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How to phrase a resume for a new career in corporate finance

Veteran

Melissa Samaniego Chandler, AZ

Hello team,

I am re-entering the workforce in 6 months but I would like a career change. My previous career dealt with governments/communications/emergency management planning but I want to work in corporate finance. I have very little experience with corporate finance, however, I am willing to take an entry-level or trainee position. I have a B.A in global business and an MBA.

I would like a few ideas from the community.

Imagine you are a hiring manager. What resume bullets would you like to see for someone who is looking to change careers?

16 May 2017 5 replies Career Exploration

Answers

Advisor

Gail Baccetti Lake Geneva, WI

First, Melissa, you have very relevant degrees. I am impressed that you are willing to start at an entry level to be in the field you want. That certainly opens more doors.

Focus on your achievements in your resume and in preparing for any interviews. These should be your bullets, rather than your tasks. Think of how the skills used to exceed your goals are transferable to this new endeavor. For example, emergency planning management must require considerable attention to detail. So does Finance! You can point out these similarities in your cover letter.

I know that Jim Spencer offered to look at your resume. I'd be happy to do so, as well, if you want additional input. You can reach me at gbaccetti@hotmail.com. I'm retired now, but I spent 42 years in business, have a Master's in HR, and worked for a year as a Career Consultant. I'm happy to help if you need me!

Gail Baccetti

20 May 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Donald Marshall Hingham, MA

Melissa,
Look into joining GE Company's financial management program. Best training for finance in US industry. Should be doable since you already have an MBA. I went through the program then went back for a Master's in Finance at BC. Since you already have an MBA you only need to get into the program. The career path will be sky's the limit.

GE will ask you why finance now?

If you have any questions, please let know.
Best of Luck!!,

Don

20 May 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Gerald Mannikarote Houston, TX

Hi Melissa,
The best advice I can give you is to tailor your resume to each job description.

You can make a general resume, but it is important to have the key words that are in the job description included in your resume. By changing each submission to suit each job description, you have a better shot at getting the job.

You want to give the recruiter what they want.

I hope this helps.

Warm regards,
Jerry

17 May 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

Jim Jones Getzville, NY

Good Morning Melissa, Jim gave you great advice in terms of conducting research and translating the KSA you have into actionable job search items. I would add one piece, after the research, reach out to companies that interest you and develop a network that can help with information that will lead to your transition job. Use linkedin and the alumni office from your university to develop connections who can provide timely information and insights into career/job opportunities. Good Luck!

17 May 2017 Helpful answer

Advisor

James Spencer Dowell, IL

Melissa,
As I read your entry I believe I am reading an entry from a person ready for a change and a fresh challenge. Your past success indicate you are willing to do the work required to make that happen. To make the career change you indicate interests you two things will be required. You will need to adapt your resume to the target industry and target companies in that industry You will also need to prepare to answer interview questions specific to the information in your resume and specific to target companies.

The best way to effectively adapt your resume to a specific industry such as finance is to think of it as a sales flyer advertising you to potential employers. What those employers want to see on a sales flyer and what will motivate them to read it is to see information in it that offers answers to problems in their business. The greatest mistake I have seen in transition resumes is the candidate listing their successes in former jobs without relating those successes to the target job assuming the potential employer will invest the time and effort required to relate those skills to the open position they have. I can say with no exception they will not do it.

To make this happen;
First, study job offers of jobs you would like to have. Make a list of the skills they are asking a candidate to have.
Next, create a list from your skills set that would be transferable to the required skills and a list of assignments in former jobs that indicate what you are claiming is true.
Third, translate the names of skills and the descriptions of those activities into the language of Finance.
Once you have this information you can start creating a resume customized to the industrial finance industry. Stick with chronological format because it is most accepted in the business world. Sections of the resume should include Career Goal, Summary of Skills, Professional Experience, Education. The two sections most important to you are Summary of Skills and Professional Experience. In these sections you will use language adapted to the target industry.

Once you have created the customized resume it is time to generate a list of interview questions specific to the world of industrial finance. Considering everything I have said, if you were a manager what would you like to know about the information on your resume?
Base your answers on what you have learned about finance from your research.

This information is just a quick glance toward writing a transition resume. If you would like the help, email me a copy of an existing resume and call. We will work together to create you a resume that will effectively show a person in Industrial Finance just what you have to offer them. My email is jespencer1@gmail.com. I look forward to the opportunity.

Jim Spencer,
MS, CPC, QTP

16 May 2017 Helpful answer

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