)

Pretty much anything that can make up for your lack of experience in the field counts.

But of course, keep in mind that your projects should be relevant to your new job.

Getting into coding? Here’s what your projects section could look like...

Make sure to stick to relevant projects, though.

The HR manager cares about your CODING experience, not about the fact that you started a basketball team in college.

Now, compare that to:

• Excelled in Anthropology and Archaeology classes at University X.
• Self-taught knitting pro.

You shouldn’t list projects just for the sake of standing out or filling up space. 

The more irrelevant information you mention in your resume, the more likely it is for the recruiter to accidentally skip out on all your must-have sections.

• Still have some space on your resume? You can also include the hobbies & interests section. Check out our guide to learn how (and why)!

How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

Done with your resume?

But wait, before you get too excited - you’re still not done.

You need to back up your resume with a career change cover letter.

And no - it’s not like the usual cover letter you’re used to writing. 

When you’re switching careers, you want to use your cover letter to highlight WHY you’re switching fields and WHY your skills are a good match for the new role.

To do this, make sure you bring up a ton of examples and call out any key statistics or measurable results to draw upon, if possible.

To help you craft the best career change cover letter, check out the example below:

Here’s what’s done right with this cover letter:

• Addresses the reader (i.e. “Dear Doris” or if you can’t find their name, “To Whom it May Concern.”).
• Makes it clear they want to transition into a different career (from marketing and retail sales into public relations in this case).
• Shows they’ve done the research and the letter is tailored to the company's products and brand.
• Provides specific examples and achievements (“raised more than $ 10,000 for the event.”).
• Ends on a confident note and provides a call-to-action (and where to contact them).

Think your cover letter game is lacking? Check out our complete, step-by-step guide on how to write a cover letter.

If you're thinking about a career change, and want to join a community of global professionals who are also re-designing and reframing their careers, then consider Unsettled’s Lifestyle Incubator.

Unsettled’s Lifestyle Incubator program is a 4-week highly interactive “virtual retreat” for professionals seeking to redefine their career trajectory and be more intentional about designing their next steps.

Through original workshops, weekly live sessions, practical tools, frameworks and peer-to-peer conversations with a global and diverse community of professionals, they will help you identify the core tensions between the lifestyle you want and the career trajectory that aligns your values, interests, and skills.

Key Takeaways

To recap, going through a mid-career transition probably sounds intimidating. 

But if you craft your career change resume focusing on transferable skills and experience - then you’re good to go!

Just make sure you follow these main key tips while working on your resume:

• Use the combination resume format to highlight your transferable skills and work experience.
• Include all the essential career change resume sections - contact information , resume objective or summary , skill summary , work experience , soft and technical skills , certifications and personal projects.
• And while doing so, highlight only what’s relevant to your new position.
• Finally, make sure you attach a tailored cover letter to your resume and mention WHY you’re switching fields and what unique skills you’re bringing with you.

At Novorésumé, we’re committed to helping you land your dream job, every step of the way. Be sure to check out our career blog to stay up to date with the industry-leading advice and more actionable tips.

Suggested Reading:

• How to Get Your Resume Layout Right [3 Free Templates]
• How to Write an ATS Resume
• 20+ One-Page Resume Templates [Free Download]

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