Resume for a career changer?
 

Let's say I'm a career-changer regional airline FO who decides to "reverse" my career change. I've been out of college for five years (degree in Accounting), havn't worked in the field for almost four years, and want to go back to accounting/finance/banking.

What should my resume look like?

I suppose the easy part is the objective statement and qualifications summary at the top. Pretty standard on any resume. But after that? I've held six aviation jobs in the last three years, none of which are really relevant to the job I'll be seeking. So listing my past endeavors chronologically doesn't make much sense. What about listing relevant work experience first, then perhaps my most recent job in aviation?

And should the fact that I'm seeking a career change be explicitly stated somewhere?

Does anybody have thoughts or experience with this? Thanks!

I don't know much about accounting, but like you I recently started reversing my FO career. I focused on my personal attributes in dealing with people and such as an FO and your ability to deal with "high-stress" situations. All of which can apply in any job. I know its not much of an answer, but hopefully it helps give you an idea what direction to look at. Good luck.

Thanks, RNAV. Have you had much success with this?

Resume
 

Unfortunately you might have to take a lower job for a while in order to shed the airline stereotype. I found it difficult to get others interested in hiring me for a non-aviation job after I was laid off.

SkyHigh

Yes, SkyHigh, I've thought of this. I'm expecting to re-enter accounting from the bottom (or near it).

One of the biggest challenges I see is convincing a prospective employer that I plan to make this move for the long-haul.

Go to The Write Resume:Resume Writing for Entry Level, Professionals and Executives. When I left the fracs in 06', she made up a "normal job" resume for me. It was unbelievable! I received several offers back then. For instance, I thought about doing pharmacuetical sales back then. I pretty much had no selling experience. But......she found it! She does NOT lie on the resume, but she brings out your strong points. Her name is kathy sweeney and highly recommend her.

LearFlyer -

You say she is good for resumes outside of aviation; can she do the same thing for an aviation resume/cover letter too? Have you had any experience with her or the company within the aviation industry?

USMCFLYR

Yes, in fact most of her business is Pilots. I don't know if the mods will let me (please let me know de727), but I know she posts in other forums. Once I get permission, i'll tell you her screen name, and which forum she posts on.

"(please let me know de727), but I know she posts in other forums."

Mods don't make those sort of calls at APC. You need to speak with an admin, that would be HSLD or Freight Dog. But, as a mod, thanks for asking first. Most people just fire away....

Thanks. I learned my lesson at JC. They yelled at me for sending a kid to a different forum where I found a thread that would have answered some of his questions.