Resumes to Suit Different Circumstances

Before you start to write your resume, you need to ask yourself what you want it to say about you, and decide what specific results you want it to achieve. Many people simply rush in and start writing without any preparation or clear idea of what they want to say.

The resume is not just your opportunity to introduce what you have done and achieved at work, but it is also a way to present all the other skills and experiences you may have gained. With the right emphasis, you can often demonstrate that your life experiences are actually more valuable and relevant than your work experiences.

Your circumstances (the position you are in now and the position you are aiming for) will often dictate the achievements and attributes that you need to highlight.

High School or University Leaver

In this case, you may have very similar qualifications to other people and very little work experience. You will need to show that you are different, and so will have to look at ways of "adding value" to your profile. Your experiences inside and outside of education may set you apart from your contemporaries, and so, for example, you might draw attention to the clubs and societies you have been involved in.

Changing Career

An intended career change will require you to identify and highlight transferable skills that will help you to move between one career and another.

Moving From One Job to Another

In this situation, your resume is a chance for you to show that you have the ability to move up the career ladder from where you are now. You will need to emphasize your experience and demonstrate why you are capable of making the jump to the next level.

Returning to Work

If you are returning to work after taking time out to care for a relative or bring up children, you may have convinced yourself that you are at a disadvantage when it comes to competing against anyone who has never left the job market. However, your resume is an opportunity to highlight all the significant life skills that being a carer has given you - such as budgeting, time management and negotiation. You may also have been involved in voluntary work (for instance, helping on the PTA or working for a support group).

Redundancy

In this situation, your resume is your opportunity to get started again. You will need to demonstrate that your work experience is still valid in the workplace today. You should also point out any other qualities you have developed in your working or personal life that will help you get back into the job market.

Retirement

If you have retired, you will probably have a vast range of life skills that you can make use of and experience that you will be able to present in your resume. This is also an opportunity for you to show that you're still in touch with the job market, and to exploit your most valuable asset - your experience.