How to Use Zety for a Career Pivot in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Last updated on November 12th, 2025 at 10:52 am

Why Consider a Career Pivot in 2026?

Many professionals rethink their paths after years in the same field. New technologies, changing industries, and personal growth lead to fresh opportunities. A career pivot is not about starting over; it’s about translating existing strengths into a new context. To make this leap, you need a resume and cover letter that communicate your value. Zety, a popular resume builder, can help you get there.

Understanding Career Pivots

A career pivot happens when you shift from one role or industry to another. It often means:

• Leaving a familiar field for a different sector.
• Moving from technical roles to managerial positions.
• Turning a hobby or passion into your main job.

This change requires showcasing transferable skills and a clear narrative about why you’re making the move.

Step 1: Clarify Your Goals and Skills

Before opening Zety, spend time on self-assessment. Identify the target role and its requirements. Ask yourself:

• What do I enjoy about my current work?
• Which skills are most transferable?
• What type of culture and tasks do I want in my next job?

Write down relevant skills, achievements, and projects. These notes will guide the content you add to your resume.

Step 2: Set Up a Zety Account and Choose a Template

Go to Zety’s website and create an account. The platform offers a range of modern templates. For a career change, select a design that balances style with readability. A two-column layout can highlight key skills while keeping the document compact. Preview several options and choose one that fits the tone of your target industry.

Step 3: Select the Right Resume Format

Zety allows you to arrange sections to match your needs. For career pivots, the combination or hybrid format is ideal. It emphasises skills and achievements over job titles. The layout typically includes:

1. Contact information
2. Resume summary or objective
3. Skills summary
4. Additional skills
5. Work experience
6. Education and certifications
7. Optional sections (languages, interests, projects)

This structure lets you group accomplishments by skill rather than chronologically, making it easier to show relevance.

Step 4: Craft a Strong Summary or Objective

A resume summary or objective sits at the top and captures attention in seconds. It should focus on your best achievements or your passion plus transferable skills. For a pivot:

• Use a summary if you have achievements that relate directly to the new role.
• Use an objective if you lack direct experience but can highlight transferable skills and enthusiasm.

Keep it concise. Mention one or two relevant achievements and state how you can add value in the new field.

Step 5: Build a Skills-Driven Resume

Zety’s builder prompts you to add skills. Use this to create a skills summary section. List the abilities that match the job description. For each skill, include a brief example or achievement to prove you have used it. Quantify results where possible, such as “Reduced onboarding time by 25%” or “Managed a team of 10”.

Below the summary, add an “Additional Skills” section. This can include software proficiency, languages, or soft skills like communication and leadership. Tailor these skills to each job application.

Step 6: Highlight Achievements in Work Experience

Even if your past roles differ from the new field, highlight tasks and accomplishments that show transferable skills:

• Use action verbs and results (“Led training sessions for 50 employees”).
• Focus on achievements rather than duties.
• Include volunteer or freelance projects that relate to the target role.

Zety provides pre-written bullet points. Use them for inspiration, but edit them to reflect your actual experience.

Step 7: Include Education and Extras

List your degrees and certifications. If you’re upskilling, mention courses or workshops relevant to your new career. Additional sections like languages, volunteer work, or personal projects can demonstrate adaptability and passion. Keep descriptions short; the goal is to paint a well-rounded picture without overwhelming the reader.

Step 8: Leverage Zety’s Cover Letter Tool

Zety offers an integrated cover letter generator. This tool uses the details from your resume to pre-fill a letter. Use it to:

• Explain why you’re making a career change.
• Tell a brief story connecting your past to your desired role.
• Expand on achievements that show you can succeed in a new field.

A tailored cover letter provides context that a resume cannot.

Step 9: Review, Score, and Tailor Each Application

Once your resume and cover letter are drafted, Zety will score them and provide feedback on improvements. Use this to polish formatting, keyword usage, and length. Download the final documents as PDF and Word files. For each job application, revisit the job description and adjust your skills and summary to align with specific requirements. Zety makes editing easy; you can upload your resume back into the builder and update it.

How Zety Compares With Competitors

Not all resume builders offer the same tools. Here is a quick overview of common alternatives:

*Prices are approximate and may vary by location or promotions.

Zety stands out by combining guided writing, design flexibility, and integrated tools. It also offers an affordable long-term plan. Novoresume and Kickresume excel in design freedom but offer less writing guidance. Resume Genius is good for quick builds, while Canva suits creative professionals comfortable with design software.

Final Tips for a Successful Pivot

A career pivot is more than updating documents. You need to network, learn new skills, and tell a convincing story. Use Zety to streamline the administrative side so you can focus on growth. Keep your sentences and paragraphs concise. Customize each application. With planning, clear goals, and the right tools, 2026 can be the year you step into a fulfilling new career.