Lynn writes:
I have recently made a slight shift in my job field. I was an administrative assistant for more than six years and now I am working in the Accounting Department. How do I reflect the change in duties from administrative assistant to (I don’t really have a title now)…accounting. I have been doing this for only a month, but I recognize that the pay is better on this side of the fence. Some of my daily functions parallel what I was doing in my previous position. However, I want to show progression on my resume without looking like I job hop.
The Career Doctor responds:
I am a very big proponent of keeping one’s resume current. You never know, especially in the current economic and corporate climate, when you’ll be in a situation where you need to have your hands on an up-to-date resume. So, I laud your efforts.
And when you get promoted (or transferred) within your current employer, that’s not job-hopping. In your case, it shows that your employer values your work enough to expand your job responsibilities.
You really need a job title, so you should either ask for a new one — or suggest one to your boss. Once you have the new job title, you can show the progress from administrative assistant to the new position on your resume.
While it may be a bit too early in your new position to identify some of your key accomplishments, remember that whenever you are describing jobs on your resume you should try and identify quantifiable accomplishments rather than list duties or responsibilities. Employers want to know how you made the job your own — and how you excelled in it.
You can find some great advice on writing a powerful resume — in the form of articles and tutorials — in the Resume Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
