Changing roles within the same level-known as a lateral career move-can be a strategic way to broaden skills, explore new industries, or align your work with evolving passions. But when it comes to your resume, showcasing this kind of shift effectively can be tricky. How do you demonstrate growth without a traditional upward promotion? How do you convince hiring managers that this move adds value rather than signaling stagnation?
This guide breaks down practical steps to highlight a lateral career move on your resume with clarity and confidence, helping you stand out in a competitive job market.
Why a Lateral Move Deserves Attention
Many people assume career progression means climbing the ladder-moving from junior to senior roles. However, a lateral move can be just as impactful. It often reflects a deliberate choice to gain new experiences or pivot toward a different career path without sacrificing your established expertise.
In fact, a recent 2024 survey found that 35% of workers, and nearly half of those aged 18 to 27, are considering career changes within the next six months. This trend highlights how common and accepted career shifts have become, whether vertical or lateral.
Employers increasingly recognize that transferable skills and relevant experience can be just as valuable as traditional promotions. Your resume is the place to make that case clearly.
Moreover, lateral moves can foster a more diverse skill set, allowing professionals to adapt to the ever-evolving job market. For instance, a marketing specialist moving to a sales role can gain insights into customer behavior that enhance their marketing strategies. This cross-functional knowledge not only enriches the individual's career portfolio but also positions them as a more versatile asset to their organization. Such adaptability is crucial in today's fast-paced business environment, where the ability to pivot and embrace change can set candidates apart from their peers.
Additionally, a lateral move often provides an opportunity to build a broader professional network. Engaging with new teams and departments can lead to valuable connections that may open doors to future opportunities. Networking within different areas of a company can also lead to mentorship relationships, which can be instrumental in personal and professional growth. These connections can provide insights into industry trends and best practices, further enhancing one's career trajectory and ensuring that they remain competitive in their field.
Start With a Resume Structure That Supports Your Story
Prioritize Relevant Experience
When you make a lateral move, your previous roles and accomplishments remain crucial. A large-scale study analyzing over half a million resumes showed that previous experience is the strongest factor influencing transitions to senior roles. Even if you’re not moving up, your experience validates your capabilities.
Arrange your resume so that your work experience section is prominent—typically at the top—followed by education, certifications, and any volunteer or leadership activities. This format is recommended by career experts at the University of Northwestern and helps recruiters quickly see your professional background. Additionally, consider using bullet points to make your achievements stand out. Each bullet point should start with a strong action verb and quantify your accomplishments where possible. For instance, instead of saying "responsible for managing a team," you could say "led a team of 10 to achieve a 20% increase in sales over six months." This not only showcases your leadership skills but also provides concrete evidence of your impact.
Tailor Your Resume for the Target Role
Generic resumes rarely impress. Instead, customize your resume to highlight skills and achievements that align with your new role. Career coach Andrea St Jean suggests reaching out to professionals currently in the position you want and conducting informational interviews. These conversations reveal what hiring managers value most, helping you tailor your resume accordingly.
For example, if you’re moving laterally into a marketing role from sales, emphasize your experience with client communication, campaign collaboration, or data analysis—skills that overlap and matter in both fields. Furthermore, consider incorporating keywords from the job description into your resume. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, and using the right terminology can ensure your application gets noticed. This strategic approach not only demonstrates your understanding of the role but also aligns your qualifications with the specific needs of the employer, making your resume more compelling.
Showcase Transferable Skills and Achievements
Identify and Highlight Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are the bridge between your old role and your new one. These might include project management, leadership, problem-solving, or technical skills relevant across industries. Clearly demonstrating these skills reassures employers that you can handle the responsibilities of your new position. In today's dynamic job market, the ability to adapt and apply your knowledge in various contexts is invaluable. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can bring a diverse skill set to the table, as this versatility can lead to innovative solutions and improved team dynamics.
Use bullet points to describe how you applied these skills in your previous roles. For instance, instead of simply listing “managed projects,” say “led cross-functional projects resulting in a 15% increase in efficiency.” This approach provides concrete evidence of your abilities. Additionally, consider including examples that showcase your soft skills, such as communication and teamwork. For example, “facilitated weekly team meetings that fostered collaboration and improved project timelines.” This not only highlights your hard skills but also demonstrates your ability to work well with others, which is crucial in any workplace.
