Career Changer CV Example (UK, 2026)
ATS-optimised · UK format · Ready to customise
Helen Forsyth
Career Changer — Teaching to UX Research
Edinburgh, UK
Profile
Experienced secondary school teacher transitioning into UX Research, bringing 7 years of applied qualitative research, curriculum design and user needs analysis from an educational setting. Completed the Google UX Design Certificate and conducted end-to-end usability research for 2 pro-bono projects. Seeking a Junior UX Researcher role at a product company.
Work Experience
UX Research (Freelance/Pro bono)
Self-directed portfolio projects
Jan 2026 – Present
- Conducted moderated usability testing (8 participants) for a local charity's booking platform, producing a research report with 11 actionable recommendations — 7 implemented within 6 weeks.
- Completed a competitive analysis of 5 UK job search platforms, presenting findings and persona insights to the product team of a startup in a 45-minute session.
Secondary School Teacher — History
Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh
Aug 2018 – Dec 2025
- Designed and iterated curriculum content based on student performance data and feedback — a practice directly analogous to UX research-led design cycles.
- Facilitated focus groups with 60+ students to evaluate learning materials, synthesising qualitative data into structured recommendations adopted across the department.
Education
PGCE Secondary History (with QTS) · BA History (First Class)
University of Edinburgh
2015–2019
Key Skills
ATS Score: 86%
This CV passes the ATS filters used by most UK employers. Single-column layout, standard headings, keyword-optimised.
4 Tips for Career Changer CVs
Frame your previous career in terms of transferable skills, not just job titles — facilitation, qualitative research, stakeholder communication, and data synthesis are valued in many new careers.
Build a portfolio of 2–3 projects in your target field before applying — even pro bono or personal projects demonstrate commitment and practical skills far more than qualifications alone.
Consider a hybrid CV format that leads with a Skills or Key Competencies section before your chronological work history — this puts transferable strengths first.
Address the career change directly in your personal statement rather than hoping employers will figure it out — a confident, clear narrative is more reassuring than an unexplained gap or pivot.
Career Changer CV — Frequently Asked Questions
Should I explain my career change in my CV or cover letter?
Both — briefly in the personal statement on your CV, and in more detail in your cover letter. The CV should frame your transferable skills; the cover letter should tell the "why" story compellingly.
Do I need a qualification in my new field?
Not always. Bootcamps, certifications (Google, Coursera, etc.) and self-taught portfolios open doors in tech, marketing and data roles. For regulated industries (law, healthcare, teaching), formal qualifications are mandatory.
How do I handle a CV gap during a career transition?
Fill it with transition activities: courses, pro bono work, freelance projects, or industry events. A 6-month gap with a clear "Career Transition" heading and substantive activities is far better than an unexplained gap.
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