Thinking About a Career Switch?

Switching careers can feel daunting – even an impossible dream, especially if you’ve spent years building expertise in one area. However, most skills are more transferable than you think. (I wish I had recognised that when I really wanted to leave retail and become an events manager!)

Whether you’re moving from retail to HR, operations to project management, or teaching to business development, the key is how you frame your experience.

1. Start with why you’re changing

Before you touch your CV, get clear on why you’re making the switch. Employers don’t expect you to have it all figured out - but they do want to see direction and a solid reasoning.

Ask Yourself:

• What draws me to this new field?

• Which parts of my current role do I want more (or less) of?

• What skills connect the two areas?

When you can explain your motivation confidently, everything else becomes easier to write - from your CV to your interview answers.

2. Translate; Don’t dismiss your experience

You’re not starting from zero. You’re translating what you’ve already done into a new context.

Instead of focusing on job titles, focus on outcomes. For example:

• “Led a team” becomes “Managed and developed people -relevant for leadership or HR roles.”

• “Handled customer complaints” becomes “Resolved complex stakeholder issues - relevant for client-facing or operations roles.”

The right framing can turn familiar experience into fresh opportunity.

3. Highlight Transferable Skills Up Front

Make your CV summary work harder for you. Use the top section (profile + key skills) to highlight the overlap between your past and future career.

Example:

“Analytical and people-focused professional transitioning from retail management into HR. Experienced in team leadership, performance coaching, and creating supportive workplace cultures.”

This signals clarity and intention - two qualities hiring managers value highly.

4. Fill Gaps with Learning or Projects

If your new direction requires technical or specialist knowledge, show that you’re already taking steps.

Short courses, certifications, volunteer projects, or shadowing experiences all count. Even one LinkedIn Learning certificate in project management or digital marketing demonstrates initiative.

Include these under a “Professional Development” heading near the top of your CV to make them visible.

5. Tweak How You Apply

Career switchers will need to rely on strategy more than volume. Instead of applying for every role, focus on companies that value potential and transferable skills - such as growing SMEs, charities, or industries facing talent shortages.

Tailor your applications and use your cover letter to explain your transition in one clear paragraph:

“I’m now building on my experience in [previous field] to bring strong [transferable skill] and people-focused results to [new field].”

6. Don’t Underestimate Your Network

The hidden job market is real. Many people make successful switches through introductions, referrals, or informal conversations.

Let people know what you’re aiming for. Update your LinkedIn headline to reflect your direction (“Operations Professional Transitioning into Project Management”) so the right recruiters can find you.

Final Thought

Changing careers is never about erasing your past - it’s about harnessing all you’ve learned and aiming it in a new direction. Employers want energy, clarity, and proof that you can deliver value, even if your journey is unconventional. With a targeted approach and the right mindset, your varied experience will become your greatest asset.

If you’re ready to turn possibility into progress, ‘take that first step’: revisit your story, update your profile, and get actively curious about your next move.

For more practical support, tools, or personalised advice on making your career pivot successful, check out our self-guided Career Blueprint Course - tailored to help you clarify your strengths, overcome doubt, and build a compelling CV for your next chapter.

The opportunity is in your hands; let’s make it happen together.

To your success!

Denise Matthews

Career Coach; ElevateyourCV.UK