Looking for a little resume advice...
This past spring I finished my BA in Human Services. I've been working in this field for 10 years, and now that I've finished my degree and taken a few months to think things over, I realized I'm ready to try something new in this field. I need to update my resume. My 10 years of experience in this field has all been with the same employer. Previously, I worked in early childhood education for 18 years (I made a shift and moved into human services). I have never not had a job in all that time, but the job I'm in now is the one that has given me the experience I'm taking forward. How would I address this on a resume?
Natalie Micale
Executive Coach
99
09/21/21 at 1:41PM UTC
Hi there. I recommend formatting the human services portion of your resume as a CV, taking care to explain any major projects, research studies or other initiatives you’ve worked on over the past 10 years. I’m certain you have plenty of impactful things to include that will demonstrate to the prospective employer how valuable your past decade of work has been. I think you’re sitting in a pretty good place, all things considered. Good luck to you!
Robin WA dynamic instructor using "Infotainment"
216
08/23/21 at 2:32PM UTC
Typically you don't need to talk about experience that is over 10 years old anyway. So, tailor your resume for the jobs you're seeking now, using the job description. Grow with Google has virtual workshops that can help you learn to tailor your resume. Jobscan.co can help with that too.
Tami BrownManager in Chilton, WI
688
08/23/21 at 2:38PM UTC
Great advice!
Anonymous
08/23/21 at 2:32PM UTC
I tend to report back up to 10 years. Otherwise, younger HR people tend to clock your age and gloss over your application. Additionally, do not post a picture or college graduation year on your resume.
Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume WriterTHE career expert for high achievers
4.13k
08/23/21 at 1:46PM UTC
You're talking about transferable skills - how what you achieved in a previous field is applicable to the new field. These resumes are more difficult to write than those for a straight career path, so I strongly recommend a professional resume writer if you possibly can (a good one will pay for itself in shortening your job search time and garnering a higher starting salary - if used properly).
Here's an episode of The Exclusive Career Coach podcast to help you with finding the best resume writer for you:
https://www.exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2021-08-11-190-should-you-hire-a-professional-resume-writer-or-go-it-on-your-own-how-to-decide
Cathy ColliverMarketing & MBA
199
08/23/21 at 2:23PM UTC
Agree with both responses. I also suggest thinking about really highlighting skills and projects as separate sections, which a resume writer can help you with. This will help clearly showcase the skills and projects from both career experiences which match up with the types of needed skills for opportunities you're interested in. Find a variety of job postings for opportunities that sound like a good fit, and analyze what skillsets are mentioned most often. Consider doing an informational interview with someone who has a job title like what you're seeking. Ask them about types of projects/focus areas and the skillsets they rely on in making those successful.
Anonymous
08/23/21 at 1:44PM UTC
Your objective statement will give you opportunity to express this on your resume. This article might be of help: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/does-a-resume-need-an-objective-statement
I wasn’t sure if you are also asking whether or not you should show your previous experience since it isn’t the type of work you are pursuing now (?) - but I wouldn’t suggest leaving it off.
Good luck in your search!
