Shifting careers or transitioning industries necessitates a compelling narrative that portrays both your passion for the new field and your ability to contribute. When applying to jobs online, your digital footprint (your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile) will be the initial touchpoint for potential employers, so it's crucial to fine-tune each of these to effectively communicate your story and qualifications. 

Tailoring your Resume 

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Your resume is your first ambassador, speaking on your behalf before any meeting or interview. It should effectively convey who you are and what you bring to the table.

Formatting Basics

Before you start building your resume, here's a snapshot of some foundational formatting principles to make your resume stand out. Given that many employers deploy Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and rank resumes based on keywords, it's crucial to use an ATS-optimized format to maximize your chances of reaching the interview stage. Consider the following:

• Opt for a legible, professional font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, sized between 10 and 12 points.
• Uniform margins of about 1 inch and standard line spacing (single or 1.15) are recommended.
• Maintain a clean aesthetic; avoid excessive colors or graphics unless you're applying for a  design-centric role.
• Aim for clarity and precision in language. Ensure keywords from the job description are integrated.
• Proofreading is paramount – eliminate any grammatical or spelling errors.
• Always share your resume as a PDF to maintain consistent formatting.

APC Tip: Download our resume template for examples to ensure your resume is ATS compatible and to get inspiration. Make a copy of the google doc and start tailoring your resume!

Summary

This is your personal thesis statement. If a potential employer reads nothing but this section, they should still have a clear understanding of who you are, why you want the role, and why they should hire you. Condense your elevator pitch into 1-2 sentences that communicate your qualifications and passion to kick off your resume. 

Example: “Certified Accountant with five years of experience in account reconciliations, streamlining accounts, and financial planning. Passionate about animal welfare and eager to apply my skills and experience to further the development of alternative proteins.” 

Experience

Here's where you showcase your professional journey and how it equips you for your desired role in the alt proteins industry. Adjust the description of each role you've held to emphasize relevant experiences:

• Ensure each role follows a consistent format: Job title, company, location, duration, and three to six bullet points highlighting your contributions
• Arrange experiences in reverse chronological order
• Action verbs can elevate your descriptions. Instead of "I was responsible for managing the team," say "Managed a team of 10 employees."
• Whenever possible, quantify achievements for more impact.  For example, instead of saying "Increased sales," say "Increased sales by 15% in one year."
• Incorporate keywords to improve visibility to ATS systems.

APC Pro Tip: For more information on adding specificity to your resume, we recommend Lazlo Block's well-known LinkedIn article, "My Personal Formula for a Winning Resume."

Adding Education

The importance of this section can vary based on your career stage. While experienced professionals might lean on their work experiences, recent grads will want to use their educational background to highlight relevant skills and knowledge. Ensure:

• Consistency in presenting each qualification: Institution name, degree, location, graduation date, and GPA (if above 3.0)
• Sequence your educational experiences in reverse chronological order.
• If you are not a recent grad, put work experience before education.

Highlighting Additional Skills

Here, you'll underscore skills pertinent to the alt proteins industry:

• Scientific and Technical Skills: If you have a background in food science, biotechnology, or any other relevant field, be sure to emphasize it. Mention any laboratory techniques, research experience, or technical skills that are applicable.
• Sustainability and Environmental Knowledge: Given the focus on sustainability in the alternative protein industry, showcasing your understanding of environmental issues, sustainable practices, and life cycle assessments can be a significant advantage.
• Project Management and Teamwork: Many alternative protein projects involve cross-functional teams. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively, manage projects, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Innovation and Adaptability: The alternative protein sector is highly dynamic. Show that you're adaptable, open to new ideas, and capable of thinking outside the box.

Lastly, always align your skill descriptors with keywords from the job description to amplify your ATS ranking. Remember, every touchpoint counts in making a lasting impression!

Ready for more? Check out our guide to optimizing your LinkedIn profile to make sure that your profile is ready for you to start networking and applying!