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Working Overseas Would you consider relocating to a different country for work?


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I’m a career changer and don’t have any experience in the field I’m now interested in. What is the best way to list my past experience in light of what I now want to do?

Answer

The most important thing for career changers is to build valuable relationships with the company representatives that come on campus. 

Second to that, evaluate the skills you’ll need to be successful in your new field, and word your resume accordingly. If quantitative skills are what you will need, ensure that you have included quantitative bullets on your resume. Quantify everything possible: Your fundraiser raised 50-percent than the previous year, you cut defects by 75 percent using a new process, etc. And don’t worry that your examples aren’t in the field that interests you now.  All MBA recruiters know that most MBAs are career changers, so there are no surprises here. 

Make sure your cover letter and networking pitches define specifically how your previous skills and experience translate to your target field. Don’t assume that recruiters will make the case for you.


Connie Thanasoulis is co-founder of SixFigureStart, a success-coaching firm that equips college students and young professionals with the skills and knowledge essential to ensuring success early on in their careers. She comes from 25 years of experience with Fortune 500 companies, including Merrill Lynch, Pfizer, and Citigroup.

 

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