CV guide · Updated 15 October 2026
How to write a career change CV
A career change CV has one job: to make it easy for an employer in a new field to see why you'd be good at their role. You do that by leading with relevant skills and evidence, not your old job titles.
1. Write a profile that explains the move
Say where you're coming from, where you're going and what you bring. For example: "Retail supervisor moving into HR administration. Experienced in rotas, onboarding new starters and handling staff queries confidentially. Studying CIPD Level 3."
2. Find the transferable skills in the advert
Paste the advert into the job ad keyword extractor. Mark which requirements you've genuinely met in a different setting. Those are your transferable skills.
| Advert asks for | Evidence from another career |
|---|---|
| Stakeholder management | Agreed rotas with managers across three stores |
| Data accuracy | Ran weekly stock counts and resolved discrepancies |
| Training others | Trained new starters on tills and procedures |
3. Consider a hybrid format
A short 'Key skills' section with two or three evidence bullets each, followed by a concise work history, works well for career changers. Keep the work history — gaps in dates raise questions.
4. Show the steps you've taken
- Courses or qualifications started or completed
- Volunteering or side projects in the new field
- Professional memberships or events
Be honest about levels: 'Studying towards' is fine; claiming a qualification you don't have isn't.
5. Cut old detail
Shorten bullets about tasks that don't transfer. One line per older role is often enough.
Then use the cover letter example for career changers to explain your reasons.
FAQs
Should I use a skills-based CV for a career change?
A hybrid CV — key skills with evidence, then a short work history — usually works better than a pure skills CV, which can look like it's hiding something.
Do I need to explain why I'm changing career?
Briefly, yes: in your profile and in more detail in your cover letter.