Changing careers is incredibly common. In fact, the average person changes careers between five and seven times during their lifetime. But the same CV won’t land you a job in a new industry, so you’ll need to show you’re not a one-trick pony. Here is a selection of CV tips if you’re looking to change careers and enter the horticulture sector.
Tweak your personal statement
Every CV should start with a personal statement, which is effectively your elevator pitch. It should outline who you are, what you can offer, and what your goals are, in two or three sentences.
On a CV for a career change, focus your personal statement on your suite of technical and soft skills that are relevant to the role, and don’t be afraid to root for yourself and say that you’re looking for a role in a new industry. It’s not a weak point.
Add relevant skills
Under your personal statement, add a section titled, “key skills and competencies” and list between nine and 12 skills that are relevant to the role. Align the skills listed to the job description as best you can to show prospective employers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) that you are a fit for the role and it's meant to be.
Common sought-after skills in horticulture you may include are:
- Written and verbal communication
- Time management
- Team and solo work
- Problem-solving
- Garden design appreciation
- Passion for horticulture
- Full clean driving licence
Be selective with your first role
Typically, the employment history section comes next, starting with your most recent role, to demonstrate your current capabilities. However, this could hinder success when changing careers since your latest role is unlikely to be relevant.
In this instance, you can be creative when deciding which experience you would like to show prospective employers first. For example, if you have taken a horticulture course or have taken a voluntary position related to the field, these experiences are far more valuable and should be listed first. They will highlight you’re a budding horticulture expert.
Reduce irrelevant information
You may have a great range of impressive achievements in your current line of work. However, it is unlikely to speak to prospective employers in your new chosen path. It’s in your best interests to prune the industry-specific jargon from your current profession and make space for newly acquired talents and transferable skills.
Keep these four tips in mind when writing your CV for a career change, and you’ll be sure to impress any employer in the horticulture sector.
TopCV offers a range of CV-writing services including expertly written and keyword-optimised CVs, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. It is currently offering a free CV review to help you land your dream job in the horticulture sector.
