career change cover letter 2023

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5 Career Change Cover Letter Examples Made for 2024

• Career Change Cover Letter
• Career Change No Experience
• HR Career Change
• Teacher Career Change
• RN Career Change Cover Letter
• Write Your Career Change Cover Letter

Switching careers can be equal parts exciting and daunting. You’re stepping into a whole new path, facing unknown challenges, and rebuilding your personal brand from scratch. There’s a lot at stake here, and to fight this battle and come out on top, you need to pick the right set of weapons.

Step one: a stellar  career change resume  tailored to match the job. Step two, however, is more challenging because you must write a cover letter to wow recruiters and express your excitement at a career change and for the company.

We’re here to help you navigate these murky waters and set the course for the career of your dreams. Our career change  cover letter examples  and free cover letter builder will help you craft a memorable job application.

Career Change Cover Letter Example

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123 Fictional Avenue Tucson, AZ 85743 (123) 456-7890

June 15, 2023

Ingrid Persson Comcast 123 Fictional Lane Tucson, AZ 85743

Dear Ms. Persson:

As a sales manager, I was often told that my natural skillset was more aligned with marketing. While my passion for understanding consumers helped me excel in sales, I’ve always been fascinated by marketing. When I began to manage paid advertising campaigns at Oracle, my interest in marketing was confirmed. My initiative not only increased sales by 28%, but also honed my skills in a cornerstone of marketing: data-driven decision-making.

Comcast’s people-first approach to marketing resonates with my interest in consumer behavior. In my five years as a sales manager, I specialized in analyzing user data to understand the needs of our buyers. I used my proficiency in Google Analytics to monitor website traffic and optimize our marketing strategies. My analytical approach contributed to a 34% increase in conversion rates and a 26% boost in customer retention over two years.

Transitioning to a marketing manager feels like a natural progression, as it combines my experience in sales with my passion for designing targeted campaigns. At Oracle, I bridged the gap between sales and marketing to increase ROI by 29%. I feel confident that I can successfully do the same with my career.

Comcast’s customer-centric culture reflects my core values. I am excited about the prospect of combining my analytical skills and sales experience to develop data-driven marketing strategies for the company. My instinct for buyer behavior will allow me to contribute to Comcast’s continued growth.

I would be thrilled to meet and discuss how my transition from sales to marketing can drive impactful strategies at Comcast. Thank you for considering my application.

Amara Kamau

Why this cover letter works

• For instance, this cover letter points to ways the candidate took initiative to connect sales and marketing. This evidences both interest and experience in the target role.

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Career Change No Experience Cover Letter Example

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123 Fictional Avenue Memphis, TN 38101 (123) 456-7890

Henry Robinson Walmart 123 Fictional Lane Memphis, TN 38101

Dear Mr. Robinson:

Like a data analyst unveiling patterns that inform business decisions, I seek to transition my career to the sales and marketing manager role at Walmart. Your dedication to delivering remarkable customer experiences profoundly resonates with me, and I believe my analytical acumen could lend a significant advantage to your team.

As the lead data analyst at Sedgwick, I spearheaded a team that scrutinized vast data sets, using sophisticated tools like Excel to analyze patterns and infer decks. Our analysis informed marketing decisions that spiked product sales by an average of 17%. My role called for early notification of discrepancies and proposing solutions, leading to a 66% reduction in inconsistency cases across our spreadsheets.

Project management was a significant part of my responsibilities at Innova Memphis. I led three major product launch campaigns, employing strategic analysis, coordination, and communication skills. The result? A marked 36% improvement in project completion timelines. These instances heightened my ability in advanced problem-solving, making me a better marketing and sales strategist.

As an intermediate data analyst at CrossCom, I deepened my skills in problem-solving, working with intricate amounts of data and changing project requirements. Besides sharpening my adaptability, I remember one time when I dug into an issue that led to uncovering a substantial cost-saving opportunity, saving the company 3% in operational costs yearly.

My decade serving as a data analyst has ideally placed me for this sales and marketing manager role. As someone who has picked insights from raw data to inform successful marketing decisions and sales strategies, I’m convinced I’m a great fit for this position. Looking forward to discussing how my unique skills could contribute to hitting Walmart’s marketing and sales goals.

• Take, for instance, how Aria tells the story of her expertise—meticulous data analysis, project management, and problem-solving and convincingly discusses how these can be valuable assets for the new role. So, extract and communicate those transferable skills.

Human Resources Career Change Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Human Resources Career Change cover letter!

Abigail Clark Wells Fargo 123 Fictional Lane Baltimore, MD 21201 Dear Ms. Clark:

After investing a decade navigating the complexities of human resource management, I’m excited to redirect my professional compass toward the role of a bank manager at Wells Fargo. With the belief that my extensive HR experience equips me with unique vantage points and skills, I’m convinced it has set the perfect foreground for my successful transition into this leadership role.

As a senior HR manager at Truist Bank, my extensive experience entailed gleaning insights from employees’ concerns and suggestions, driving improvements that lowered annual employee turnover by 9%. Now, onto change management; my comprehensive planning and seamless execution of transitions led to the smooth adoption of three major technological upgrades across different departments.

My stint as an HR Specialist at Jhpiego exposed me to the compliance and regulation stream, where I ensured organizational activities adhered to labor laws and corporate policies. The result was a drastic 42% decrease in compliance-related lapses, reflecting the proficiency I’d bring to Wells Fargo.

Starting my career as an HR coordinator at SECU Credit Union, my noteworthy contribution involved instituting a modern, streamlined payroll system that improved efficiency by 27%. It was here that my affinity for numbers found its use in the finance industry, thus, envisioning a future as a Bank Manager.

Transitioning from HR to bank management might seem unusual, but I see it as leveraging my people managerial skills, my understanding of corporate regulations, and my passion for the financial sector to ensure seamless operations at Wells Fargo. I’m excited about discussing how my unique background could positively impact your team.

Zara Jafari

• Such competencies demonstrate that although it’s a career change, you aren’t a stranger to the environment. If the past stints involved the hiring company’s competitor, emphasize that for bonus familiarity points.

Teacher Career Change Cover Letter Example

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123 Fictional Avenue Miami, FL 33326 (123) 456-7890

Nala Dlamini Ultimate Software 123 Fictional Lane Miami, FL 33326

Dear Ms. Dlamini,

Math is the foundation for software engineering, which is exactly why I am excited to bring my background as a high school math teacher to Ultimate Software. I am drawn to the problem-solving challenge software engineering presents.

In addition to teaching high school math, I have taught myself web and mobile development, database management, and the version control system Git. I am certified in AWS and Google Cloud, and built an educational app that streamlined school communication, improving homework submission rates by 23%.

Ultimate Software’s dedication to building better workplaces through technology resonates with my passion for facilitating seamless collaboration. My teaching background has refined my ability to communicate complex ideas in an accessible manner. This, coupled with my technical skills, positions me uniquely as a bridge between non-technical stakeholders and development teams.

I am also excited to optimize data handling processes at Ultimate Software. My experience in gradebook management taught me the importance of strong data management systems, and I am eager to bring that perspective to the team.

I hope to discuss how my transition from a math teacher to a software engineer can bring value to Ultimate Software. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sofia Lopez

Enclosures: Resume Portfolio AWS Certified Developer Google Cloud Certified

• If you’ve earned professional certifications that don’t match your current role but align with your target career, your cover letter is the place to highlight them.

Registered Nurse (RN) Career Change Cover Letter Example

Copy this text for your Registered Nurse (RN) Career Change cover letter!

123 Fictional Avenue Phoenix, AZ 76208 (123) 456-7890

Sven Jonsson American Express 123 Fictional Lane Phoenix, AZ 76208

Dear Mr. Jonsson:

I was inspired to transition my career from nursing into sales when I discovered the impact I could make by connecting people with the right product solutions. I am eager to bring my RN background, where relationship-building is paramount, and my skill set in sales forecasting to American Express as a sales manager.

American Express’s commitment to excellence matches my standards as an RN, where attention to detail and customer service were critical. I was often the first point of contact for patients and families. Through tireless care and empathy, patient satisfaction scores increased by 37% during my tenure. Outside of nursing, I also developed an interest in sales. I became proficient in sales forecasting and the HubSpot CRM software in order to better manage professional relationships.

My passion for helping clients was honed by providing both clinical care and wellness product recommendations to my patients as an RN. This role demanded excellent communication skills, empathy, and an understanding of individual needs—skills that are all transferable to sales.

I also bring an innate ability to manage sales territories. In partnership with community health programs, I coordinated regional patient care to ensure appropriate allocation of resources and seamless delivery. This experience equipped me with the acumen necessary to handle sales calls, and I aim to leverage that skill to expand American Express’s reach.

I am excited to align my passion for building relationships and providing exceptional service with American Express’s mission. As a sales manager, I will employ my skills in sales forecasting, CRM, and territory management to foster growth and customer satisfaction. Thank you for considering my application. I hope to discuss how my RN background can uniquely contribute to American Express’s continued success.

Gabriel Costa

• Look for unlikely connections between your work experience and target role, then put the pieces together for recruiters in your cover letter.

Related cover letter examples

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How to Write a Fantastic Career Change Cover Letter

You may think that you’re at a disadvantage when you’re applying outside of your previous career, but when it comes to cover letters, that’s not true. Treat this as an excellent opportunity to be creative and stand out from the crowd.

Here’s the trick: give that job description a good read, then whip your cover letter into shape to mirror it. Try to decipher the company’s core values, be it from the job listing or from its website, and highlight that this mission is important to you too. 

Pinpoint similarities across your past and future roles for this. For instance, if you’re switching from teaching to programming, emphasize your ability to explain complex topics to all kinds of audiences.

Writing a winning cover letter intro

The perfect cover letter begins with a personalized greeting that addresses the hiring manager by name. However, if you absolutely cannot find the recipient (try LinkedIn), you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Team.” Refrain from using “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam,” as those can be a little outdated by today’s standards.

Avoid generic starters and instead showcase why your past experience is valuable. For instance, if you previously worked in sales and you’re moving to customer service, highlight your ability to forge lasting relationships with clients.

Check out this example of what not to do below. This opening line is definitely on the uninteresting side—the hiring manager might skim your cover letter if it lacks a proper hook.

No, thank you!

“I am writing to apply for the project manager position I saw on your website. I believe this role is a great fit for me.”

Now, the example below is a huge improvement. The applicant immediately makes it clear that they used to have a different career, but they use this to their advantage by highlighting how their background in working with people can have a deep impact on their new career.

Hooked from the start!

Writing the main part of your cover letter

Roll up your sleeves because we’re diving into the main part of your cover letter—the body. Use this space as an extension of your resume that elaborates on your skills and the way they can make an impact on the company. 

Find common ground and share some of your greatest achievements that translate well to your new role. For example, if you’re a marketer transitioning into sales, discuss how spearheading a social media campaign increased your company’s revenue by 18%. 

Use metrics to support your accomplishments. Things like revenue, ROI, click-through rates, open rates, customer satisfaction ratings, budget savings, or efficiency improvements all apply to most industries. Much like in the intro, connect your background to match the company.

Here’s a body paragraph for inspiration:

Ending your cover letter on a strong note

The closing paragraph is the ribbon that you tie on top of a cohesive whole. It serves to reinforce the sentiments you talked about above—but without repeating yourself.

Emphasize your excitement at joining this particular company, and make sure to mention it by name. Pick one or two of your core skills or qualifications and flex a little—express how you will use these abilities to achieve positive outcomes at your new company.

You’re changing industries, so own it, and explain how, for instance, your knowledge of math can help you write complex code.

Lastly, thank the hiring manager for their consideration—you can do this either in the closing paragraph or in your final sign-off. Dot your i’s and cross your t’s with a respectful “Sincerely, [Your Name].”

It’s important to keep this final part respectful. Don’t assume you’ll be hired—instead of showing confidence, it can come off as presumptuous.

“I’m not experienced but I’m a quick learner, so I can’t wait to start growing my career at your company next month.”

This next example has it all—it reiterates your interest in the role, talks about transferable skills, and thanks the recruiter for taking the time to read your cover letter.

This is the way!

When transitioning careers, it’s important to build credibility out of the gate by addressing the right person. Check the job listing and the company website. If that fails, try identifying the hiring manager via LinkedIn.

If all else fails, talk mostly about your education and preparation for the career change, but there are skills that apply to most jobs, too. For instance, working as a programmer and a travel agent means dealing with data and interacting with people.

While you may rely on transferable skills you used in nursing in your future sales role, avoid assuming this new job will have a similar company culture as your last one. Instead, adjust your tone to match the company. For instance, if the job ad and the website are written with humor, you can afford to crack a small joke or write less formally.

Professional Career Change Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your career change cover letter needs to capture your passion for the new field. It must also convincingly explain your decision to switch tracks. Showcase the skills that are transferrable to the new role. Highlight any relevant experience, no matter how indirect, that can support your candidacy.

Cover Letter Guide

Career Change Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Career Change Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Embarking on a career change journey often feels daunting, especially when crafting that pivotal career change cover letter. You've updated your resume and started applying, only to realize that a compelling cover letter is a crucial next step. It's not about rehashing your resume; it's your chance to highlight your proudest professional moment in a narrative that captivates. Striking the right balance between formal tone and avoiding overused phrases, all while keeping your story to one page, is where the real challenge lies.

• Personalize your career change cover letter and get inspired by other professionals to tell a compelling story;
• Format and design your career change cover letter to make an excellent first impression;
• Introduce your best achievement in your career change cover letter to recruiters;
• How to make sure recruiters get in touch with you, using your career change cover letter greeting and closing paragraphs.

What is more, did you know that Enhancv's AI can write your cover letter for you? Just upload your career change resume and get ready to forward your job application in a flash.

If the career change isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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• Volunteer cover letter example
• Returning to Work cover letter example
• Work from Home cover letter example
• Campus Director cover letter example
• Stay at Home Mom cover letter example
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• Non Profit cover letter example

Career Change cover letter example

Victoria Baker

Des Moines, Iowa

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasize relevant project experience: The cover letter highlights the candidate's ability to manage a significant healthcare project, such as the digitization of patient education tools, showcasing an understanding of how to integrate technology within healthcare effectively.
• Demonstrate measured success: Mentioning a specific quantifiable outcome (40% increase in patient engagement) proves the candidate’s claim of impact and success, which is essential for roles focusing on improving processes and outcomes.
• Show alignment with company values: The applicant aligns personal professional values with the company’s objectives, such as enhancing user engagement, which demonstrates an understanding of and a fit with the company culture.
• Express relevant soft skills: The cover letter points out the candidate's skills in project management, teamwork, and design principles, which are pertinent to the job's requirements and the effective execution of responsibilities.

What should your career change cover letter look like - formatting and organizing your information

Have you ever wondered what are the must-have sections you need to include in your career change cover letter? Our builder sets those up for you with:

• Header - dedicated to your contact information, the role you're applying for, and the date (don't forget to include your name);
• Greeting and opening paragraph - to create a personalized and memorable experience for recruiters;
• Body paragraph - emphasizing your skill set and knowledge that aligns with the role and helps you to stand out;
• Closing paragraph - leaving a great impression and ending with an optional signature.

Use a cover letter template to discover the best formatting for your career change cover letter: that is single-spaced paragraphs and wrapping your content in a one-inch margin.

Ensure that both your resume and career change cover letter are in the same font . Stand apart from the crowd by using modern, yet simple fonts, like Chivo and Rubik, instead of the overused Arial and Times New Roman.

Did you know that the Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't be assessing your career change cover letter? Instead, submit your profile in PDF to recruiters to keep the same formatting and the design intact.

The top sections on a career change cover letter

• Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the employer's contact information, which shows professionalism and makes it easy for the recruiter to reach you.
• Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible, as personalizing the cover letter can grab the recruiter's attention and demonstrate your attention to detail.
• Introduction: Clearly state your intent to change careers and the specific role you're applying for, laying the groundwork for your rationale and passion for this new path.
• Career Transition Explanation: In one or two paragraphs, articulate why you are changing careers and how your previous experiences have equipped you with transferable skills relevant to the new role.
• Conclusion and Call to Action: End with a strong closing statement that reiterates your enthusiasm for the role, thanks the recruiter for their consideration, and suggests a follow-up meeting or phone call to discuss your application further.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

Unfortunately, without a specified job title, it's impossible to list qualities, experiences, and traits unique to that role. Job titles come with different expectations. A software developer would need technical expertise in programming languages, while a sales position would prioritize customer relations and a track record of sales achievements. Please provide a specific job title for a tailored response.

How to personalize your career change cover letter greeting

Before you start writing your career change cover letter, take the time to find out who is recruiting for the role.

Search for the recruiter's name on LinkedIn or the corporate website to address them personally in your career change cover letter salutation .

What if you can't find out who's recruiting for the role?

Always aim to avoid the very impersonal "Dear Sir/Madam" - instead, opt out for "Dear HR Team" or "Dear Hiring Manager" to make a better first impression.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear [Company Name] Recruiter,
• Dear [Mr./Ms. Last Name],
• Dear [Title] [Last Name],
• Dear [First Name] [Last Name],

Using your career change cover letter intro to show your dedication

We know just how difficult it is to start writing your career change cover letter introduction .

There are so many great qualities you have as a professional, which one should you choose?

How about writing up to two sentences about your passion and commitment to the work you do or are set to do?

Try to describe exactly what you enjoy about the potential role.

A positive attitude from the get-go will help you stand out as a motivated career change professional.

How to select your best achievement for the middle, or the career change cover letter body

You probably feel exhausted by this point in your application: you've dived into all the details of your success and skills in your career change resume.

What else can you include in your career change cover letter body ?

Well, for starters, the next three to six paragraphs should show you further value as a professional. Or, why should recruiters choose you?

Think back on a noteworthy achievement that answers key job requirements and dive deep.

Structure your career change cover letter middle as you'd a story: following chronological logic and highlighting outcomes, thanks to skills.

At the end of the day, you'd want recruiters to be able to see you as the best candidate for the role and understand more about who you are and what makes your success unique (and valuable to the role).

A sincere and original way to end your career change cover letter

When writing their career change cover letter, candidates tend to use one of these phrases, "Sincerely yours" or "I look forward to hearing from you".

Both statements show good manners, but your cover letter should end in a more actionable manner .

Write about:

• how you see yourself growing in the role/organization;
• the benefits you would bring about (you'd impress even more with tangible metrics);
• the next steps in the process (provide your availability for interviews).

No experience career change cover letter: making the most out of your profile

Candidates who happen to have no professional experience use their career change cover letter to stand out.

Instead of focusing on a professional achievement, aim to quantify all the relevant, transferrable skills from your life experience.

Once again, the best practice to do so would be to select an accomplishment - from your whole career history.

Another option would be to plan out your career goals and objectives: how do you see yourself growing, as a professional, in the next five years, thanks to this opportunity?

Be precise and concise about your dreams, and align them with the company vision.

Key takeaways

Creating your career change cover letter should be a personalized experience for the role and the recruiter, where you:

• Format your cover letter using the same ATS-friendly font (e.g. Railway) as you did for your resume;
• Greet recruiters, using their name, and follow up with two sentences to introduce yourself, your interest in the role, and to stand out;
• Map out one key success from your career (or life) that has taught you job-crucial skills;
• Substitute your lack of experience with an achievement from your internships, degrees, or volunteering gigs;
• End with a promise for your potential or your availability for an interview.

Cover letter examples by industry

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• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
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How to write an impactful cover letter for a career change

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How to write a cover letter for a career change

Career change cover letter examples.

8 tips to write a successful career change cover letter

Learning to navigate career changes

As a job seeker, your primary objective is to stand out from every other candidate — and writing a strong cover letter is a great way to do this.

But if you’re trying to change careers, it might seem more complicated. Crafting a compelling letter for a career change needs to put your best foot forward while explaining how your experience and transferable skills make you the best fit. 

Luckily, like any application, cover letters give you a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression on a prospective employer. They’re your opportunity to spin a perceived drawback into a valuable asset, showing hiring managers your unique perspective and ability to make a change.

Let’s start with the basics. Like any other professional communication, every word of your career change cover letter counts. Your relevant skill set, work experience, and communication style let a recruiter, hiring manager, or potential supervisor know what it’ll be like to work with you. 

Here’s how to use your cover letter to make an impact: 

1. Start with a powerful introduction

The first few lines of your cover letter set the tone and pique your reader's interest (or spur disinterest). Skip generic introductions and aim for an opening line that quickly encapsulates the value you can bring to the new job. It can also reflect your unique personality, within reason.

Don’t be shy about identifying yourself as a career changer. It’s an opportunity to showcase important soft skills — such as courage, intellectual curiosity , and a resilient mindset — and connect relevant experiences with valuable transferable skills . With the right framing, it may be the key to standing out as an interesting candidate.

Here’s an example: “As a seasoned journalist, I’m eager to transition into public relations. I've spent the last 20 years sharpening my critical-thinking, research, and copywriting skills, which will serve me well in this new role.”

2. Develop your full character

Your opening paragraph should include your previous role and new career ambition. Next, it’s time to offer a glimpse of your professional drive and explain in more detail what you bring to a career switch, especially if you’ve been upskilling, taking classes, or attending trainings. This is an opportunity to blend your established reputation with your new career goals. If you’re making the change to pursue your passion or do more meaningful work, putting that fact on diisplay creates a fuller image of your personal values , mission, and vision for the future. 

For example: “I currently manage a team of 50 sales representatives in the constantly evolving healthcare sector. The most fascinating and fulfilling part of my job has always been developing a deep understanding of my client’s needs. Acting as a bridge to better service, consulting with them about updating their tools and training to focus on providing excellent treatment to their patients is so rewarding. I’m excited by the prospect of leveraging my social skills and years of experience working directly with healthcare providers to move into software development for the healthcare sector.” 

3. Show some emotion

Carefully placed action verbs and feelings help make your experience jump off the page. Potential employers aren’t just looking for a list of key skills — they want to imagine the person behind them. Choose language that conveys enthusiasm, drive, and work motivation , like “I’ve always been passionate about problem-solving and teamwork” or “I immediately connected with your company’s vision and commitment to sustainability.” 

4. Describe your past performance

Your successes in previous roles are the best predictor of the meaningful work you’ll accomplish in the next one — even if you’re moving to a new industry. Focus on accomplishments that demonstrate flexibility and a learning mindset to help the hiring manager envision a successful transition. You need to make the most out of your letter of interest , portfolio , and resume, so put the highlights on your resume and tell the story in your cover letter. 

For instance: “I oversaw a project to automate sales tracking systems, working with our tech team to evaluate the best strategies for the sales department. The project improved efficiency by 25% and decreased overhead costs by 15%.” 

Metrics quantify the value of your growth mindset and show off important skills like team collaboration , project management , and adaptability. 

5. Align your skills with the job description

Even if you’re at the height of your career, a hiring manager needs to know you can bridge the gap between your current role and the new position. Pay careful attention to the soft and hard skills they mention in the job posting and work them into your career transition cover letter. Don’t embellish for the sake of standing out, but do highlight the skills you can back up with valuable, direct experience. 

6. Write a memorable closing

Your closing is your opportunity to reiterate your excitement about the job opening. Adjectives like “eager,” “excited,” and “thrilled” demonstrate you’re ready to hit the ground running. 

Additionally, your cover letter for switching careers should invite further dialogue with a call to action. For example: “I’m eager to learn more about the role and look forward to sharing how I can bring my unique perspective and years of experience in [industry] to your organization.” 

Before digging into your resume or cover letter, a potential employer may peruse your job application or LinkedIn profile to understand your value as a candidate. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to turn a list of skills and experiences into a well-rounded picture of your character. 

The best cover letters balance highlighting your unique personality and perspective with proving you have what it takes to fill the job description. While your letter should represent you, you don’t have to start from scratch. Instead, build your own using a basic structure and templates for inspiration. You can also ask ChatGPT to generate a first draft for you with strategic prompts .

Here’s a general career change cover letter sample to consider:

Dear [hiring manager’s name], 

Thank you for considering my application for [ prospective job title] at [company name]. 

I’ve spent the last [years of experience] learning the ins and outs of [current industry], where I currently work as a [most recent job title]. I gravitated toward [industry] because of my passion for [the factors that pushed you to your current career]. The most fulfilling part of my career has been [transferable skills relevant to the new job posting]. I’ve built my expertise around [relevant skills], which were instrumental in accomplishing [a notable achievement or project]. 

I’m excited to transition into a new career chapter and follow my calling in [new field]. Reading about your company, I immediately connected with [core value]. I’m thrilled by the prospect of contributing [your vision or skills] and am eager to apply my unique perspective as a [current job title] in a new context. 

Attached is my resume. I’m eager to learn more about the company and how my background aligns with your needs.

I look forward to the opportunity to continue the conversation. 

Sincerely, 

[Your name]

When changing careers, you may feel worried about potential red flags in your resume, like career gaps or lack of direct experience . While your technical abilities are important, many recruiters and hiring managers prioritize soft skills , like leadership, critical thinking, and communication. Here’s a cover letter that balances proven soft skills and highlights your excitement to fill the gaps: 

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for [prospective job title] at [company name]. While I’ve developed my career in [industry], my enthusiasm for [relevant interest] combined with my proven [relevant transferable skills] has prepared me for this career path. 

Over the last [years of experience], I’ve cultivated a solid foundation in [relevant skills], which mirror the dynamic demands of [new industry]. 

I’m attracted to [new industry] because of [your interest or inspiration to switch to a new field]. The [specific aspect of your new field] that [company name] embodies deeply resonates with my personal values and professional aspirations. I’ve spent the last [months or years] learning [valuable technical skills or industry knowledge] through [examples of learning experiences, such as a class, seminar, or networking opportunity]. 

Attached is my resume, which underscores my transferable skills and [relevant coursework or certifications]. 

I’m confident that my adaptability, dedication to quality work, and passion for learning position me to hit the ground running and become a strong asset to your team. I look forward to discussing how my excitement and skill set align with your objectives. 

8 tips to write a successful career change cover letter 

Now that you have some cover letter examples for changing careers, let’s get into the fine print. Here are eight tips to help your career change cover letter lead to an interview: 

• Address the letter to the right person: General salutations — like “Dear hiring manager” — may give the impression you’re copying and pasting the same cover letter across several job postings. Likewise, it signals to the reader that you lacked the initiative and dedication to find out more about the role and the hiring team beyond what’s in a brief job posting. Take the time to learn the hiring manager's name and use it to kick off communications. 
• Keep things short: The objective of your cover letter is to spark a hiring manager’s interest and encourage them to read your resume . Keep your cover letter to a few well-curated paragraphs that balance your unique value with the requisites for the job role. 
• Research, research, research: The company’s website, social media, and other branded materials can provide insight into the organization’s mission and core values. Aligning your vision with the company’s is a great way to capture a hiring manager’s attention and let them know you fit the company culture .
• Explain your reasons for changing careers: The courage to take a chance on yourself and switch careers speaks volumes about your character. It’s nothing to shy away from. Highlight the reasons you decided to make the difficult career decision —  your resilience, fortitude, and decisiveness can provide a competitive advantage over more traditional candidates. 
• Mention new skills: Highlight how you’ve learned about your new industry, acquired technical skills, and prepared for the career switch. Whether it’s a one-day seminar or several months with a career coach , your drive for personal and professional development helps make your case for a smooth transition into a new industry. 
• Source references: Having a list of professional references and their contact information ready to send to a hiring manager is always a good idea. Carefully choose colleagues who can speak to your passion for your new industry and ability to adapt to change.
• Align all your communications: Consistency and clarity are important to hiring managers. When your LinkedIn profile, letter of intent , and resume have mismatched skills and work experience, the person reading them may pass you over for a candidate with a profile that’s easier to understand and imagine in the role. Double-check that all your information is up-to-date and consistent across all platforms and lines of communication. 
• Proofread : An enthralling story about your decision to dive into a new field can be thwarted by a misspelled word or poorly placed comma. Spelling and grammar errors can jeopardize your chances of an interview — hiring managers may worry that a lack of attention to detail could show up in more important areas of your work performance. If you’re not a natural copy editor, double-check your work with a proofreading app like Grammarly.

Learning to navigate career changes 

A career change is a big life decision , no matter where you are in your professional journey. After you’ve settled into your niche, shaking things up at 30, changing careers at 40 or following a new calling in your 50s might feel increasingly overwhelming. 

But it’s never too late to embrace change. Your professional life occupies a big part of your time, energy, and personal identity. You deserve to feel fulfilled — even if that means choosing a road less traveled. Carefully crafting a cover letter for a career change is an effective way to capture a hiring manager's attention from the jump and move one step closer to an exciting new opportunity. 

Understand Yourself Better:

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

How to write a job application email that gets a reply

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How To Write the Best Career Change Cover Letter

Switching careers can feel like embarking on a journey into uncharted territory — this is particularly true in the tech industry , where a career change often means navigating an entirely different set of digital tools, work processes, responsibilities, and skills. 

You may have prepared yourself for the challenges ahead, furthered your education, and even identified job postings you believe to be a great fit. But without an excellent career change cover letter, your new professional journey could be stalled before it even begins!

Hiring managers only look at resumes for seven seconds before deciding whether to proceed with the application. So, your cover letter has to make an immediate and lasting impression. 

To help you land the job you’ve been dreaming of, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on career change cover letters.

Here are the topics we’ll explore —feel free to skip around to the sections that interest you most:

• What makes it a career change cover letter?
• How to write a career change cover letter in 8 steps

Career change cover letter example: UX design

• Career change cover letter example: Frontend development
• Key takeaways

1. What makes it a career change cover letter?

Before we look at the format and structure of the cover letter, let’s clarify something: it may seem obvious, but what distinguishes traditional cover letters from those written by career changers?

The key difference lies in the way you present yourself and the story you tell. A career change cover letter must demonstrate three main things:

• Your understanding of the job and industry,
• your existing skills and experience, and
• how those can be applied to the new position.

This can be done in several ways, but the most effective cover letters strike a balance between emphasizing transferable skills , demonstrating adaptability, and highlighting your motivation for the career transition. 

Unlike traditional cover letters, they can also address potential concerns about your experience, showcasing your ability to transcend the boundaries of one professional field and excel in another.

2. How to write a career change cover letter in 8 steps

Writing winning cover letters is an art that requires practice, and career-change-specific cover letters are even trickier to tackle. But thankfully, you can follow a few best practices to create a compelling document that will make it easier for potential employers to imagine you in the new role.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of writing an effective cover letter for your career switch, from the opening line to the closing paragraph. So, grab a pen or open up your favorite word processor and write that first draft using the following tips:

1. Address the right person

To avoid using the impersonal salutation, “Dear hiring manager,” take the time to research who will be reading your cover letter. 

If the job ad doesn’t include a name, try searching for the company’s website or LinkedIn page and go to the employees’ section to track down the right person and job title. For example, if you’re applying for a UX designer role , search for “Director of UX Design,” “Creative Director,” or similar.

2. Introduce yourself with a hook

Begin your cover letter with an engaging opening that captures the reader’s attention. 

This could be a statement of your intent, a specific project you’ve recently completed, or a personal connection to the industry that demonstrates your passion and motivation for the career switch. This will set you apart from other candidates and create a memorable first impression.

3. Explain why you’re changing careers

To address your career change head-on, provide a clear rationale for the shift by sharing your personal career change story. For example, you could highlight your enthusiasm for the new field, noting what attracted you to it and any relevant experiences or interests supporting your decision. 

Then, use the power of personal branding to infuse the letter with your unique voice, personality, and vision, focusing on the value you can bring to the new sector. This transparency shows employers you’ve thoughtfully considered the move.

4. Demonstrate understanding of the company

Demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization by showing that you’ve thoroughly researched the company. You can achieve this by discussing its mission statement, values, and recent accomplishments. 

Align your skills, background, and career goals with the company’s objectives to showcase your potential fit within its corporate culture. Doing so will convey your enthusiasm for the role and the organization, increasing your chances of standing out as a suitable candidate.

5. Detail why you’re a great match

A personalized cover letter should also explain why you’re a strong candidate for the position in question. This means identifying the unique qualities that set you apart from other candidates, whether that’s your adaptability, problem-solving abilities, or valuable soft skills that can be applied across various industries. 

Use real-world examples to demonstrate how your skills and past experiences align with the job requirements, and mention how these traits can benefit the company in the long run.

6. Showcase transferable skills

One of the key objectives of your career change cover letter is to demonstrate your value to potential employers in your new field. To do this effectively, pinpoint the skills you’ve acquired in your previous career that are transferable to the new role. 

Use specific examples to illustrate how you’ve applied these skills in different contexts and how they are relevant to your new position. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can effectively demonstrate to employers that you have what it takes to excel in your new career path.

7. Mention relevant professional development

List any skills and knowledge you’ve gained through relevant courses, certifications, or training to showcase your commitment to learning and willingness to invest in your career transition. 

This will set you apart from other aspiring career changers, prove your enthusiasm for the role and help paint a picture of what you can bring to the new position. Doing due diligence upfront will make it easier for potential employers to imagine you in the new role and increase the chances of securing an interview.

8. Conclude on a positive note

When concluding your career change cover letter, it’s essential to end it enthusiastically. For example, name one way you can add value to the company and link it to your overall career vision. 

Finally, thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your excitement about joining the team. Doing so will show you’re committed to the role and motivated to make a success of your career transition.

3. Career change cover letters example

Want to see cover letter examples that nail these key points? Check out these two samples, written specifically for career changers in the tech sector. Best practice for the email subject line? Put the job title from the job ad along with your full name. 

Career change cover letter: Frontend development

4. key takeaways.

Writing a convincing cover letter that highlights your skills for a role you’re hoping to transition into is an essential step in the job application process. 

A thoughtfully crafted career change cover letter can be the reason why employers take a second look at your resume, despite your limited experience in the new field.

In this article, we’ve gone through the basics of what makes a career change cover letter unique and how to write one tailored to your experience and goals. We’ve also looked at practical tips for structuring your letter and provided examples for your inspiration. 

We hope this guide will give you the confidence to write a standout cover letter and put your best foot forward when applying for jobs.

Looking for more tech-specific application support? Check out our practical guide to crafting the best tech resume , complete with valuable tips and real-world examples.

For further education support on your career change journey, try our free tech short courses ,  or speak directly with a program advisor.

With the help of expert instructors, personalized feedback, and a wealth of learning resources, you’ll soon be ready to tackle even the most complex challenges future employers might throw at you. 

Enjoyed this blog post? We think you’ll like these, too:

• How To Successfully Change Careers in 2024: Your Step-by-Step Guide
• The Top 5 Transferable Skills and How They Can Help You
• How to Build a Personal Brand for Your Tech Career

Career Change Cover Letter & Writing Guide

Let’s face it—making a career change can be daunting, to say the least. The good news is, a well-written career change cover letter can maximize your chances of landing your dream job in a new field (not to mention it can save you the trouble of having to explain your motivation for switching jobs or industries during the interview!).

The truth is, most candidates simply repeat the contents of their resume in their cover letter, which gives little to no value to the recruiter. Needless to say, this isn’t the best way to go about this, especially if you’re making a career change and don’t have much relevant work experience. 

So, keep reading this article to learn how to write a compelling career change cover letter that will help you gain a winning edge and show the recruiter that you’re a great fit for the position—even if you’re brand new to the field!

Key Takeaways 

Your career change cover letter should be no longer than 400 words and structured in 3–5 easy-to-read paragraphs.

To leave a lasting impression, make sure to greet the hiring manager by their name and end your cover letter with a call to action .

Focus on your transferable skills and relevant achievements when writing your cover letter to increase your chances of landing an interview.

Ideally, your career change cover letter should explain why you want to work for that company specifically and what led you to make a career change .

The Best Format For Your Career Change Cover Letter

If there’s one thing that can make or break your career change cover letter, it’s the format . 

Formatting your cover letter the right way will help ensure that you include all the necessary information and—no less importantly—structure it neatly. Otherwise, you may end up with a messy and hard-to-read cover letter, which can diminish your chances of landing the job. 

If you have no experience writing a career change cover letter, worry not—there’s a tried-and-tested format you should follow regardless of the field you’re applying to. 

So, before we get into the nitty-gritty of crafting a convincing career change cover letter, here are some general guidelines you should follow to nail its format: 

Cover Letter Formatting Guidelines

List your and the department’s contact details, alongside the date of writing, in the header of your career change cover letter.

Make your cover letter stand out by starting it with a formal salutation that greets the hiring manager directly.

Keep the body of your career change cover letter concise—write 250–400 words and structure them in 3–5 paragraphs to make it easy to read.

Wrap up your cover letter by adding a call to action to the final body paragraph to leave a lasting impression.

Use a formal closing to close your cover letter (should you write a postscript, make sure to do so after the formal closing).

Also, unless asked to do otherwise, always save your career change cover letter as a PDF file . This ensures that your letter can be opened and look as intended on any type of device or OS.

How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter: Complete Guide

Now that you know how to properly format your career change cover letter, let’s go over the step-by-step process of writing it. 

All you need to do is follow the seven simple steps listed below, and you should end up with a cover letter that looks more or less like this:  

#1. List Contact Information in the Header 

Let’s start with the basics—the header of your career change cover letter should include your and the department’s contact information . Between these, you should also mention the date of writing.

There’s no need to overthink this section—simply make sure to list the following information correctly:

Mandatory Details

Your phone number

Your email address

Optionally, you can also include your:

Optional Details

Professional title

Location (city and state/country)

Portfolio, social media handles, etc. (only if they’re relevant to the position you’re applying for)

Once you’re done with your contact information, it’s time to write down the date of writing and move on to the recipient’s contact details . 

Ideally, you want to find out the hiring manager’s name and address the letter to them (hint: you can usually find it on LinkedIn). This way, you can subtly show off your research skills and attention to detail.

Here’s a good example of a cover letter header:

Good Example

Amber Daugherty Project Manager 012-345-6789 [email protected] Branson, MI linkedin.com/in/amberdaugherty

St. Louis, 06/05/2023

Sienna Mills Hiring Manager Company XYZ 4143 Marshall Ave. St. Louis, MI 34786

#2. Greet the Hiring Manager 

With 96% of professionals looking for a new job, it goes without saying that the competition in the job market is tough. Unfortunately, it’s even tougher when you’re making a career change, as you may be going against highly skilled and experienced professionals.

Needless to say, you should take advantage of any opportunity to stand out from your competition, and one of the easiest ways to do it is to greet the hiring manager directly . 

Instead of using clichés like “Dear Sir/Madam” or “ To Whom It May Concern ,” simply write “Dear” followed by the hiring manager’s last name . This shows that you did your research and makes for a smooth transition between the header and the body of your career change cover letter.

#3. Emphasize Relevant Achievements in the Introduction 

Once you’ve drawn the hiring manager’s attention with a personalized greeting, you’re ready to capture it by crafting an effective opening paragraph . 

Since each position receives 118 applications on average , you need to impress the hiring manager right from the start—otherwise, they might toss your application away and move on to other candidates. 

So, rather than simply introducing yourself, state which position you’re applying for and focus on your relevant achievements to show that you’re a great fit for the job. 

Even if you don’t have much or any experience in the field, show what you can bring to the company by highlighting any skills or accomplishments that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Don’t overdo it—emphasizing one or two impactful achievements is enough to ignite the hiring manager’s interest without making you come off as arrogant.

Here’s an example of an introductory paragraph in a career change cover letter for teachers:

As a high school psychology teacher of 7+ years, I am looking to transition into human resources. Having improved classroom attendance by 18%, I am excited to apply for the position of human resources specialist at your company and leverage my organizational and interpersonal skills to help your business achieve its goals.

#4. Highlight Your Transferable Skills 

Whether you’re switching to a new role or a completely new industry, chances are, you have some skills that will translate well into the position you’re applying for. This is exactly what you should be focusing on to write a compelling career change cover letter.

To determine your transferable skills , simply make a list of all soft and hard skills you already possess. Then, take a closer look at the job listing and identify which skills the company is looking for in an ideal candidate.

When discussing your previous roles, experience, and skills, make sure to back up your words with numbers whenever possible. This alone can set you apart from your competition and show the value of your work.

Check out this example of a cover letter for a career change to an administrative assistant that emphasizes transferable skills:

My 3+ years of experience as an event planner have led me to develop strong time management and organizational skills , which allowed me to plan and successfully execute corporate events under tight deadlines. I am confident that this, coupled with my communication and multitasking skills, will help me coordinate business meetings and ensure the smooth operation of the office.

#5. Add a Call to Action 

If you’ve seen some career change cover letter examples, you’ve probably noticed that most of them end with thanking the hiring manager. 

While this is certainly important, you can easily take your cover letter to the next level by including a call to action . Essentially, this should be a brief statement that shows you’re passionate about this job opportunity and invites the hiring manager to reach out to you.

Let’s see an example of a call to action on a cover letter for a career change to information technology :

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my application for this role. I am excited about the possibility of meeting and discussing further how my analytical skills and accounting background could enhance your data analysis team and contribute to Company XYZ’s success. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information.

#6. Formally Close the Cover Letter 

Once you’ve perfected the body of your cover letter, it’s time to close it the right way. While it’s not rocket science, you should always keep it formal.

As a rule of thumb, steer clear of any sign offs that may come off as too casual and thus unprofessional, such as “Cheers” or “Yours truly.” 

To stay on the safe side, you can always opt for a simple “Sincerely,” followed by your full name . Alternatively, you can’t go wrong by closing your career change cover letter with:

Best regards,

Kind regards,

Here’s an example:

Edward Warren

#7. Proofread the Cover Letter 

After putting hours into perfecting your cover letter, the last thing you want is for the hiring manager to think that you lack attention to detail just because you’ve accidentally left a couple of grammar errors in it. 

So, you’ve guessed it—the final step of writing an impressive career change cover letter is proofreading it.

Make sure to re-read your cover letter and check if it includes all the necessary details , from your contact information to a formal sign-off. To ensure your cover letter is pitch-perfect, consider using a typing assistant tool that can fix grammar and style issues (e.g., Quillbot ).

Career Change Cover Letter Example 

There’s no doubt that examining free career change cover letter samples can steer you in the right direction when writing your own letter. 

So, here’s an example of a cover letter for a career change to human resources that follows every step we covered above.

4 Career Change Cover Letter Writing Tips

Now that we’ve discussed all the ins and outs of writing a job-winning career change cover letter, here are some useful tips that can help you bring it to perfection:

Focus on the positive. Even if you’re writing a career change cover letter with no experience , try to emphasize why you think you’re a great match for the job. Instead of dwelling on the requirements you don’t meet yet, consider expressing your interest in learning more and developing your skill set.

Tailor your cover letter to the company. Today, most companies are looking for candidates who, in addition to performing their job well, will fit in seamlessly into the company culture. So, make sure to explain why you’re interested in working for this particular company (e.g., highlight your mutual values or why you like their product).

Briefly discuss why you want to change careers. Your career change cover letter should tactfully explain why you’re interested in switching careers. If something negative caused you to make this decision, keep things positive and don’t go into too much detail.

Match your cover letter to your resume. To make a great first impression and show that you have an eye for detail, use matching templates for your career change resume and cover letter.

Closing Thoughts 

Congratulations—if you’ve read this far, you’re certainly ready to get down to business and write an outstanding career change cover letter!

If there’s one thing you should keep in mind when writing it, it’s that this is your opportunity to show the hiring manager what you can bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to show your unique experience and personality—but remember to keep it positive and professional. Good luck!

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How to Write an Effective Career Change Cover Letter and Resume

Getting a new job, especially when you just went through a tech career change , is challenging. Since you are new in the industry, you need more than your current experience to secure a job for yourself. To be successful during the job search, you have to craft a compelling career change cover letter and a career change resume.

With little or no experience in the new field, you are already disadvantaged. Employers typically consider professionals who have been working in the field before they examine career changers like yourself. 

Find your bootcamp match

To increase your chances of being hired, we have prepared this guide to take you through the entire process of writing an effective career change letter and resume. By applying the principles in this article, you too can become the ideal candidate and kickstart a successful career at 45 in this new industry.

Career Change Cover Letter Guide

The cover letter is your avenue to express the value you will bring to an organization regardless of the absence of relevant experience. Your potential employer will notice that you lack direct experience in the industry. Still, you must demonstrate that you can perform excellently through a career change cover letter.

Changing careers can be a liberating experience—you’ll be able to take on a new set of challenges, and spend your time exploring a new field. You might even be able to land a high-paying job for people over 50 . If you are passionate about changing to a different career, you may be wondering “how can I effectively communicate my value to an employer, even if I am not directly qualified for a job?”

That’s where the cover letter comes in. Cover letters are an opportunity for you to craft a narrative about your past experience and why you, specifically, are the right fit for a job. Whereas resumes are a list of your past experiences and skills, cover letters can be used to explain how certain experiences have prepared you for the role for which you are applying.

In this guide, we’re going to discuss how you can write a career change cover letter that will clearly showcase your value to an employer. We’ll also walk through an example career change cover letter you can use as inspiration for your letter.

Why Does Your Career Change Cover Letter Matter? 

Your career change cover letter matters because it will show why you are perfect for the job opportunity, despite not having direct experience. When employers review applications, they look to see if candidates have the necessary qualifications. 

Upon screening your resume, it will become clear that you don’t have experience for the job. This is where you need a cover letter to help the employer understand why you are changing careers.

While the reasons for a career transition can include many things, your letter helps express your passion for the job and draws a connection between your previous positions and your new field of interest. It can be a difficult feat to achieve, but your aim should be to draw your prospective employers’ attention to your transferable skills.

Your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to expatiate your proficiency in any soft skills or technical skills. Without knowing how to write a well-crafted career change cover letter , you likely won’t make it very far in the job application process.

Essential Components of Your Career Change Cover Letter

As a career changer at 35 , your letter has to be exceptional to make a difference. It should have a good structure and include the following components. They are essential to developing your letter and determining the flow of its content.

• Header. In this section, you will provide personal information like your phone number and email address in case the employer needs to contact you. Aside from your contact details, you should also include the date.
• Opening salutation. By addressing the letter directly to the recruiter, you are showing intentionality and effort. The safest option is to use the salutation “Dear” followed by the person’s last name with title. If you can’t find the recruiter’s name, address your cover letter to the head of the department that you are applying to. 
• Opening paragraph. This is the introduction to your letter. In one paragraph, you should express your enthusiasm and excitement for the job, mention any important referrals, and briefly address why you are a strong candidate. Your introduction should be strong enough to compel the recruiter to read on. 
• Body. This section requires great care and attention as it is the heart of your letter. In two or three paragraphs, give the reader an insight into your work history, linking your previous experience with the position you are applying for. Make sure to discuss any interpersonal skills that are relevant such as being a team player. 
• Closing paragraph. Take a moment to restate your interest and show appreciation to the recruiter for considering your letter. Include a call to action and mention the best way of contacting you. 
• Closing salutation. The way you close your career transition cover letter also matters. A formal salutation like “Kind regards” or “Respectfully” would be perfect to close your letter. End with your name and include your signature if you are submitting a hard copy.

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Career Change Cover Letter

When writing a cover letter, there are a few best practices that you can’t ignore, including staying within one page, using a professional font, and proofreading the copy before submitting the document. However, because this is a career change cover letter, there are a few more steps we recommend. Use these cover letter writing tips to bolster your candidacy.

• Conduct in-depth research . Before you begin your application, you should research the company, its values, business model, and operations. This will help you tailor your letter to the company’s needs. In addition, you will find out if your values align with those of the company.
• Use the right keywords . If you want your letter to resonate with the recruiter, write it with keywords from the job description in mind. If the company is looking for an individual with “organizational skills” and “experience in sales,” include these exact terms in your letter. 
• Describe why you decided to change careers . Explain to your prospective employer the reasons for your career switch, describing your passion for the new career path and your enthusiasm to embark on this new journey. Discuss your eagerness to learn and take on challenges.
• Highlight your transferable skills . Be clear about your key skills and connect your main competencies to this specific job. If you are a technical writer switching to data analysis , highlight how your communication skills and research abilities can aid you in the process of extracting and analyzing data as well as conveying your findings in simple language. Your core strengths are still relevant even if they are not directly related to the new job.
• Quantify your accomplishments . In the main body of your letter, you should mention a few of your most notable accomplishments in previous roles. Providing concrete figures to measure these achievements will lend more credibility to your candidacy.

Career Change Cover Letter Example

The following sample cover letter illustrates some of the main points we have addressed so far in this article. If you use this letter as a guide, developing your career transition cover letter will be a walk in the park. 

Career Change Cover Letter Sample

Marc Grey 

San Francisco, CA 75550

(+1) 324-7293

[email protected]

December 21, 2021

John Tarantino 

Hiring Manager

ABC Company

16 Milky Way New York City, NY 

Dear Mr Tarantino, 

I am excited to be applying for the data analyst position at ABC Company. With my five years of experience in research and technical writing, I believe I have what it takes to pursue a new career analyzing and communicating findings from financial audits as a data analyst in your company.

"Career Karma entered my life when I needed it most and quickly helped me match with a bootcamp. Two months after graduating, I found my dream job that aligned with my values and goals in life!"

Venus, Software Engineer at Rockbot

In my previous position, I was responsible for reporting annual profit margins and employee turnover rates. This position exposed me to the techniques involved in data extraction, analysis, and reporting. With the implementation of various strategies to analyze findings, I gained the invaluable skill of providing intangible, actionable insights for business operations.

Maintaining an impeccable track record, I gained recognition from senior managers and received numerous Employee of the Month awards. My achievements came from my dedication to providing authentic and reliable reports to enhance business decisions.

I believe I would be a perfect addition to your data analytics team as I can employ my skillset and knowledge from my background to achieve company objectives. I am an enthusiastic learner that appreciates teamwork and performs optimally in a positive working environment.

I hope my skills and expertise are sufficient for you to consider me as a candidate for the data analyst position at ABC Company. I appreciate your consideration, and I hope to meet with you soon. You can contact me by phone or email. 

Sincerely, 

How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

The goal of writing any cover letter is to explain why you’re qualified for a particular job. However, when you’re writing a career change cover letter, you’ll need to go further. You’ll need to make sure that you draw clear links between your past experience and how that has prepared you for the new career you want to enter.

To help you write a career change cover letter, we’ve compiled a list of top tips that will help you communicate your value to an employer.

#1: Talk about why you are changing careers

If an employer is reading a cover letter from someone who is changing careers, they will likely be asking themselves: why is this person changing careers? Understanding why you are changing careers will help an employer better evaluate your motivation, and whether or not you are a good fit for the job.

Are you changing careers because you want a new challenge? Has a specific career always been interesting to you? Did you discover that you love practicing a certain skill after working on a side project? Whatever the reason, make it clear why you are changing careers in your cover letter.

#2: Talk about your good performance in other jobs

The goal of a cover letter is to communicate your value to a business, and there is no better way to accomplish this goal than by talking about your past successes.

In your career change cover letter, you should spend time talking about how you have succeeded in jobs you’ve held in the past. For instance, if you’ve won an employee of the month award, or exceeded sales targets, or managed other employees, these are all things you can mention in your cover letter.

While your prior experience may not be directly related to the position for which you are applying, it will help an employer get to know you better. In addition, the information you share about your past accomplishments will illustrate your work ethic to an employer, which is a soft skill you’ll need to successfully transition to a new job.

#3: Explain your transferable skills

Transferable skills, also known as “soft skills,” are the skills that can be applied to any job, no matter what your title is or what industry you work in.

Throughout your professional career, you will have accrued transferable skills. For instance, if you managed employees in your last job, you will have built up management experience. If you coordinated the schedule of your boss in your last job, you will have had to utilize your organizational skills.

In your cover letter, you should mention a few of the transferable skills you have that you think will relate to the position for which you are applying. Are you applying for a job where time management skills will be crucial? You may want to mention a time when you used your time management skills at your last job.

#4: Discuss why you are passionate about a company

When an employer is reading your cover letter, they should feel that you are excited about the opportunity. Employers want to hire people who are motivated to do a good job, even if it means working in a position that may not have as many responsibilities as they are used to.

In your cover letter, be sure to mention why you are applying for a job with the company. Do you think their vision is particularly interesting? Do they sell a product that you use and love? 

Writing a career change cover letter can feel intimidating, especially if the career path you want to follow is significantly different from the one you have been following in the past.

In your cover letter, you should focus on discussing your unique talents and how your past experiences have prepared you for a role in your new career. When you can, make links between the skills that you learned in your old career, and how you think those skills could be applied in the context of your new career.

By following the tips we covered in this article, you’ll be on your way to writing an effective career change cover letter that conveys your value to an employer, even if you don’t have all of the qualifications necessary for a position. A strong cover letter may be what encourages an employer to reach out to schedule an interview, so make it count.

Career Change Resume Guide

While the cover letter provides relevant details about your skills and how they apply to your current industry, your career change resume summarizes your work and education history. It gives the employer an overview of your career progression and the relevant skills you have picked up along the way. Your resume also showcases your main competencies by detailing your previous roles.  

Why Does Your Career Change Resume Matter?

Because you are switching careers, your previous resume is no longer valid. You need to focus on creating a brand new resume that targets the position you are applying for and that follows the structure and tips we highlight below.

Because you have minimal or no experience in the new field, you must put together a strong resume that showcases your transferable skills and your relevant education and work experience. This is the perfect opportunity to highlight specific duties and responsibilities that you have carried out in the past and that are relevant to this position. You should also include your most notable achievements in previous jobs.

Essential Components of Your Career Change Resume

There are essential components that serve as the building blocks of a solid resume. We take a look at the main sections that every resume should include.

• Header. Much like your cover letter, your resume also has a header with your contact information. In addition to your name, address, phone number, and email, you should also add a link to your LinkedIn profile. 
• Professional summary. This section comes after the header. It is a short description of your personal profile. To write a strong professional summary , make sure that is tailored to the position you are applying for and that it is only a few lines in length.
• Skills. As a career changer, you lack industry experience, so this section should be the main focus of your resume. List abilities that transfer well to the job at hand. You can never go wrong with customer service, marketing, and leadership skills.
• Experience. You probably don’t have much work experience in the industry, so use this section to highlight any responsibilities you have undertaken in the past that could apply to this job. Likewise, list your most important achievements for every role using concrete figures whenever possible.
• Certifications. Add any certificates, certifications, or diplomas that you believe add weight to your candidacy, even if they are not directly related to the advertised position. Adding a certification, even if it is not completely relevant, shows the employer that you are committed to professional development.
• Education. Use this section to list academic degrees and training programs. If you are applying for a tech role, make sure to include any coding bootcamp you have attended.
• References . Add at least a couple of referees that can vouch for you as a professional. These can be previous employers, colleagues, or even college professors.

5 Tips for Writing a Strong Career Change Resume

Employers need to see that you are a qualified candidate, and it is your responsibility to ensure that your resume is up to the task. Here we give you the top tips to create a winning career change resume.

• Choose a functional format . There are three main types of resume formats: functional, reverse-chronological, and combination. For a career changer, a functional resume is the clear best option as it puts the emphasis on your skills as opposed to your experience. To create a winning functional resume , use the template we have provided below.
• Include keywords . Before your resume ever gets to the hands of the recruiter, it will likely go through an applicant tracking system (ATS). If your document contains the right keywords, which you can find in the job posting, it stands a much greater chance of making it to the recruiter.
• Highlight transferable skills . Your resume, much like the cover letter, should emphasize your transferable skills. Choose the most relevant hard and soft skills you bring to the table and mention them in both the professional summary and skills section. 
• Gather strong references . Your referees lend credibility to you as a professional. You want to choose people that you have worked with in the past and that can attest to your professionalism and hard work. Supervisors, colleagues, mentors, and professors are all good options but make sure you notify them so that they are ready in case the company calls them. 
• Proofread your resume . Carefully check for grammatical errors before submitting your resume. A small mistake can be enough for a potential employer to disqualify you, so edit and proofread your resume several times before sending it.

Career Change Resume Examples

Hopefully, the tips above will help you create a strong resume that you can use to change industries. To show you exactly how to implement these tips, we have included some samples below. First, you’ll find an example of a professional summary for a career change resume. Below that, there is a career change template in which you can plug in your own information.

Career Change Resume Sample: The Professional Summary Section

Systematic and seasoned researcher proficient in data extraction, analysis, and technical writing. Seeks to utilize five years of experience and technical skills in a data analyst position to provide actionable insights for business operations in a target-driven financial institution.

Sample Career Change Resume Template

[ Your Name ]

[Email, phone number]

[LinkedIn link]

[Professional summary]

Work Experience

[ Position title ], [Employment dates]

[Company], [Location]

• [Accomplishment]
• [Certification], [Provider]

[ Degree or training program ], [Dates of attendance]

[Institution]

• [Distinction]

[Title], [Company]

[Phone number]

Career Change Resume Template Resources

SampleTemplates : This site contains a wide array of resumes that you can customize. With many options available, you can create a career transition resume for your target industry or field. 

Novoresume : Here, you will find templates for each type of resume format. They are easy to customize and you can easily add your own personal touch.

ResumeGenius: Using this powerful resume builder powered by artificial intelligence, it is easy to create a functional resume that meets the needs of a career changer.

Importance of a Career Change Cover Letter and Resume 

If your goal is to successfully enter a new field, crafting your application documents with care and attention is of utmost importance. Even if you lack extensive experience in this new industry, a well-written career change cover letter and resume will give you a good shot at the position, even if this is a highly competitive opening.

Career Change Cover Letter and Resume FAQ 

Both documents should contain similar information. The main difference is that in your cover letter you can go into more detail about your key competencies. Never use the same exact wording in both documents as this will come off as lazy. Both documents should be consistent in terms of style and font.

No, it is best to use your resume to prepare a standard cover letter. Take inspiration from the content of your resume to craft your letter. Essentially, your letter is the last document you should work on during the application process.

Going with a functional resume is safe because it helps to draw attention to your skills and abilities rather than relevant work experience. As a job seeker who is switching industries, you can’t go wrong with a functional resume.

Since you are applying for a job, be professional when writing your cover letter. Avoid personal details that are irrelevant to the position such as your spouse, age, or religion. Instead, focus on relevant details about your qualifications for the position.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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How to Write a Cover Letter When Changing Careers (With Examples)

3 key takeaways

• How to write a cover letter when making a career change
• What sections and format to use when creating a career change cover letter
• 3 career change sample cover letter examples

Making a career change is an exciting decision. And whether you're looking for a fresh start or pursuing your passions, writing a career change cover letter to complement your resume is your chance to make a powerful impression.

A well-crafted cover letter is essential to showcase your relevant skills and experience. It should show potential employers that you'll excel in a new industry. And by tailoring your letter to the job description and presenting your transferable skills, you can position yourself as a top candidate and increase your chances of landing that dream job. 

So, if you're ready to take the leap and switch careers, let's explore how to write a cover letter to help you make a successful and confident career transition.

What is a cover letter?

When it comes to job applications, a well-written cover letter can make all the difference. So let's start with the basics. 

A cover letter is a document that accompanies a job application and your resume. It's a one-page letter introducing yourself. And it also emphasizes your qualifications and interest in the job to the potential employer. 

A cover letter should accomplish two objectives. 

The first is to provide additional information about yourself that isn't in your resume. A resume offers a comprehensive overview of your work history and accomplishments. At the same time, a cover letter allows you to add context. 

The second objective of a cover letter is to highlight why you're the right person for the job while showcasing your personality. Your cover letter should do this in a way that demonstrates you understand the company's needs and how you can contribute to its success.

Are cover letters important?

Yes! Cover letters are an essential part of a successful job application. In fact, 49% of hiring managers believe attaching a cover letter to your resume improves your chances of landing a job. 

Your cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and demonstrate your knowledge, many skills, and passion for the position you're applying for. It's also your chance to shine and set yourself apart. 

In addition to providing information not included your resume, a cover letter also allows you to address any gaps in your work history, elaborate on your qualifications, and highlight your achievements. 

All of that said, your cover letter is a chance to tell your unique story.

How should I approach my cover letter if I’m changing careers?

If you’re planning a career pivot , it's best to approach your cover letter as a platform explaining why you're making a shift. It’s also the perfect place to discuss how your previous job experience and past roles will benefit your new role.

As a career changer, you may not have some relevant hard skills (and that’s okay!). Use your cover letter to explain why you are the best fit for the job and how your transferable skills make you a valuable candidate.

How to prepare to write a career change cover letter  

Before you begin writing a career change cover letter, it’s important to research your new industry and the roles you’ll be applying for. So, let’s explore a few best practices to implement before you start writing your letter. 

Research your new career

Starting a new career might seem daunting, but one of the best ways to mitigate any feelings of overwhelm is to make sure it aligns with your goals—career and personal. 

Research your industry and role using the questions below to determine if it fits you. 

• What are my long-term career goals? (For example, do you want to do meaningful work, work for a prestigious company, or increase your income?) 
• Will this new position help me to achieve those goals?
• What hard skills (specialized expertise like Marketo and Ahrefs) and soft skills (practical abilities like agility and communication) are talked about often? 
• What are some of the current market trends and opportunities in this industry? (For example, has there been an increase in hiring over the past six months?) 
• What is the salary range? Does it meet my needs?
• What kind of work-life balance can I expect?
• Are there opportunities for growth and advancement?
• What additional education or training might be required? 

You can keep track of the research you conduct in Teal’s Job Tracker . Tips and guidance are offered of where and how to conduct research. You can also log the research completed on the company.

Read relevant job descriptions

After you’ve decided this career is right for you, it's time to do a deep dive into some job descriptions. Remember, you want your career change cover letter to demonstrate you fully understand the role you're applying for. 

By analyzing a job posting or job description, you'll see a pattern in the key skills, direct experience, and qualifications that hiring managers want. And these details will help you create a keyword-rich, personalized cover letter.

Additionally, researching the job descriptions will help you understand companies and their core values. Your analysis gives you an idea of which organizations align with what you want. You'll also gain further insight into the best ways to position yourself as a strong culture add.

Find relevant resume and cover letter examples

Before starting your cover letter, the last step in your research is to find and read relevant resume and cover letter examples. Getting familiar with how to structure your resume as a career changer will help you narrow down vital elements you should focus on, like industry-specific language and the the best resume format to use.

If you don’t know where to begin, Teal has a free resource hub of 1,200+ resume examples and cover letter templates to make this process a breeze!

How to write a cover letter for career changes  

Now that you understand the importance of a concise cover letter and the research you should do before getting started, it’s time to dig into your cover letter format and the fundamentals of crafting a cover letter for changing careers in the step-by-step guide below.

Write an introduction 

The introduction of your career change cover letter should pack a punch and grab the reader’s attention.

Start by addressing the hiring manager by name. Do your best to find this information in the job ad, LinkedIn, or company website. If you’re unsure of the hiring manager’s name, try something like “Dear Hiring Manager,” but avoid overly generalized statements like “To Whom It May Concern.”  

Then, start your opening paragraph by introducing yourself. You should include the following:

• Your current job title
• Position you're applying for 
• Company you’re applying to
• A sentence or two addressing your unconventional background 

Express reasoning 

After introducing yourself, it's time to touch on why you're changing careers. 

While discussing what you didn't like about your previous role might seem honest, your cover letter isn't the place to focus on any negative reasons.

Are you looking for new challenges? Seeking a better work-life balance? Have you become passionate about a different industry? When talking about why you want to change careers, these are the positive elements you should highlight.

Show personality 

One of the most important elements of your career change cover letter (or any cover letter) is showcasing your incredible personality. You can do this by:

• Demonstrating enthusiasm with a positive tone (e.g., “thrilled,” “excited,” or “passionate”)
• Using professional but conversational language
• Talking about your goals
• Tying in your values and motivation with those of the company
• Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to apply and for your perspective employer’s time and attention

Pro tip: Save time writing a cover letter from scratch, and try one of Teal's traditional cover letter templates to help you get started!

Customize it to the job description

Much like you should tailor your resume to a job , you should personalize your cover letter, too. Customizing your cover letter to the job description you're applying to demonstrates you thoroughly understand the specifics of the role.

What's the best way to do this? Well, you can use AI tools like ChatGPT for job applications for repetitive tasks like pulling keywords and language from the job description. Then, include that content in the body of your letter.

If you want to skip multiple steps and make customizing your cover letter (and resume) to a particular job easy, use Teal. ( Sign up for free today !) 

Teal has a free Job Tracker that pulls relevant keywords for resume from your saved jobs. It also keeps notes for each job, helping you stay organized and track important information about each position. Just follow the steps below.

• Log in to your Teal account and navigate to the Job Tracker. 
• Click on one of the jobs you have saved, or click "Add a New Job." 
• Teal will automatically pull the hard skills, soft skills, emphasis words, and other key language from the job description.

      4. Click the "Notes" icon in the top right corner to jot down any important details you want to remember to include in your cover letter. You can also include notes about the company to reference as you move into the interview stages.

Highlight transferable skills

Your transferable skills are those soft skills, or interpersonal skills , from previous experiences like employment, education, unique hobbies, or personal interests . According to McKinsey & Company , the need for transferable skills —especially social and emotional—will continue to accelerate rapidly through at least 2030. 

So what transferable skills example might you want to incorporate into your cover letter?

• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Dependability
• Emotional intelligence
• Growth mindset
• Organization
• Relationality 

Also, honesty is critical when creating your cover letter and writing winning resumes. No matter what the job description lists, only highlight the skills you actually have experience with. 

Pro Tip: If you need some guidance in this area, check out the class “Identify My Skills” to brush up on the skills you’ve gained over time!

Showcase results 

Hiring managers need a glimpse into who you are, your reason for wanting to change careers, and your soft skills. But it's also valuable for them to see any results that might be considered pertinent to the role you're seeking. 

When crafting your career change cover letter, consider highlighting accomplishments examples like a specific project, awards, or metrics that showcase your skills. These results demonstrate your performance and potential to deliver value in a new field. 

Close with a strong call to action

A call to action tells your reader what you want them to do next. And because you likely want to meet with a company to discuss the opportunity and your qualifications further, let the hiring manager know in the final lines of your letter! 

So what should your call to action include?

• Enthusiasm 
• A request to meet or interview

3 Career change cover letter examples 

Now that you understand the fundamentals of a career change cover letter, let's go over some examples that show how to tailor your career transition cover letter to a new industry, highlight transferable skills, and express your motivation and excitement for a new career path!

Dear Hiring Manager,  As a dedicated and passionate teacher for the past eight years, I'm thrilled to apply for the project manager role at Vaniam Group. My unique background and experience as an educator have provided me with a skill set I believe will significantly impact project management. While I've found teaching to be a fulfilling and rewarding career, I'm excited to pursue a new challenge in project management. In my current position, I consistently receive excellent feedback for my ability to communicate effectively with my students, parents, and colleagues. I'm also drawn to this role because I'm passionate about working collaboratively with teams to drive successful outcomes. I believe these skills will translate well into project management, where clear communication and collaboration are essential for success. Throughout my teaching career, I've honed my ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines while keeping my students engaged and motivated. I've also become proficient in using project management software to organize my lesson plans and classroom activities. I'm confident that these skills, along with my attention to detail and ability to adapt to changing circumstances, will serve me well in the project management space. I'm very enthusiastic about bringing my talents and experience to Vaniam Group and contributing to its continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I'd love to demonstrate my skills and passion for this role through an interview with your team.  Sincerely, Cormac Doyle

Career pivot cover letter example

Dear Hiring Manager, I'm excited to apply for the business development representative role at EveryDose. As a seasoned retail professional with a passion for driving sales and building customer relationships, I believe my unique background will enable me to make a significant impact in this role. I'm drawn to this role because I am passionate about leveraging my skills to drive success for a rapidly growing organization. As a retail professional, I’ve successfully managed a high volume of sales and customer service interactions, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business. I am confident I can bring this same success to the healthcare technology industry. Throughout my 10-year career in retail, I've sharpened my skills in sales, customer service, and relationship-building. I've consistently exceeded sales targets by more than 20%—leveraging my ability to identify customer needs and provide tailored solutions. In addition to my sales and customer service skills, I also have experience with data analysis and reporting. As a retail manager, I regularly review and analyze sales data to identify trends and opportunities for growth.  Thank you for considering my application. I'm so excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to EveryDose and contribute to its continued success.  I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss how my unique background and experience can help me excel as a business development representative. Sincerely, Alicia Orgera

Career change cover letter example

Dear Ms. Patel, I'm excited to submit my application for the jr. marketing associate position at Ibotta. As a restaurant industry professional with 15 years of experience in customer service and operations, I've developed a diverse skill set that would translate well to the marketing field. While I've enjoyed my time in the restaurant industry and the valuable skills I've acquired, I’m seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth. I'm particularly drawn to marketing because of its dynamic and ever-changing nature—where creativity and innovation are highly valued. As a restaurant manager, I spearheaded a social media campaign that resulted in a 25% increase in online engagement and a 15% increase in customer foot traffic. I utilized my skills in communication, creativity, and strategic planning to create engaging content that resonated with our target audience and drove increased customer interest in our brand.  I'm confident that my experience in the restaurant industry and my passion for marketing make me a strong candidate for this position.  Can you let me know your availability to discuss my qualifications further? Thank you so much for your consideration. Sincerely, Stella Pertaker

Pro tip: Try one of Teal's modern cover letter templates to help you get started!

How to quickly write a customized cover letter 

Making a career switch is an exciting step in your professional growth. Congratulations on taking the leap!

If you're looking to write a career change cover letter in even less time, Teal's AI functionality generates custom cover letters with the click of a button. 

All you need to do is navigate to Teal's Resume Builder , click on the cover letter icon at the top of your screen, select a saved job from the drop-down menu, and click the "Generate with AI" button—that's it! 

Still not using Teal? Sign up for free to create custom cover letters, tailored resumes, organize your job search, and so much more today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i highlight my transferable skills in a career change cover letter, what is the best way to address a career change in a cover letter without seeming indecisive, should i mention my lack of industry-specific experience in my career change cover letter.

Kayte Grady

Related articles.

15 Short Cover Letter Samples [Examples + Templates]

How to Write a Google Gemini Cover Letter (With AI Prompts!) 

How to Write a Cover Letter With No Experience (With Examples)

How to Use ChatGPT to Write Your Cover Letter

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How To Write A Career Change Cover Letter (With Examples)

• Cover Letter Examples
• Best Cover Letters
• Cover Letter For Internship
• General Cover Letter Templates
• Career Change Cover Letter
• Promotion Cover Letter
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Summary. To write a career change cover letter you should first start with a professional header with your information as well as the hiring managers information. Be sure to find the hiring managers name to address the letter but if you are unable to, use their position title. Your opening line should be captivating and catch the readers attention. Even though changing your career may feel dramatic or drastic, the reality is that it isn’t an unusual step to take. The key, however, is to explain your reasons for the change to the hiring managers in your industry of choice, and your cover letter is one of the best places to do this. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a cover letter for this situation and show you some examples you can use as a reference. Key Takeaways Your cover letter should be concise (200-400 words), so you’ll need to grab the reader’s attention and get to the point quickly. Explain both why you decided to leave your old career and why you chose this particular new one in your cover letter. Show that you understand the position and company you’re applying to and explain why you’d be a good fit in your cover letter. In This Article    Skip to section How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter Career Change Cover Letter Example Email Cover Letter Example Tips for Writing a Career Change Cover Letter Career Change Cover Letter FAQ Ask the Experts References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

Chances are you have researched several different cover letter examples and are still trying to settle on the perfect one. The good news is that all great cover letter templates will have a relatively similar structure. It should formatted in the normal business letter layout .

Remember that cover letters should be short; about half a page long, with 200-400 words (shorter is usually better), and 3-4 paragraphs.

Include the following sections in your cover letter:

Header (only for physical copies of your cover letter)

Opening paragraph

Body paragraph(s)

Closing lines

Sign-off and signature

You should think of a cover letter as a way to sell yourself to potential employers. That means expressing your qualifications, showing that you’ve been researching the company , and detailing why you would be perfect for the new job.

You never want to have just another generic cover letter, so here’s more on the specifics to craft your perfect cover letter :

Cover Letter Header

If you’re sending a physical copy of your cover letter, you should start with a professional header. Include the following information, formatted in the same way:

[Your name] [Your address] [Phone number] [Email] [Current date] [Hiring Manager name] [Title] [Company address]

Tom Timmins 34 Apple St., New York, NY (555)-555-5555 [email protected] 4/28/2021 Sara Bilson Director of Sales New Company 55 New Road, New York, NY

Cover Letter Greeting

Always do your best to find the name of the hiring manager . Check the job posting, the company’s website, and their LinkedIn page. If you strike out online, try calling the company and ask who the cover letter for your desired position should be sent to.

If you’re unable to find the hiring manager’s name, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or one of its better alternatives .

Dear Ms. Tanner, Dear Alix Sims, Dear Software Engineer Hiring Team,

Cover Letter Opening Lines

When writing a stellar cover letter, one of the “don’ts” is to open with a mundane sentence. Simply stating “I am reaching out to apply for [role] at [Company name]” will not set you apart from other job applicants or make a memorable first impression.

You want the opening line to be captivating while also remaining relevant to the position. Easy ways to do this are by sharing an experience that relates to the new job or expressing genuine enthusiasm for the role right away and why.

Remember, as a career changer, you want to highlight transferable skills and experiences. So, let’s say you’re trying to move from customer service to sales. A cover letter opening might look something like this:

Helping customers have positive experiences is a passion I’ve developed in over 4 years of customer service. With a proven track record of high customer engagement and retention, I’m ready to take my career to the next level by generating leads and sharing exciting opportunities with new and existing clients as a Sales Representative for XYZ Corp.

Cover Letter Body Paragraph(s)

In your cover letter’s body paragraph(s), you want to show recruiters that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to your skills.

There are your easily measurable hard skills , such as certifications, computer programs that you are proficient in, etc.

Then come your soft skills , which are character-based traits such as being detail-oriented, having superior time management skills, or being able to work in high-pressure environments. Speak to these soft skills that may not be as apparent within your resume and emphasize how they would be valuable in the new position.

A pro tip for choosing which transferable skills to focus on within your cover letter is to take a look at the job description. There you will find certain keywords that should definitely be featured within your letter.

ABC Inc. needs a Sales Representative who understands clients’ needs and can demonstrate unique value propositions to build trust and credibility. In my time as Customer Service Representative with XYZ Corp., I provided a high level of client service that earned me 99.7% positive customer reviews. I also worked closely with a team, mentoring and training new members to help achieve corporate goals and quotas. XYZ Corp. recognized my contributions by naming me “Customer Success Employee of the Month” in June 2020. I achieved this by maintaining spotless organizational skills to schedule calls, meetings, and client appointments most efficiently. When raised to a supervisory position, I quickly adapted to the demands of the new role by meeting with management to make sure our goals were aligned. This ensured that my team stayed on high-priority tasks, leading to a 17% reduction in customer wait time.

Notice how the candidate outlines her performance in previous jobs while focusing on transferable skills and experiences. Candidates that are already within the industry that you are applying for will likely have concrete examples of how they previously excelled in a similar role.

Even though you are just entering into this new career pathway , you still want to tell recruiters about your previous accomplishments.

If you increased sales, secured client acquisitions, received certain awards for reaching benchmarks, these are all concrete performance indicators. Being able to show how you excelled in other roles can translate to potential successes you may have within the new company. The job title might be different, but a win is a win.

Cover Letter Closing Lines

Your closing statement is as important as your opening lines, since it’s what the reader will walk away remembering most clearly.

A good way to end your cover letter is with a positive statement expressing your enthusiasm for the job and thanking the hiring manager for their time. A brief overview of your work background and a call to action are also appropriate to include.

Here’s an example of what this could look like:

I believe I’d be a great fit for this role and that my background in customer service would serve me well as a Sales Representative. I’d love to further discuss this opportunity with you and share how my experience could serve ABC Inc. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Cover Letter Sign-off and Signature

After you wrap up your letter, close with a professional “Sincerely,” followed by your signature. Here’s what this would look like for a hard copy letter:

Sincerely, [Your handwritten signature] [Your typed name]

And for an email or digital copy:

Sincerely, [Your typed name] [Your address] [Your phone number] [Your email address]

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Now that you have all the basics of writing cover letters, it is time to craft your own. Take a look at the professional cover letter examples below, but keep in mind that they should be altered to your liking. Every cover letter should be tailored to the actual position, so also make sure to change the template as needed for each and every potential employer.

[Your name] [Your address] [Phone number] [Email] [Current date] [Hiring Manager name] [Title] [Company address] Dear Mr. Smith, Over the course of the last few months, I have had the wonderful opportunity to begin organizing events within my community for those experiencing financial hardship during COVID. Being able to assist those in need has awakened a passion within me for being able to empower communities, which is why I found City of Lake County’s job requisition for Community Engagement Specialist very exciting. Although my previous experience is primarily within the sales industry, I believe that my professional experience still translates well into this new industry. While at Telco Sales Corp, I was able to achieve the following: Acquired 50 new partnerships in Q1 2020 Increased sales overall by 102% year-over-year Maintained a 98% customer retention rate As a Community Engagement Specialist, the goal is to cultivate relationships and secure funding for community programs. My sales background has proven that I am able to build and maintain relationships while driving revenue. I also won several awards during my tenure, including back-to-back Employee of the Year acknowledgment and Lead Customer Care Advocate. I am ready to make this career transition as I have found my calling when it comes to bettering my community. The analytical and customer service skills from my previous industry paired with my planning and management capabilities would make me the ideal Community Engagement Specialist with Lake County. I appreciate you taking the time to learn more about my qualifications and experiences, and I look forward to learning more about the opportunity. Sincerely, (Signature for hard copy letter) [Your name]

Email Cover Letter Example

Email cover letters will be exactly the same as a standard career change cover letter. However, there are additional considerations to be made with the actual execution.

You will want to include your full name and the role you are applying for within the subject line. Some job postings will specifically state whether the cover letter should be sent as an email attachment or within the body of the email, so pay close attention to requisition details.

If there is no specification, you can simply put the salutation (skip the preceding contact information that is in a standard cover letter ) and paste your letter into the email. Here is a simple, email career change cover letter sample:

Subject line: Sports Content Writer — [Your name]

Dear [Hiring manager name], Nothing is better than being able to create content that readers love to consume. Last year, I launched my sports blog and quickly realized that what started out as a hobby was my true passion. That is why though I have been working as a Regulatory Specialist the last five years, the Sports Content Writer role at Sports Co. would offer the perfect career transition. With my website, I was able to average over 7,000 unique visitors a month without any paid search campaigns. I also launched a community of over 10,000 sports fans on Facebook where readers are able to engage and ask questions related to the industry. My YouTube channel also currently has over 2,000 subscribers and counting, with new videos produced on a weekly cadence. As a Regulatory Specialist, I had to review a large volume of applications on a daily basis and ensure accuracy. I also had to update applications and send out correspondence for any missing information. This has helped me become a skilled proofreader , meaning that my content is publication-ready and requires little time to edit. Additional achievements while in this role have included: Maintaining an 100% accuracy rate on approved applications Receiving multiple Processor of the Month awards for completing the most applications over a 30-day period Being named Quality Assurance Lead for consistently proofing and sending over 100+ pieces of correspondence within a 7-day period Sports Co. is a company built on providing fun and engaging sports information to fans. Being that your site averages 100,000 views per day and is considered an authority in the sports industry, I feel like my skill set would only help add to the overall readership. Unlike other companies, Sports Co. also caters to less popular sports such as darts and pool. I have experience writing about these sports and numerous others on my own blog, with a knowledge of just about every sport imaginable. I believe that being able to work in a fast-paced environment, familiarity producing high volumes of content, and having a wide breadth of sports knowledge make me an ideal candidate for the Sports Content Writer position. I appreciate your time in reviewing my qualifications and I look forward to learning more about the opportunity. Best, [Your name] [Address] [Phone number] [Email] [LinkedIn Profile URL (optional)]

Tips for Writing a Career Change Cover Letter

Explain why you’re seeking a career change. This is a question that just about any applicant seeking a new career would likely receive in a job interview , so it’s great to disclose it in your cover letter.

Employers generally want to know why you left your last employer and making a complete career change naturally leaves questions. Your reason could be as wanting to try something new in a post-COVID job market . You may have a friend that is in the industry and you feel that your skill set more closely aligns with a role more similar to theirs.

There really is no right or wrong as far as your reasoning; just make sure to give the hiring manager an idea of why you want the position even though your experience is elsewhere.

Although I excel at customer service, I find that I’m most engaged and performing at my highest level when I’m helping a customer find a new solution rather than fix a problem with their current product. When my supervisor commented on how no customer service rep she had managed had higher conversion rates than me, it stuck with me.

Show passion for your new direction. This is where you can truly shine and completely differentiate yourself from other applicants. Why are you passionate about the industry, and more specifically, this particular role?

You want to explain why you are excited to be on this journey and how you would be an excellent fit for the team. Discuss where this passion comes from to add a personal touch, then explain why having this drive will help you succeed in the role.

Being able to help customers find quality solutions while maintaining brand loyalty is a real passion of mine. I hope to bring your company’s product and services to a wider audience because I truly believe that there’s no better POS service around than what you offer.

Prove you understand the company. Hiring managers want to hire people that have a genuine, vested interest in their organization. Do you have personal reasons as to why you want to join the company? Do they have a social impact team whose efforts and initiatives you admire?

Scrape beneath the surface and do research. Show the recruiter how your core values align with those of the company.

You can start with looking at the company’s website , but you should dig deeper by also visiting LinkedIn. Take a look at the different profiles of employees, paying close attention to those that might have a similar role to the one you are applying for. You can learn more about a company from the people that work there versus website boilerplate.

I notice that you have a corporate motto of “Listen First,” which really resonates with me. Sales, like customer service, is all about accurately identifying pain points and offering solutions that may not be apparent to the customer at first. I make it a point to allow clients free reign at the start of a discussion, so as to better inform my strategy for helping them.

Career Change Cover Letter FAQ

How long should a career change cover letter be?

A career change cover letter should be about half a page or three and four paragraphs. Your letter should only be between 200 and 400 words so it’s important to be concise and to the point.

How do you state that you are changing a career in a cover letter?

You should explain to the reader why you are seeking a career change and show passion for your new direction when stating a career change in a cover letter.

A potential employer will want to know why you left your previous employer and they will wonder why you left the field completely. Explaining your reasons will help give them a better understanding.

What should be avoided when writing a cover letter?

You should avoid any spelling or grammar mistakes in your cover letter. It can be seen as unprofessional if you misspelled anything in your letter. You should also avoid making your letter generic because your recipient will be able to tell. Be sure to tailor it to each company that you are applying to and try to find the name of your recipient as well.

Ask the Experts

How To Write A Career Change Cover Letter

Nicole Ozburn Human Resources Director

Some things are industry specific but can be quickly learned due to your similar experience in another industry. For instance, if I were looking to change my career from Human Resources to Marketing, I would talk about my recruitment skills and how I have marketed jobs in the past. I would also advise to describe the reason for the change in career. If it is due to COVID-19, the economy, or recently acquiring additional skills through education, the employer may be compelled to give my resume some consideration.

Kevin Daniels Owner and Lead Copywriter

The idea of capturing the reader’s attention at the outset is an excellent one–that has proven to be effective.

You could even start with a quote from a known expert in the field of interest (or simply a famous person)–and use this as a jumping-off place for the content of your letter. Also, using a bulleted format for the body of the letter can be eye-catching (because it’s different)–and will provide structure for seamlessly popping tailored content in/out of your letter as needed.

Translatable skills are extremely important with transition cover letters (and resumes too). First, try Googling “Work Skills” and then “Work Traits.” You will get many, many examples of each (which will help you discern the difference)–and will help you choose ones that ring true for you; ones that are aligned with your professional brand.

Also, remember to avoid too much content (or any) content unique to the industry you’re leaving.

In my 14-year career with Boeing Commercial Airplanes, I became a noted expert in DfX and APQP methodologies…

In the recent decade-plus of my experience, I have achieved noteworthy SME status in Lean/Six Sigma and related compliance directives delivering millions of dollars of recurring savings to the business…

This uses the far more universal “Lean” and Six Sigma” references that will have meaning in any business or manufacturing environment, as opposed to pigeonholing yourself as Aerospace-centric.”

Harvard Extension School – Resume and Cover Letters

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Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

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• Last Updated: August 31, 2022

How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter (with Example)

Changing careers is an exciting (and sometimes terrifying) prospect. We know this process can be stressful and time-consuming, but don’t fret – you’re in good company. According to iHire’s 2021 Talent Retention Report , 21.1% of workers say they’ve made a career change in the last year. Still, a major challenge for career changers is convincing employers that your past experience is relevant to the new position.

The best way to do so is with your cover letter. A well-written cover letter addresses any skills and experience gaps in your resume that may prevent an employer from contacting you for an interview.

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a Career Change

Writing a cover letter for a career change is different than crafting a normal cover letter. Use the tips below and the career change cover letter example at the bottom of the page to get your foot in the door and land that interview.

Show Your Enthusiasm

In a cover letter explaining a career change, you first need to introduce yourself and express enthusiasm for the role. Begin with your name and the position you’re applying for, and then explain the reason behind your career change. Use our Career Change Resources Toolkit to help develop those ideas and express them in a way that demonstrates passion for your new direction.

Since you’re leaving one industry for another, you need to show that you’re committed to the role. Leverage your introduction to speak to why you want to work for the company and briefly mention why you’d be a great fit. Your introduction doesn’t have to be long; you’ll expand on it later in your cover letter.

Address Any Gaps in Employment

If you have gaps in your employment history due to pursuing other certifications and degrees, or for taking a career sabbatical, inform the hiring manager. We asked Sidney Green, iHire Certified Advanced Resume Writer, how to talk about employment gaps when writing a cover letter for a career change.  She said:

“Be upfront with the recruiter. After your introductory paragraph, you should let the recruiter/hiring manager know if you took a career sabbatical or professional leave of absence. You should not disclose ultra-personal details, but you should give a high-level explanation as to ‘why.’ If the career sabbatical was to go back to school, earn a certification, or pursue continuing education in the industry you’re switching to, you should mention that and give details on your coursework and material studied.”

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Highlight Transferable Skills   

The key to showing employers that you will succeed in the role without direct experience is to emphasize your transferrable skills . Look through the job posting and find the top three to five skills for the role, and ask yourself what in your background you can point to that covers those.

“If you didn’t go back to school or pursue a certification in the new field you’re interested in, that’s OK, too,” Green said. “Just make sure you’re able to speak on transferable skills from your career history. If you’re a social worker looking to become an attorney, you can mention that you’ve had experience with case management, colleague collaboration, and documentation preparation because they are relevant to an attorney’s job duties.”

There are several types of transferrable skills, but the most common are hard or technical skills and soft skills. Hard skills and technical skills are specific abilities you can demonstrate practically, like data analysis or using Excel. In contrast, soft skills are less tangible and more subjective, like attention to detail or communication. Generally, your soft skills will be more transferrable to a new career and are universally desired by employers. Other attractive soft skills include:

• Management or leadership
• Customer service
• Organization
• Problem solving
• Critical thinking

Emphasize your ability to quickly learn new skills and concepts, and focus on past accomplishments to show you can succeed. Stress that you have the experience, just in a different industry.

Video:  Stand Out With iHire's Cover Letter Generator Generator

Customize the Cover Letter for Every Position

Keep in mind that by highlighting your transferrable skills, you’re showing what you can do for the employer. Research the company and the role so that you can explain why your skills fit with this position, then adjust your career change cover letter template accordingly.

Leave out unnecessary information to focus on how you can help the company grow. Keep your cover letter simple, short, and concise – usually three to four paragraphs are good. Finally, make sure your resume aligns with your cover letter explaining your career change.

Look to the career change cover letter example below for inspiration, and remember, you can always work with an iHire Resume Writer to help with this task.

Career Change Cover Letter Example

First name last name.

[email protected] • (xxx) xxx-xxxx • Frederick, MD 21701

[Hiring Manager Name]

[Hiring Manager Title]

[Company Address]

[City, State Zip]

Re: [Position Title]

Dear [Hiring Manager Name]:

I read that your practice is seeking a [Career Title] and I would like to express my great interest as I believe my experience and abilities in case management, legal research and analysis, alternative dispute resolution, grant writing, and documentation preparation match the qualifications described. As a skilled and dedicated attorney with a passion for people and enthusiasm to learn, I would like to bring my assets to work for [Organization Name].

I recently graduated from Loyola University Chicago School of Law with my Juris Doctor (JD) where I obtained valuable knowledge of civil procedures, contracts, property, and administrative/regulatory, criminal, and constitutional law. During my last few years of law school, I was able to gain hands-on experience as a law student clinician for the Health Justice Project in partnership with LegalAid Chicago. Here, I assisted with immigration cases, authored intake memos, maintained files, submitted case summary documents to clients, and collaborated with numerous staff members and students of all levels. Additionally, I was able to build upon my skills in resource development, policy advocacy, and legal service assistance to better serve my future clientele.

My career history demonstrates my ability to manage relationships with clients, co-workers, and strategic partners to deliver exceptional results. I have had resounding success in each of my previous roles, creating and implementing policies/procedures, mentoring and training staff members using exceptional communication skills, performing high-level subject matter analysis, and working alongside key stakeholders and leadership teams. I am eager for a new challenge that will leverage my legal education and training in addition to my unique background. As I continue to grow in my profession, I firmly believe my past accomplishments are a predictor of my future contributions.

The enclosed resume describes my qualifications in greater detail. I have full confidence that I can deliver exceptional results for your company and your clients. I am willing to relocate or travel for the right opportunity. I look forward to speaking with you soon and can be reached directly at (xxx) xxx-xxxx. Thank you for your time and consideration.

First Name Last Name, Esq.

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Cover Letter Examples in 2023 [To Get Inspired]

• November 28, 2022
• In Resumes & Cover Letters

When job hunting, it is imperative to include a cover letter alongside your resume. The cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you to the hiring manager and highlights what makes you an ideal candidate. It also expands on your career history, qualifications, and why you are interested in the role. A powerful cover letter along with a polished resume can set you miles ahead in the job hunt. If well written, it will leave a lasting impression and set you apart from other applicants.

Key elements of a perfect cover letter

• Contact information At the very top of your cover letter, always include your contact information. Your email address and phone number, optionally a physical address, should be easy to find. Also, ensure your email address is professional to avoid a negative impression.
• Salutation / greeting Your salutation should address a specific person, starting with “ Dear… ”. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, call, or email the organization. Keeping your greeting short and professional will make you stand out.
• Opening part Your first paragraph can make or break your chances. Aim for short and concise, but unique enough to capture the reader’s attention. Remember, this is your chance to leave a stellar first impression by summarizing what you can offer the company.
• Middle part Once you’ve got the hiring manager’s attention, it’s time for your strengths and qualifications. The body of your cover letter should highlight what makes you the ideal candidate, why you chose this company, and what you’re bringing to the table. Here, you want to convince the hiring manager that you would be an invaluable addition to the company.
• Closing part Your final paragraph should reiterate your main points and conclude the letter. For best results, structure your closing paragraph as an offer. Summarize your strengths, thank the hiring manager for their time, and ask about the next steps.
• Complimentary close and signature. Unless you have addressed a specific person, use “ Yours faithfully ” to sign off your cover letter. If you addressed the hiring manager by name, you can end your cover letter with “ Yours sincerely .” Always include a copy of your signature and your full name at the end of your cover letter.

Here’s  How to Write a Great Cover Letter in 6 Steps.

Cover letter examples

Entry-level cover letter, career change cover letter, manager cover letter, teacher cover letter.

If you have limited work experience, you may be applying to entry-level jobs. Coincidentally, an entry-level cover letter is the best way for recent graduates to find their place in the job market. Including a well-written cover letter in your application can set you apart from other candidates and help you get your first job.

The cover letter sample below illustrates the relevant skills and qualifications. Participation in school clubs, volunteering, and internships can all be included in an entry-level cover letter. To impress the hiring manager and boost your chances of landing an interview, describe your knowledge and skills in detail.

The entry-level cover letter example

When changing careers, your cover letter should highlight relevant experience and transferable skills. Even if you don’t have any experience in the field, you should illustrate what makes your unique skills valuable. You can do this by focusing on your soft skills, like in the cover letter example below.

Altogether, a career change cover letter should express your excitement and readiness to learn. Also, it should highlight relevant professional successes and achievements. When describing these, include the skills you used to attain them and how they could apply to your new position.

The career change cover letter example

When writing a management cover letter, you should focus on your leadership skills. Primarily, your cover letter should outline your biggest strengths in managerial positions. In the cover letter example below, you can see these listed in bullet point form.

Instead of repeating your resume, focus on quantifiable and specific accomplishments. These may include reducing employee turnover or successfully onboarding new employees. Finally, a management cover letter should demonstrate the value you can bring to the company.

Manager cover letter example

As a teacher, your cover letter should emphasize your biggest achievements and how they helped your students. You should focus on quantifiable achievements. For example, you may include the state test scores your students earned or awards you have received. You can also mention student feedback like in the cover letter example below. Finally, if the job requires specific certifications, include these in your cover letter.

For a teacher cover letter, you should research the school you are applying to. Then, tailor your cover letter to the location and school district. If relevant, also mention why you are suited to work in this location. If you have limited experience, including volunteer experience or casual jobs where you worked with children.

Teacher cover letter example

Cover letter templates

A cover letter is all about making a great first impression and giving your job application the best chance of making progress.

We have developed templates to make it easier to craft the perfect cover letter in no time . Use them as a starting point to write your cover letter to stand out from a sea of applicants and get your application noticed.

If you’re wondering where to find inspiration for cover letter examples and cover letter templates, look no further. Pinterest, with millions of pins, is the best source for your inspiration.  In the Pinterest search  bar, use the hashtags #Cove rLetter , #CoverLetterExamples , #CoverLetterTemplates ,or #CoverLetterDesigns .

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