This article originally appeared on InHerSight.com, a website where women rate the female friendliness of their employers and get matched to companies that fit their needs.
Staying with the same company for decades until retirement is so out of vogue. Nowadays, people typically switch jobs 10 to 15 times over the course of their careers, with the average person holding 12 different positions before retiring. People generally spend about five years or fewer in each job, and common reasons for leaving include higher pay, better benefits, dissatisfaction with company culture, or simply the urge to try something completely new.
If you fall into the last category and are ready for a major change, you might be wondering how to find a job in a new career field. It all starts with the way you present yourself on paper. Here's how to optimize your resume and cover letter when you're preparing for a big career leap.
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1. Take full advantage of the cover letter in your career change
The cover letter is not just for rehashing items you've already listed on your resume—it's also a chance to show the hiring manager aspects of your personality that your resume doesn't. Use this space to give a little insight into your reason for changing fields, and explain why your experiences at your previous jobs actually make you a great candidate for a position in a new industry.
2. Emphasize your transferable skills
You may not think that the skills you gained in your previous jobs can help you land a position in a new field, but when you take some time to think about it, you will probably realize that you have quite a few transferable skills. Transferable skills can include anything that will benefit you in any field. Look carefully at each job description and the requirements before you apply—do you recognize anything that you've already mastered at your current job? Do you have soft skills, such as communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, that would make you a great fit for this new company? Get creative and think outside the box!
3. Highlight your measurable accomplishments on your resume and LinkedIn profile
A dedicated, driven, and motivated employee can make a good impression on any hiring manager, but simply listing your previous responsibilities won't cut it. Did you increase sales at your old company? Did you boost the brand's social media presence? Did attendance at their events skyrocket after they put you in charge? Make sure to include any measurable achievements with the numbers to back it up on your resume and LinkedIn profile.