Our Career Change CV Guide

Changing careers can feel really daunting, especially when it comes to updating your CV. Many people worry that their experience will not feel relevant or that recruiters will only focus on their previous job titles. The truth is, a strong career change CV is not about hiding where you have come from, it’s about repositioning your experience and skills in a way that makes sense for your new industry.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to write a career change CV, explain what to focus on, and share practical career change CV examples to help you get started. Even if your background feels unrelated, there’s always a way to present your experience clearly and confidently.

What to focus on when changing careers

When you’re switching industries, your CV should focus less on job titles and more on what you actually did in each role. Recruiters want to understand how your experience prepares you for this next step.

Your career change CV personal statement is especially important. This short section at the top of your CV should clearly explain why you’re changing careers, what skills you bring with you, and what type of role you’re aiming for. Keep it honest, focused, and forward-looking.

It’s also important to highlight any training, short courses, or qualifications you have completed that support your career change. This could include online learning, certifications, voluntary work, or side projects. These details show commitment and help bridge the gap between your previous experience and your new career path.

How to highlight transferable skills

Transferable skills are the foundation of any successful career change CV. These are skills you have developed in previous roles that can be applied in a new industry. Common transferable skills include: 

• Communication

• Organisation

• Teamwork

• Leadership

• Problem-solving

• Time management

Rather than simply listing these skills, show how you have used them. For example, instead of writing “I have strong communication skills,” explain how you communicated with clients, trained staff, or worked across teams.

Tailoring your skills to the job description is also key. Look closely at the role you’re applying for and match your experience to the skills they’re asking for. This makes it much easier for recruiters to see your potential.

Using a career change CV template can help structure your CV clearly and ensure your transferable skills are easy to spot. A good template keeps your CV focused and avoids overwhelming the reader with unnecessary detail.

Career change CV examples

Looking at a career change CV example can make the process feel much clearer. Below are some simple examples you can adapt to suit your own situation.

Career change CV personal statement example:

“Experienced retail manager transitioning into a marketing role. Strong background in customer engagement, team leadership, and project coordination. Recently completed a digital marketing course and keen to apply transferable skills in a creative and fast-paced environment.”

Work experience example:

“Retail Manager - High Street Store (2019-2024)

• Managed a team of 12 staff, improving sales performance, and customer satisfaction

• Planned and delivered in-store campaigns to increase footfall

• Analysed sales data to support decision-making”

This approach helps reposition retail experience for a marketing or office-based role by focusing on relevant skills rather than the industry itself.

Whether you’re moving from education into HR, administration into project management, or customer service into sales, the same principles apply. Focus on results, responsibilities, and skills that transfer.

Mistakes to avoid

When writing a career change CV, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

For example, you should avoid listing previous roles without explaining how they relate to your new career. Don’t leave career gaps unexplained, and try not to include experience that’s completely unrelated. Copying a generic career change CV example without adapting it can also make your CV feel impersonal.

Your CV should clearly tell your story and explain your career change in a way that feels logical and confident.

Use our free CV templates today

Changing careers doesn’t mean starting from scratch. With a well-structured career change CV, you can show recruiters how your experience and skills translate into a new industry. Be sure to focus on transferable skills, use clear examples, and tailor your CV for each role.

Using tools like Scriberly can make this process easier by helping you structure your CV, write a strong career change CV personal statement, and apply proven templates that highlight your strengths. Why not browse our range of free-to-download CV templates today and ensure your career change CV showcases your experience with confidence.