In today’s dynamic job market, transitioning to another sector can be a daunting yet exciting prospect. Whether you’re shifting from finance to communication, engineering to development, or any other field, one of the most important tools at your disposal (assuming your knowledge level corresponds with your ambitions) is your curriculum vitae (CV). Crafting a CV that is tailored to the sector you want to join not only increases your chances of landing the job but also showcases that you have the relevant skills and experience in the best light possible. But what exactly should you do and how? Let’s delve into the nuances of tailoring your CV for a seamless transition to another sector.
One of the first questions to consider when you are thinking about applying for a vacant position outside your current scope of activity is how you can configure your CV which is fine-tuned for your current occupation to fit the desired role’s description? Well, you are not alone in asking this question as it is one that plagues any professional who is seeking to pivot their career toward new opportunities.
See also: Six tips that can help you tailor your CV
For instance, an individual entrenched in permanent positions hopes to shift towards a consultancy role. In this case, their CV may need to undergo a strategic redirection to highlight relevant skills and experience that are conducive to consultancy work. A good example of this is the case of a marketing manager who is aiming to transition from a corporate environment to consultancy. In this scenario, they should emphasize project management, client communication, and strategic planning skills in their CV, demonstrating their ability to deliver tangible results for diverse clients regardless of the sector or environment. As professionals navigate such transitions, crafting a tailored CV becomes vital to effectively communicate their suitability for the desired sector.
There is no doubt that the task is challenging as the need or desire to migrate to a different sector can be unpredictable. A manager who is transitioning from one specific field to another is more fortunate as they can emphasize the skills that are relevant for any sector. But what should a professional with a narrower specialization do? Here are a few common principles and actions to help to tailor your CV to a new sector.
1️⃣ Highlight your skills and experience that match the requirements of the job description
If you’re transitioning to a project management role in the development sector, emphasize your project management skills and experience in relation to development projects. Providing concrete examples of your achievements in previous roles can further bolster the impact of your CV.
When competing for tender-based roles, particularly key expert positions during the bidding phase of a project, it’s imperative to ensure your CV aligns closely with the role’s requirements, ideally meeting about 90% of these. Bidders aim to present the most competitive offers, often including the most fitting CVs they receive. Given that interviews are infrequent, especially for prominent roles in lengthy projects, there’s limited opportunity to elaborate on expertise firsthand.
2️⃣ Include any internships or volunteer work you have
Incorporating internships or volunteer experiences, particularly those related to non-profit organizations or any involvement in or contribution to development projects if you are targeting jobs in the development sector, can significantly enhance the appeal of your CV. Even minor roles in such initiatives will demonstrate your commitment to social causes and your ability to adapt to the unique challenges of the development sector. A Corporation for National and Community Service study shows that candidates with volunteering experience are 27% more likely to be hired.
3️⃣ Avoid using jargon that is specific to your sector but adapt it to the development sector instead where possible
Should there be differences in formulation, emphasis, and styling between CVs for different sectors in development, for example, would a CV in financing be different from a CV in communication or engineering? There isn’t any difference in formatting but there is in sector-specific terminology and the use of keywords that should be highlighted.
Prevalent errors in CV customization among those seeking employment in the development sector:
4️⃣ Mention any certificates, training, or courses that align with the sector you want to work in
In some cases, for academia, education specialists, or researchers, it is advisable to present more detailed information about publications (books, articles, research works). It is also important to highlight academic experience, collaboration with universities, and research centres.
Including certificates, training, and courses that are relevant to your desired sector demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Whether it’s a specialized course in sustainable development or a certification in project management, showcasing these credentials can set you apart from other applicants.
One key piece of advice is not to overcrowd the CV with details of certificates, training, and diplomas.
5️⃣ Use a suitable template if the job is for a donor-funded assignment
Many applicants wonder if the layout of the CV matters. The answer is – absolutely yes! It matters when the consultant applies for donor-funded projects. Certain donors, such as the European Commission, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, or the UN, prefer to use their specific CV formats, disregarding applications sent in other formats. In terms of font, use Arial, Calibri or Cambria or any other fonts typically used for resumes. Avoid the use of different colours, photos, shapes, pictures, different font sizes, and types in your CV as these will not be well perceived by recruiters. In the development sector, the content of a CV is more important than its design so place the emphasis on content.
6️⃣ Do not fear applying for a position even if you don’t have the exact required level of education
Professionals are encouraged to apply for positions even if their qualifications and experience are not a perfect match. For instance, individuals with a Bachelor’s degree could consider applying for roles that require a Master’s degree, leveraging their extensive experience in the field to compensate for the disparity. However, exceptions apply when specific qualifications, such as a PhD, are explicitly mandated by the employer.
A meticulously structured and comprehensive CV is indispensable to effectively present experience and credentials. Conversely, within the realm of international NGOs, HR officers and recruiters often exhibit flexibility when evaluating applications. Despite discrepancies between an applicant’s qualifications and the job requirements, there remains a chance for a CV to be shortlisted. Subsequently, during the interview stage, candidates have the opportunity to articulate their knowledge and capabilities convincingly. Therefore, preparing compelling reasons why they should be recruited is essential for applicants to succeed in these interviews.
Final word
In conclusion, tailoring your CV for a transition to another sector requires a strategic approach and attention to detail. By highlighting relevant skills and experience, adapting language and terminology, and demonstrating your commitment to professional development, you can significantly increase your chance of success. Remember, your CV is not just a document but a powerful tool to communicate your value to potential employers. So, invest the time and effort to craft a compelling narrative that reflects your unique strengths and aspirations. With the right CV, you can embark on a rewarding journey in your new sector with confidence and conviction.
DevelopmentAid Recruitment Solutions team is readily available to assist you, whether you require the creation of a new CV or the revision of an existing one. Our team of professional recruiters prioritizes maintaining a harmonious blend of soft and technical skills to maximize your opportunities. Don’t hesitate to contact your dedicated Career Advisor to take advantage of our exceptional CV Tailoring service!
