Considering a career pivot? 3 CV tips for boosting your application

The development sector has been shaken by hiring freezes, shifting donor priorities, and widespread funding cuts. For many professionals, this means rethinking career paths — and reassessing what you have to offer. During a recent Devex Career event, Kathryn Harper, who has supported numerous job seekers in refining their CVs, emphasized that transitioning to a new space sometimes requires reevaluating and reframing your abilities, which can, if effectively conveyed in your application materials, open up a range of new opportunities. “I would just encourage you to think about yourselves more creatively as not just problem solvers, but bridge builders and capacity builders,” Harper said. Here are a few more key takeaways from our discussion on how to craft a CV that positions your skills as a strength when applying for a transitional role. Think ‘adaptable,’ not just ‘transferable’ When it comes to describing skills, Harper encouraged professionals to rethink the common phrase “transferable skills.” “‘Transfer’ implies moving from point A to point B in the same vein,” she said. “‘Adaptable’ means you can pivot — you can take what you’ve learned and apply it in new circumstances.” By framing skills as adaptable, job seekers show resilience and creativity, which employers increasingly value. Harper explained that her own career as a writer illustrates this: Whether working in philanthropy, advocacy, or CV coaching, she adapts the same core skill — using language to create impact — to diverse contexts. “Adaptability communicates that you can bridge sectors, solve problems, and build capacity in new ways,” she noted. Reframe transitions with confidence Career pivots often involve explaining gaps, short-term roles, or shifts within a sector. Harper urged job seekers not to shy away from these transitions, but to clearly and concisely contextualize them. “The best CVs answer the questions your reader will have before they even ask them,” she said. A simple line clarifying a move — such as noting a recruitment or personal circumstance — can preempt assumptions about instability. Harper also stressed that where you’ve been should not limit where you’re going. “The past got you here today, but it need not define you moving forward,” she said. Employers are ultimately looking for problem-solvers, not perfect career trajectories. By framing transitions as moments of adaptability and growth, professionals can show that pivots enhance, rather than detract from, their value, Harper said. Quantify impact and show fiscal fluency A CV that only lists responsibilities risks blending into the crowd. Harper recommended focusing on outcomes — and quantifying them whenever possible. “Numbers are one of the only things that provide unquestionable context and clarity,” she explained. Serving 30 people is not the same as serving 30,000, and CVs should make that distinction clear. Harper also advised developing a basic fluency in budgets and finance. Even programmatic roles benefit from demonstrating an understanding of how money flows through systems. “It shows employers you understand the bigger picture — not just your task, but how resources move to create impact,” she said. In today’s funding environment, that perspective can set candidates apart. From framing skills as adaptable to explaining transitions proactively to quantifying achievements, Harper emphasized that effective CVs empower professionals to navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. “Despair is not a strategy,” she reminded the audience. “Storms always pass. When opportunities appear, you want to be ready.”