Returning to a Former Career: The Optimal Resume Structure After Years Away

Transitioning back to a career path you once followed can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially after several years out of the field. Thank goodness, there are strategic ways to tailor your resume to effectively showcase your skills, experience, and readiness to re-enter your former career. This guide will outline the optimal sequence for your resume to help maximize your impact and opportunity.

Contact Information

Your resume should begin with your contact details, making it easy for employers to reach out to you.
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile (optional)

Professional Summary or Objective

A concise professional summary immediately highlights your background and goals. Emphasize your degree and how your former career experience aligns with the current industry needs.

Example:

Experienced marketing professional with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and over 7 years of experience in brand management. Returning to the field after a brief hiatus, leveraging recent certifications in digital marketing analytics and SEO to bring fresh insights and heightened client engagement strategies to leading companies.

Relevant Skills

Identify and list the hard and soft skills that are pertinent to your former career. These skills could include technical abilities, communication, and teamwork.

Example:

Brand Strategy Development Digital Marketing Content Creation SEO Optimization Market Analysis Team Leadership

Professional Experience

Former Career Experience (First)

Begin with your most recent relevant roles, listing them in reverse chronological order. Focus on achievements and responsibilities that align with the position you are seeking.

Example:

Brand Manager / ABC Company / City, State / Jan 2015 - Dec 2018 Led a team of 10 to increase brand awareness and sales by 30% through strategic marketing campaigns. Developed and executed successful content marketing strategies, leading to a 50% increase in organic traffic and social media engagement. Maintained strict budgets, resulting in a cost reduction of 20%.

Additional Experience

Incorporate relevant experience from other jobs, even if outside the field. Highlight transferable skills that demonstrate your versatility and real-world experience.

Example:

Customer Service Representative / DEF Corporation / City, State / Aug 2013 - Dec 2014 Improved customer satisfaction by 20% through proactive communication and addressing customer concerns in a timely manner. Led a team of 5 to resolve complex customer issues, increasing team member satisfaction and retention. Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, leading to a 10% increase in customer loyalty.

Education

List your degrees related to the field, including the name of the institution, degree obtained, and graduation date. Add any relevant certifications or continuing education.

Example:

Bachelor of Arts in Marketing, XYZ University, Graduated: Dec 2014 SEOCertification, Online Learning Academy, Completed: Aug 2020

Professional Development

Include any courses, workshops, or certifications you have taken while away from the field. This shows your commitment to staying updated with the latest industry trends and practices.

Example:

Digital Marketing Essentials, Online Learning Platform, Completed: Mar 2020 SEO Strategies for Beginners, Webinar Series, Attended: April 2018 - May 2018

Volunteer Work or Freelance Experience (if applicable)

Highlight any volunteer work or freelance projects that relate to your former career. This can demonstrate your ongoing engagement with the industry.

Example:

Freelance Writer / Independent Contract, Freelance Clients / City, State / Jan 2017 - Dec 2017 Wrote blog posts, newsletters, and social media updates for various clients, improving client engagement and website traffic.

Tips for Recreating Your Resume

Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume for each job application, focusing on the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific role.

Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description to help your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Be Honest About Your Time Away: If asked in an interview, be prepared to explain how your time away has contributed to your personal and professional growth.

By structuring your resume in this way, you can effectively showcase your qualifications and readiness to re-enter your former career. Remember, the goal is to present a clear, compelling narrative that demonstrates your expertise, adaptability, and genuine enthusiasm for returning to the field.