If you've considered pivoting your career in today's challenging development job market, you're not alone. Viewing your abilities from different perspectives and effectively communicating them in your application materials can unlock numerous new opportunities.
Development writing expert Kathryn Harper emphasizes thinking of yourself as "not just problem solvers, but bridge builders and capacity builders."
CVs for Pivoting with Purpose
"The past got you here today, but it need not define you moving forward." — Kathryn Harper
During a recent digital event, Harper shared practical CV tips for job seekers looking to pivot with confidence, highlighting the importance of reframing skills as adaptable and quantifying achievements.
Focus on Adaptable Skills
Harper encourages professionals to move beyond the term "transferable skills" and instead frame skills as adaptable. This approach demonstrates resilience and creativity—qualities highly valued by employers.
Reframe Transitions with Confidence
Career pivots often involve explaining employment gaps, short-term roles, or sector changes. Harper advises job seekers to clearly and concisely contextualize these transitions rather than avoiding them.
Quantify Your Previous Impact
A CV that merely lists responsibilities risks being overlooked. Harper recommends focusing on outcomes and quantifying them whenever possible. "Numbers are one of the only things that provide unquestionable context and clarity," she explains.
Watch: Considering a career pivot? 3 CV tips for boosting your application
Download: A development pro's guide to career pivots and transitions
Data Download: Salary Insights for Program Managers
The program officer role remains one of the most popular positions on job boards. Recent analysis shows that while there were 30.5% fewer program officer jobs posted compared to last year, the average annual salary increased by nearly 4%, rising from approximately $85,000 to over $120,000.
Program officer roles in global health showed particularly strong performance, offering the highest average salaries between $144,000 and $222,000—a 25.3% increase over previous years.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!