Resume suggestions?

[Tarheeler]

I'm looking to change careers, and I'm at a loss on putting together a resume.

I've spent the last 15 years as a HVAC tech, and I'm good at it, but it isn't want I want to do anymore. I recently graduated with a BS in Political Science, with high marks and membership in a couple of honor societies, and I'd really like to move into something in line with my degree. I live in a military town, and there is actually a job market for political analysts, intelligence specialist, and such.

Through my past experience, I'm sure I have a lot of proven qualities that would benefit any employer, but I'm not sure how to market them or how to create a useable resume. My current resume highlights my technical skills, but since I'm wanting to move into an unrelated field I don't think that's going to be very effective.

Anyone able to offer any advice on format, composition, or anything else?

 

[sandandfoam]

Might it be an idea to emphaisise the research skills you acquired as part of your undergraduate studies?

 

[Reverend Richard]

I'm looking to change careers, and I'm at a loss on putting together a resume.

I've spent the last 15 years as a HVAC tech, and I'm good at it, but it isn't want I want to do anymore. I recently graduated with a BS in Political Science, with high marks and membership in a couple of honor societies, and I'd really like to move into something in line with my degree. I live in a military town, and there is actually a job market for political analysts, intelligence specialist, and such.

Through my past experience, I'm sure I have a lot of proven qualities that would benefit any employer, but I'm not sure how to market them or how to create a useable resume. My current resume highlights my technical skills, but since I'm wanting to move into an unrelated field I don't think that's going to be very effective.

Anyone able to offer any advice on format, composition, or anything else?

Hello, Tar.
From someone who has gone through 3 job changes in the last 6 years, I do have a few suggestions.

First, Google "resume examples" and you should come up with a few hits on websites that will offer some basic suggestions for formatting your resume. I say "basic" because in many cases some of these websites what to charge you money for letting THEM do it for you.

Second, pay a visit to your local library (or bookstore). There are dozens of books available on resume formatting and making a career change. One book I highly recommend is, "What Color Is Your Parachute?", by Richard N. Bolles. Bolles' book offers good advice, especially for "career changers".

Third, once you get a good resume formatted, upload it to one of the Internet job boards. I have had the most success with indeed.com, but monster.com is a good one, too.

Finally, and you will hear this from a lot of job-search experts - network, network, network. In my experience, your resume is not what will get you a job interview, it's talking to people you know and letting them know you are making a job change. On my last three job changes, I got my foot in the door (at least I got an interview) at a company not through my resume but through my network of friends, and friends of friends. Don't misunderstand. A good resume is vital, but first you have to get an employer's attention!

Hope this helps! Good luck!

 

[Revoltingest]

Aside from the good advice you've received so far, I advise stressing your interest & enthusiasm for your new field.
I so seldom interviewed applicants who seemed excited & aggressive about a new job. I value attitude as a
differentiating trait.

You could even tell them that you're the most useful N Carolinian I know.

 

[Daemon Sophic]

Aside from the good advice you've received so far, I advise stressing your interest & enthusiasm for your new field.
I so seldom interviewed applicants who seemed excited & aggressive about a new job. I value attitude as a
differentiating trait.

You could even tell them that you're the most useful N Carolinian I know.

:yes: Agreed. Attitude is critical in the interview. But equally important is demonstrating that you have taken it upon yourself to look into the job you are interviewing for.
I have met quite a few interviewees who looked good enough on paper to get to sit down with myself and other staff....then....
INTERVIEWER: So. Please tell us what you think our office does.
APPLICANT: Uuuuuh......*giggle*
INTERVIEWER: Oookaaaay. Your taking the position of <government job title>. What would you be doing in that post?
APPLICANT: Uuuummm....I don't know? Stuff, I guess.....

INTERVIEWER: :sarcastic.


Also. Before getting to the interview, try to find out aout the job and include it in a summary statement at the top of you CV. If you know the name of the actual person doing the hiring, then address materials to him/her, rather than "Dear sir or madam". I watched a colleague of mine sorting through a large stack of CVs. Any that were not typed, and addressed to him directly, just went right in the trash. He said, "If they don't care enough to do a little research, then they must not care about the job.".

Last thing. have you CV and cover letter (if you're submitting one) double and then triple checked for typos, spelling, punctuation, and syntax. :slap:
Now do it again. :slap: