cover letter change career

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• Cover Letter Examples

How To Write a Career Change Cover Letter + Examples

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Deciding to change a career means leaving your comfort zone and welcoming the new. For a smooth professional transition, you need an excellent career change cover letter.

Not sure how to write a cover letter for a career change? Check our career change cover letter examples and write yours in no time!

This guide will show you:

• Career change cover letter examples better than 9 out of 10 others.
• Step-by-step instructions on how to write a career change cover letter.
• Tips to help you highlight transferable skills on a career change cover letter.
• Why achievements matter in a change of career cover letter.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from  20+ professional cover letter templates  that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter examples and create your cover letter here .

For a successful transition to a new profession, send a great career changer resume. See our guide:  Career Change Resume: Sample and Complete Guide

Are you at a particular stage in your career and need to find specific cover letters for this? Check out some of our guides:

• Internal Position Cover Letter
• Entry-Level Cover Letter
• Relocation Cover Letter
• Formal Cover Letter
• Security Officer Cover Letter
• Translator Cover Letter

Want to explore your options further? See our full selection of cover letter examples for every career:  Best Cover Letter Examples for All Professions

Here is a change-of-career cover letter example to inspire you:

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Current Company (If Any)

Mailing Address

Phone Number

Email Address

Hiring Manager Name

Dear [Hiring Manager Name],

I'm so excited to apply for the IT Project Manager position at Weniger Aerospace.

At A/G Systems, I saved 10 meeting hours a week for 20 engineers. I did it by automating our program requirements management with Oracle Primavera. At $90 an hour, that’s $864,000 saved per year. I'm proud of that—not least because my title wasn't "IT PMP" but "Program Administrator." Transitioning to 100% IT PMP at Weniger would use my IT skills and passion to the full.

I know you're looking for an IT PMP with 5+ years of experience. I've spent 6 years creating robust IT systems with these achievements in the skill areas in your ad:

• Customer Relationship Management.  Worked directly with 200+ customers to integrate our software into daily workflows. Slashed complaints by 25%.
• Training.  Trained, mentored, and on-boarded 15 new IT hires. Handled all new user training, cutting customer issues 30%. Gave software training to 12 business units nationwide.
• Automation.  Led project to develop custom ERP software, automating requirements-tracking from 20,000 customers and 150+ programs.
• Programming.  Wrote test scripts and coordinated testing through cross-functional teams. Expanded custom software to integrate with ERP. Slashed daily disruptions 50%.

I'm very interested in sharing how I can deliver IT PMP excellence at Weniger Aerospace. Can we schedule a call?

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

PS—I'm also happy to explain how I used Oracle Primavera to automate project tracking, eliminating 120+ work-hours per year.

That’s Olympian. The hiring manager just forgot you’ve never held the job.

Now, here's how to write a cover letter for changing careers just like the one above:

Choose the Best Career Change Cover Letter Template

Rule #1: Simplify.

Use this career change cover letter template to lock in the basics.

Here’s what you’ll need in a cover letter for a career change:

Cover Letter for Career Change Format

• your contact info
• the company’s info
• dear (hiring manager name)
• paragraph #1: big achievement and career change reveal
• paragraph #2: job-matching achievements
• paragraph #3: make an offer
• best regards + your name
• PS—with one more accomplishment

Pro Tip: The hiring manager’s name works best in a cover letter for a transition to a new career. Can’t find it? You can say, “Dear XYZ Team Hiring Manager” instead.

Not sure this change of career cover letter format works best for your situation? We’ve got options. See our guide: Cover Letter Format: A Complete How-To Guide

Start Your Career Change Cover Letter Irresistibly

That hiring manager? Cheryl? She’s seen a million cover letters. She barely reads them.

Get her attention.  Do it with the first sentence or you’ll lose her.

Put an accomplishment in sentence #1 that:

• Blows her hair back.
• Matches her job ad like the last piece in a tricky puzzle.

These cover letter for career change samples show right from wrong:

Career Change Cover Letter Examples [First Paragraph]

Look at the first of these sample cover letter with no experience in the field snips. It shows you were born for this:

That opening in the cover letter for switching careers sells it. Especially if automation was the keystone of the job ad.

But check out this change-of-career cover letter example:

Oh-oh. The hiring manager just made a face.

Pro Tip: In an email cover letter for a transition to a new career, drop the snail mail address at the beginning. List your email and phone number at the end.

Want more examples to start your changing careers cover letter right? See our guide: How to Start a Cover Letter: Sample & Complete Guide

Write an Exciting Middle for Your Cover Letter for Career Change

Catastrophe.  The hiring manager loved your first paragraph. But then she dropped you like a Tinder reject.

What did you do wrong? You didn’t keep her interest.

These career change cover letter samples show how:

Career Change Cover Letter Examples [Middle]

Check out the first of these sample career change cover letter clips:

Wow.  You’re changing careers, but you’re the new hire of the employer’s dreams. You plucked the key skills from the job ad. Then you showed you’ve used each one to help employers massively.

But the next of our career change cover letter examples practically evaporates:

Dreams are beautiful, but they don’t get the job done. Hiring managers love passion, but they need proof. Your cover letter for career change needs to show you’re not a lemon.

Pro Tip: Not sure whether to use Mrs. or Miss. in your cover letter for changing careers? Neither. Use Ms. instead because it works for both married and single women.

Should your cover letter for a transition to a new career be a half a page? A full page? Two? See our guide: How Long Should A Cover Letter Be? Sample & Guide

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

End Your Career Change Cover Letter With a Pitch

They didn’t call.  Why not? Because you didn’t give them a reason.

Your cover letter for career change ending has to make them want to call you. There’s a right way and a wrong way. The right way: offer to give them something in the interview.

Check out these cover letter examples for career change snips:

Career Change Cover Letter Examples  [Ending]

The next of our career change cover letter examples will make the hiring manager rush to call you:

Enticing. That career transition cover letter example has a shiny prize.

But the next of our changing careers cover letter examples sounds whiny:

Yikes. Don’t quit your day job. That career change cover letter example ending begs, but doesn’t offer.

Pro Tip: Make sure your cover letter for transition to a new career says why you’re interested in the company. Do a little research on the firm first to find out why it’s such a perfect fit.

Need more advice for how to write a cover letter for a career change? See our guide: How to Write a Cover Letter in 8 Simple Steps

Key Takeaway

How to write a career change cover letter:

• Choose the right format. The 3-paragraph change-careers cover letter format says it short and sweet.
• Lead with an achievement. Your cover letter for career change needs to hook them fast. Do that with a past win that fits the new job.
• Prove you can make the switch. List accomplishments that prove transferable skills in your career transition cover letter middle.
• End your persuasive career change cover letter right. Offer something in your ending that the hiring manager wants.

Still not sure how to write a cover letter for changing careers? Wondering how your career change cover letter can prove you love the company? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

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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. 

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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.

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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

• Cover Letter Examples

How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter: Examples for 2024

Dreaming of a career change, but feel like a fish out of water? Get inspired with our career change cover letter example and learn to write one in the blink of an eye.

The dream?  Getting a job that makes you go from “Thank God it’s Friday” to “Thank God it’s today” .

Now, this can be you. Even if you feel like Michael Jordan on a soccer field, this guide will help you write a career change cover letter that will make all the old-timers fall way behind.

In this article:

• A career change cover letter example that stands out.
• How to write a career change cover letter from scratch.
• Expert tips on writing a career change cover letter that will get you that dream job.
• Fill-in-the-blank templates that you can use in your career transition cover letter.

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

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What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Looking to career change into a specific field? Check these cover letter writing guides:

• Business Cover Letter
• Customer Service Cover Letter
• Finance Cover Letter
• Firefighter Cover Letter
• Human Resources Cover Letter
• Legal Cover Letter
• Marketing Cover Letter
• Nursing Cover Letter
• Retail Cover Letter
• Social Work Cover Letter

Or see our Cover Letter Examples for All Jobs

You’ve got a great career change resume . Now it’s time to draft a persuasive cover letter. Here’s an example of a career change cover letter that’s well-written:

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Let’s take a look at a career change cover letter written by Janet, a marketing specialist with a passion for teaching. She took the time to get certified, but now she needs to find her first job as a middle school teacher. In her cover letter, she shows how her previous experiences apply to the new role.

Here’s what a good cover letter looks like :

Janet A. Soto

4096 Hickory Ridge Drive

Las Vegas, NV 89106

702-636-8639

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/janetsoto

Las Vegas, July 15, 2020

Principal Emily Olson

Elkhorn Middle School

3478 Main St.

Las Vegas, NV 80506

Dear Ms. Olson,

I was very excited to learn that Elkhorn Middle School is looking for a new teacher. As someone who is bilingual and truly passionate about teaching, this is an incredible opportunity for me to put my previous work experience and skills, as well as theoretical studies into practice.

During my time as a professional marketing consultant, I specialized in planning and creating marketing strategies. I’ve successfully completed 50+ big marketing projects in 4 years. Two of them won 1st place in Targetic’s annual corporate creativity contest. I provided a high level of client service that earned me 95% positive customer reviews. As a team leader, I’ve evaluated team members, while setting goals and serving as a mentor. I was responsible for holding weekly meetings, training sessions and workshops for more than 50 people. My passion for sharing knowledge has motivated me to pursue a long-held interest of mine: teaching. 

This spring I have finished my teacher preparation certification at California State University, hoping to find my first professional role as a middle school teacher. Your job ad states that you’re looking for someone who can demonstrate enthusiasm for working with teenagers and an ability to clearly and accurately communicate with students, fellow staff and parents. Communication was my profession for more than 6 years and I truly believe that my achievements as a marketing professional and eagerness to tackle a career change challenge show that I will be of great value to you and your students.

My qualifications include a BA in English, 8 years of professional experience and a teacher preparation certification. 

When could we meet to discuss how I might contribute to your school’s success.

Kind regards,

Cover letters are necessary , because recruiters want to see how well you communicate. So put your communication skills into action and write a cover letter that will blow them away. Let’s do this together. Step by step.

Here are the best cover letter writing tips that you need to know:

How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

No matter what job you’re applying for and no matter what you’ve done in the past, you want your job application to be concise, readable and professional. Otherwise, it will land in the trash like a plastic wrapper.

Follow these cover letter format tricks to blow the recruiter away:

1. Use the Correct Career Change Cover Letter Formatting

Nailing your formatting is the like adding a big red bow on top of a gift. It’s the first thing a recruiter notices, and the first thing that can make your application land in the trash. By using a correct cover letter format, you ensure that your document is easy to read and navigate.

Follow these simple rules to properly format your cover letter :

• Since it’s a formal letter, align all text to the left. Don’t use justification.
• Pick a professional font that’s clean and readable, and make sure to stick to it throughout the entire document.
• Use even 1-inch margins on all sides. Single-space your text.
• Leave an empty line between each section / paragraph.
• A single-page is the ideal cover letter length .

2. Create a Professional Career Change Cover Letter Header with Contact Information

Don’t be a stranger. Your cover letter header is as is important as any other section. Recruiters want to see at first glance who they’re dealing with. Follow this cover letter heading template:

Career Change Cover Letter Template: Header

[ Your Full Name]

[ Your Job Title ] (Optional)

[ Phone Number ]

[ Email Address ]

[ LinkedIn Profile ]

[ City and Date ]

[ Hiring Manager’s Full Name ]

[ Hiring Manager’s Position, e.g. Customer Service Team Leader ]

[ Company Name ]

[ Company Street Address ]

[ City and Zip Code ]

Also, remember to include a proper salutation and address your career change cover letter to a specific person by stating their full name. Starting a letter with “To Whom it May Concern”  or “Dear Sir or Madam”  is very old-school and makes your cover letter look generic . So, unless you’re Mr. Darcy, don’t use these salutations.

If you’re not sure how to address your cover letter , here are some tips to help you find the right addressee:

• The job posting should have the recruiter’s name and / or email address included. Google that name and the company to find out exactly who to put in the header.
• Browse the company website. Sometimes you may be able to find a tab called “Team” or “Who We Are”—that’s where you might find the name of the department manager.
• Call the front desk and ask the receptionist to provide you with the full name of the hiring manager.

If you really can’t find the recruiter’s name, stick to the good ol’ Dear Hiring Manager. It’s not the ideal solution, but it is the most preferred cover letter greeting .

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

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Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

3. Introduce Yourself and State the Position That You’re Applying For 

Now, moving on to the meat. Get them hooked like a starving fish on the line and start the career change cover letter strong, like it’s your first, last, and only chance to turn your life around. This means that you should make your intent known. 

In your cover letter opening paragraph talk about who you are and which position you are interested in.  Mention the exact position by name. This shows that you actually took the time to tailor your career change cover letter to a specific job posting.

Nobody wants to read a spammy cover letter that could have been sent out to any other employer. Prove them that you care. The first paragraph can be similar to your resume summary . But don’t just copy-paste it! You can use this fill-in-the-blanks template:

Change of Career Cover Letter Example: Introduction

Dear  [ Hiring Manager’s Name ] :

I am very excited to offer my  [ Name 1 or 2 Transferrable Skills ]  skills and expertise for the open  [ Job Title ]  position at  [ Target Company Name ] . As a  [ Your Current Profession ]  professional with  [ X ]  years of professional experience, highly skilled in  [ Your Current or Past Responsibilities ]  I’m sure I can help your team with the upcoming challenges.

Notice the hook in this career change cover letter? What will grab the reader’s attention the most is your most prominent accomplishment . But remember, it has to be transferable.

Being responsible for building batch applications in COBOL/JCL to process 2k+ of credit transactions for 15 international bank clients is a fantastic achievement, but it won’t do you any good if you’re planning to switch careers from software engineer to nurse.

Find a common denominator between the positions and target your resume and cover letter to the new opportunities. 

Expert Hint: A study shows that employee referrals are 4x more likely to be hired, so if you were referred by a friend, indicate who that is in the first paragraph, so the employer knows that straight away.

4. Highlight Transferrable Skills and Relevant Qualifications in a  Career Change Cover Letter

This is your hour of glory, so shine like the Yankees during the Babe Ruth Era. To make that happen, scan the job advertisement to single out the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. These will be the main components of your career change cover letter. 

Now, look at your previous responsibilities and list your skills. Most of them are transferable between different industries—like a majority of soft skills and technical skills . Make sure to use numbers to show how efficient you were at your previous position.

Recruiters love passion, but even more, they love applications that are full of figures and achievements. Here’s a template that you can edit with your own information:

Cover Letter for a Career Change: Body Paragraph

In the job listing, you state that you’re seeking a [ Position ] experienced in [ Use the Requirements Listed in the Job Description ] . In my most recent position with [ Name of Your Current or Most Recent Company ] I have succeeded in [ Relevant Responsibilities / Duties / Projects You’ve Successfully Completed, Supported By Metrics ] . I strongly believe my skills will translate into similar results for [ Target Company Name ] .

Most companies use an Applicant Tracking Systems, or ATS , which helps them fish out the best applications. Targeting your cover letter with relevant keywords significantly boosts your chances of creating a successful ATS resume , passing the ATS scan, and landing an interview.

Expert Hint: If you feel the need to change your career, but are not sure which path to choose, consider selecting an occupation projected to have many job openings in the near future.

5. Explain Why This Is Your Dream Job

The American Dream is all about pursuing happiness. So kudos to you for taking that first step to improving your life. But at the same time—America wasn’t built on dreams, but on hard work and productivity. This is exactly what you need to put in your career change cover letter. Proof that you’re efficient and goal-driven.

The best way to do it is to show the employer how you’ve channeled your passion. Plus, pay the company a compliment or two and tell them what you admire them for. Here’s a career change cover letter template you can use:

Career Change Cover Letter Example: Third Paragraph

I’ve been passionate about [ Industry / Job You’re Applying For ] since I first [ Your First Experience / Contact With the Trade ] . I’ve channeled this passion into [ Something You Did at Your Previous Job That’s Connects With the New Position ] , and [ Another Transferable Achievement Backed by Numbers ] . An opportunity to work for such a prestigious company like [ Target Company Name ] would allow me to do the job I have dreamed of doing for a very long time. I would finally be able to apply my [ Skills / Experience] to [ What the Company Does] and help [ Target Company Name ] reach its goals.

Persuasive career change cover letters are about the job—not just about you. So make sure you know how to write a cover letter that talks about the company, the position and the employer’s expectations.

6. Request an Interview and End With a Proper Sign-Off

In your cover letter closing statement , demonstrate your assertive, proactive attitude by requesting a meeting in order to talk more about how your previous experiences and skills will apply to reaching the company’s targets. 

Ending your career change cover letter with a “Hope to hear from you.” might leave you hanging and hoping for weeks. Use this template:

Persuasive Career Change Cover Letter Example: Closing

When would be a good time to have a call or a meeting to discuss how my [ Your Best, Most Relevant Skill / Experience / Their Most Important Requirement ] experience can help [ Target Company Name ] achieve [ Something Important to This Employer] ?

Best Regards,

[ Digital Copy of Your Handwritten Signature ]

[ Your Full Name ]

These templates are a quick and easy way to create a persuasive career change cover letter. But if you have some more time on your hands and are willing to play around with formatting, you can also use Word cover letter templates .

Expert Tip: If you’re sending your cover letter as an email , your contact details should be a part of your email signature.

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

Making a different career move? Here are some other guides that might be helpful: 

• Graduate School Cover Letter
• Postdoc Cover Letter
• Scholarship Cover Letter
• Recent Graduate Cover Letter
• Internal Position Cover Letter
• Entry-level Cover Letter
• Non Profit Cover Letter
• Internship Cover Letter
• No Experience Cover Letter
• Relocation Cover Letter

Here’s how to write a cover letter for a career change:

• Use the full name of the hiring manager when addressing your career change cover letter.
• Make an introduction and express your interest in a specific position.
• Show relevant experience and accomplishments and highlight the transferrable skills that could help you succeed in the job you are applying for.
• Explain your motivation to join the company.
• Finish your career change cover letter with a strong call to action and an appropriate sign-off.

Did you find our sample career change cover letter helpful? Do you have any questions in regard to writing a cover letter for a career change? Leave us a comment, we’ll be happy to hear your thoughts!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Aleksandra is a career expert with a solid professional background in various industries. At ResumeLab, she shares her knowledge, insights and expertise with all applicants looking to make a career move with a perfect resume and cover letter that guarantee recognition and success.

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

• Cover Letter Examples
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• Career Change 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.

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.

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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]

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 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)]

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.

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.

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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How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

Wondering how to change careers start by explaining your value in your cover letter..

Writing a career change cover letter poses a few challenges, but by focusing on your unique strengths and motivations, you can create a cover letter that sets you apart—even among candidates who have worked in your new field before.

When you're actively pursuing a career change , it's not like you're abandoning your existing skills altogether. You’ll be taking your hard-earned talents and experience to a new industry and learn how to apply them in a new setting.

But still, a lack of industry or role experience can give hiring managers pause when they look at your resume. That's why it's especially important to include a career change cover letter that explains exactly how you’ll use your transferable skills and past accomplishments to succeed in your new role.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to write a cover letter for a career change and send you off with a career change cover letter example that will show you how it’s done.

When you write a cover letter for changing careers, make sure to address a hiring manager’s concerns about your lack of experience, including why you’re changing careers and how your past experience is relevant to the new job. Not sure how to start? Here’s how to write a career change cover letter.

1. Introduce Yourself

Start your career change cover letter with a compelling sentence introducing yourself and what position you’re applying to. Address the fact that you’re transitioning into a new career early in the letter. You may know that recruiters and managers only take a few seconds to review each cover letter. But this doesn’t mean you can gloss over your career change. Discuss why you’re changing careers so hiring mangers know that you’re serious about it.

“I am writing to express my interest in the junior web developer position. My experience as a project manager in fintech makes me an excellent candidate for this job. During my five years in finance, I’ve worked closely with engineers developing the latest fintech products. I’m ready to transition into a new role working on the tech side of fintech, and I’ve taken several courses in web development and coding to prepare for this career.”

2. Show Your Dedication to Your New Career

When you change your career, the employer’s main concern might not be your lack of experience, especially if you’re only applying for entry-level positions. Instead, they may be worried that you’re a job hopper who won’t stay at the company for the long haul. Recruiting and training new employees costs time and money; the employer wants to know that you’re dedicated to your new career and that the costs will be worth it.

Discuss why you want to start the new career (instead of why you want to leave the current one) in your career change cover letter. If you’ve tried out a similar role before, in an internship for example, make sure to mention this.

“In my career as a news reporter, I’ve covered many social issues affecting our city. Now I want to stop talking about social justice and start doing by directly advocating for change. I’m particularly passionate about eradicating child poverty because I’ve seen firsthand how malnutrition has a direct impact on children’s development, both mentally and psychologically. I want to directly combat this problem by taking on the role of public relations manager for your nonprofit.”

3. Detail Your Accomplishments at Past Jobs

Just because you’re starting over in a new career doesn’t mean your past accomplishments are no longer important. Discuss one or two of your achievements at past jobs in your career change cover letter, even if they’re not directly relevant to your new job. Your accomplishments demonstrate your determination, work ethic, ability to meet goals, and other soft skills.

“At my past job I increased our customer base by 30% by leveraging my people skills along with my ability to identify and offer solutions for clients’ pain points. I would apply the same determination to this job. My goal-oriented personality will help me meet and exceed performance metrics.“

4. Include Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are skills that are applicable to many different types of jobs, as opposed to specific skills. Highlight your transferable skills in your career change cover letter to help hiring managers understand how your prior experience will help you succeed in your new job, even when you don’t have industry experience.

Transferable skills can be soft or hard skills. Remember that a cover letter for changing careers should show, not tell, whenever possible. Back up your soft skills by describing specific situations where you used them. If you know that your references or recommendation letters will mention your soft skill, include this as well.

Here are some transferable skills you might want to add to your cover letter for a career change:

• public speaking
• negotiation
• researching

When it comes to hard skills, write about on-the-job training you participated in, licenses you hold, and classes you've taken.

“In my current role I often have to think on my feet to come up with creative solutions to clients’ problems. My ability to improvise, solve problems, multi-task, and work well under pressure will be highly useful as I tackle unexpected challenges as a customer service manager. My references include clients who I’ve worked with closely to develop targeted solutions that increased their sales numbers by 20-30%. They can provide further detail on my skills in this area.”

Career Change Cover Letter Example

Maria Gonzales 123 Main St. Denver, CO 80027 Phone: (555) 555-5555 [email protected]

Month XX, 20XX

Richard Taylor VP Business Development Company One 123 Ocean Ave. Denver, CO 80013

Dear Mr. Taylor,

I am writing to you to apply to the position of HR manager at Company One. I am currently a sales manager but am looking to transition into a career in corporate human resources. Although successful in my sales career, I have realized the aspects of my work I find most rewarding are all in HR-related functions. The following offers a few highlights of my qualifications:

• Solid foundation in HR affairs: As senior account executive, I have been responsible for a number of HR functions, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring and training new employees. A quick learner of complex concepts and legal issues, I am eager to broaden these competencies.
• Dynamic communication style: I am adept in building relationships, consensus and a shared sense of purpose. I am known for my ability to quickly establish trust with employees, mediate disputes and motivate others into action.
• Experience in corporate training: A constant throughout my sales career has been my passion for the design and delivery of staff development programs. Comfortable and experienced giving both large- and small-group presentations, I have conducted hundreds of training seminars for diverse audiences across all organizational levels.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,

Maria Gonzales

More Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for Changing Careers

There’s a lot to consider when you write a cover letter for a career change. But first, review general advice for writing cover letters to make sure that yours checks all the boxes. These are some important points to keep in mind:

• Address the cover letter to the right person. Do some research to find out who does the hiring for the position, when possible.
• Align your cover letter with your resume . Your cover letter should answer questions the recruiter may have when reading the resume and expand on points that don’t fit into the resume format. This includes why you’re changing careers and exactly how the skills and work experience presented in your resume have prepared you for your new career.
• Proofread your letter more than once. It can be hard to find mistakes in your own work. Put it away for a few hours and come back to it with fresh eyes.
• Customize your cover letter to the employer. You don’t have to write a brand-new letter for each job, but make some changes so that it’s unique and relevant to the job posting. For example, target the specific skills mentioned in the ad and mention why you want to work for the specific employer.

Give Your Cover Letter a Monster Makeover

Give your cover letter a real upgrade, just like your career, with Monster’s writing services . Our services can help your letter stand out by showcasing your unique value proposition, even when you’re new to a career field. Upload a draft of your career change cover letter—or even a bulleted list of ideas—and we’ll write you a new version optimized for your new career and written by an expert familiar with the industry.

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How To Write the Best Career Change Cover Letter (+ Examples) 

So, you want to try something completely new? When you’re thinking about a career change, your cover letter is an essential tool. Your resume will tell the hiring manager about your experience, but you’ll use the cover letter to fill in the blanks.

Frankly, when you're changing careers, you have to work just a bit harder than any other applicants with a more intuitive work history. That means showing that the experience you have is an asset and that it can be transferred to this new role. Luckily, you can do all of this (and more!) by writing a well-thought-out career change cover letter. 

A career change cover letter is an opportunity to start a conversation to explain exactly why you're applying for a job outside of your current field. Get this right, and you will convince any hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job. But how do you get started?

Here at ZipJob, we give you the resources you need to supercharge your job search. In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips from our professional resume writers on how to write the best career change cover letter. We've also got a career change cover letter example for you to check out.

More common than you might think

First, a word of encouragement: In our fast-paced and rapidly changing economy, people are changing careers at rates that would have been unthinkable just a few short generations ago. In fact, recent statistics show that people have an average of 12 jobs in their lifetime. 

That can create problems for many applicants, however, and you may not be sure how you can use your resume to properly convey the right experience needed for your new career. The good news is that you can take care of that concern by using that other vital application tool: the cover letter.

7 tips for your career change cover letter

Ready to put pen to paper? When you're writing a career change cover letter, it's important to stay on task. This isn't the place to write a heart-to-heart that reads more like a journal entry than a professional document. Instead, focus on what makes you a great applicant. 

To help you along the way, we have some expert-backed tips below:

1. Make sure you use the right words

Changing careers is a big deal. While your resume will have covered your skills and experience, you can use this letter to really sell yourself to the hiring manager. What you lack in experience, you may be able to make up for in the willingness to learn.

While you can use your cover letter to explain why you want a new career, it doesn’t start and end there. This is also an opportunity to share why you are ready to switch things up. With that in mind, use words that excite the hiring manager and show your desire to work in your chosen field. The more creative you are with the language you use, the better here.

2. Be honest about your career change

The biggest mistake you could make here is trying to sneak your way into a new sector. The hiring manager already has your resume, so they know that you don’t have experience in this field. You should never try to bamboozle them into interviewing you on the basis of faux experience. Even if you do make it to the interview level, you will soon get found out. 

Instead, you need to be 100% honest about your career change. Direct your cover letter to the hiring manager and be clear about why you are switching industries. For example, you may have reached the highest heights in your current sector and feel it’s time for a change. On the other hand, you may have a real passion for this new field and want to pursue it. 

Whatever your reason is, now is the time to talk about it. You don’t need to write a short memoir. The hiring manager will ask you more in-depth questions at the interview stage. However, it’s smart to outline your reasoning here so that you fill in the blanks. State that you are looking to move sectors and try to give a compelling reason to the reader now.

3. Emphasize your transferable skills

When you’re writing a career change cover letter, this is vital. Transferable skills are your current talents that would help you succeed in a different position. These skills are often soft skills but may also be technical or analytical skills from your previous profession. Identify what your strengths are. How might those help you in another industry?

You can also approach this from the other side by spending some time analyzing the company’s needs. Look at the job description, the company website, and recent media coverage to identify the core skills that this company requires. Once you’ve honed in on those needs, you can determine which of your skills can help to make you a great candidate for the job.

Of course, you should heavily feature your transferable skills on your resume. Once you've noted them, you can offer more of an explanation in your cover letter about how each skill will apply to this new job. 

Emphasize your relevant skills within the body of the career change cover letter too. That means including specific examples of how they have helped you to achieve certain results and goals in the past. Show the hiring manager what you have to bring to the table. You can do this by identifying the overlap between your two fields and highlighting it clearly. Be brief, but be sure to answer why you're applying and why you're worth interviewing.

Key Takeaway

The key to a career change cover letter is to identify and highlight related and transferable skills.

4. Focus on your results

Results matter more than you think. The number one thing that will push you ahead of your competition are fantastic accomplishments on your resume . Your accomplishments are still valid, even when changing careers: awards, honors, and other results that show you're a high-achieving employee will make you look like a winner. 

Your career change cover letter gives you a chance to explain why it's so impressive that you accomplished something. Try to figure out numbers or metrics – these really stand out on resumes and cover letters. Quantifying your results will show the hiring manager that your hard work achieves big things. This fact will surely grab their attention. 

To showcase those results, you need to emphasize the success that you’ve enjoyed in prior jobs, providing details that help to connect those successes to your transferable skills. From there, you only need to complete the picture by explaining how your prior achievements and transferable skills can offer tangible benefits to the new company.

Always use the STAR method

Showcasing your results and quantifying them doesn’t have to be hard. Make your statements stand out by using the STAR method throughout your cover letter. 

5. Demonstrate genuine passion

Let your passion for the company be on full display so that the hiring manager knows you care about getting the position. Mention something new or interesting the company has accomplished, or relate to the company's core values. You can add your personality to your cover letter – as long as it stays relevant!

Take the time to do your homework so that you have a firm understanding of what the company does and how it hopes to achieve its goal. It’s also worth trying to understand the company culture ahead of time. That will enable you to properly convey your passion for the position in the body of your cover letter. In short, figure out what the vibe is and match it.

6. Tailor your resume to reflect your career change goals

If this is your first time creating a career change cover letter, be sure to review your resume when you’re done so that everything is properly coordinated. It all needs to match up. You don’t want any inconsistencies between those two important documents: your cover letter should only talk about experiences that are also mentioned on your resume.

To keep your message clear, make any resume changes that are needed to keep it aligned with the message on your cover letter. Remember, it’s the little things that often make the difference between success and failure. 

If your resume isn't tailored for your career transition goals, check out this article next: How To Tailor Your Resume For Different Positions

7. End with a strong conclusion 

When you’ve done all of the above, it’s time to sign off. The end of your cover letter is a good chance to reaffirm why you want to take this step. You may also want to add that you will help the business in question meet its goals. One of the more critical things you can do with your career change cover letter is insert some type of call to action – encouraging the reader to reach out to you. 

Remember, the hiring manager will naturally slow their reading pace down as they reach the bottom of the page. For that reason, it is vital that you end on a strong and clear note.

Career change cover letter example

This example is to the point and easy to scan through. It has several examples of how the applicant has added value in the past, using numbers that are easy for the reader to translate to a different industry.

Notice also that this letter – like all good cover letters – includes a professional heading and uses a business letter format. It is highly specific, a quick but clear message that you've put some thought into tailoring your cover letter. 

The letter does not use a generic "to whom it may concern" greeting; ideally, you can find the name of the hiring manager. When in doubt, addressing your letter to a "hiring team" is a good alternative.

The heading with your own information was borrowed from the updated resume format we used to share 200+ resume examples written by our professional resume writers. Using the same format for your resume and cover letter is another instance of details that stand out.

Focus on value; win the day 

As you can see, the cover letter for a career change is similar to many others. You still want to focus on the value you can add to the company. By emphasizing your transferable skills, focusing on past achievements, and demonstrating your interest in the new company, you should be able to leverage your existing skill set in a way that sets you apart from the crowd.

Ready to take the leap and start that new career? Use the ZipJob free resume review now to get the insights that you need to perfect your next application and get ahead of the competition. 

Recommended reading: 

9 Cover Letter Mistakes That Cost You Interviews - ZipJob

7 Signs It's Time To Quit Your Job

How to Ask for a Job Referral + 5 Examples

Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer

Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter

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Sample Career Change Cover Letter and Writing Tips

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Career Change Cover Letter Sample

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• Refocus Your Resume to Match

The Balance / Chelsea Damraksa

Are you considering a career change? If you are looking for a position in a different industry or career field, your cover letter or  letter of intent  is an important factor in the likelihood of your getting the job.

Since your resume may not contain the relevant experience that hiring managers are looking for, it's important to use your cover letter as an opportunity to demonstrate why you are a good fit despite lacking that specific employment history.

A well-written and strong cover letter will convince the reader that your work experience is a strength rather than a weakness.

Before you start writing, though, be sure you're clear on your goals for transitioning careers and that you're  positioned for a successful career change job search .

Tips for Writing a Career Change Cover Letter

Any good cover letter explains why you are qualified for the specific job. However, a cover letter written during a  career change  needs to go beyond that.

Be sure to thoroughly  research the company  before writing your cover letter so you can convince the employer that you understand the company and can demonstrate why you want to be a part of it.

You must touch on three important points. This will help you rise above candidates who have more direct experience in the industry. You don’t necessarily have to cover all of these topics in order or in distinct paragraphs. The aim is to make sure you communicate these points somewhere in your letter.

1. Emphasize Your Transferable Skills

Most importantly, focus on the  transferable skills  you have that you can use in the new position rather than on the skills you have that are only related to your current role. Analyze the job description for the position you’re applying to, and look at the skills that the position calls for.

Choose the  ones that best match your own skills or experience . Then, if possible, use specific anecdotes from your work or academic history to illustrate some of these strengths in action. 

2. Highlight Your Superior Performance in Previous Positions

Other applicants may have the relevant experience, but if their experience is mediocre and cannot be backed up by strong references or tangible achievements, you may actually be a more desirable candidate for the job than they are.

In your letter, do your best to explain how you succeeded in previous roles, and connect that to a summary of how you would also add value in this new position.

Make sure your references will corroborate your statements.

3. Express Your Passion for the Company

Mention your passion for the company. This is another way to stand out from qualified candidates. Employers may be more interested in someone who is especially excited about their organization and the job opportunity than they are in someone who just wants a job and doesn’t care about much beyond that. In your cover letter, make it clear that you’re familiar with the organization and enthusiastic about the opportunity to be a part of it.

Read the sample cover letter below, which you can use as a framework for writing your own career change cover letter. However, be sure to edit the sample to fit your personal experiences and the job for which you are applying.

Download the career change cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Sample Career Change Cover Letter (Text Version)

William Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 111-111-1111 william.applicant@email.com

July 21, 2020

Michael Lee Director XYZ Company 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321 

Dear Ms. Lee:

This letter is to express my special interest in discussing the Senior Customer Service Manager position posted on the XYZ Company web site. The opportunity presented in this listing is very appealing, and I believe that my experience and education will make me a competitive candidate for this role.

Although I have been working primarily as an Operations Manager, in this capacity I have interfaced frequently with customers, in addition to vendors and staff. This has instilled multi-dimensional communication skills and an ability to recognize, act upon, and fulfill customer wishes and needs in order to ensure their continued, and positive, relationship with the business.

In fact, in my most recent job as Operations Manager for ABC Company, I received an ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ recognition due to my ability to coordinate complex logistics in order to keep customers happy even when issues arose that were beyond the control of the organization. Again, this involved not only managing operations but also communicating directly with customers. As a result, I believe my combined ability to successfully manage operations while also effectively interfacing with customers makes me a prime candidate for this role.

The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers. 
• Strive for continued excellence.
• Strong communication skills.
• Eager to learn new things.

You will find me to be well-spoken, energetic, confident, and personable, the type of person on whom your customers will rely. I also have a wide breadth of experience of the type that will allow you the versatility to place me in a number of contexts with confidence that the level of excellence you expect will be met. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I hope that you'll find my experience and interests intriguing enough to warrant a face-to-face meeting, as I am confident that I could provide value to you and your customers as a member of your team. I am very excited about this opportunity to work for XYZ Company. I connect with your mission to “deliver the ‘five star’ factor” to both your staff and your customers. This tenet is reflected in my own professional and personal values, and I believe this alignment strongly supports my candidacy for this role.

I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, 555-555-5555. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

William Applicant (signature hard copy letter)

William Applicant

If you're sending your  cover letter via email,  list your name and the job title in the subject line of the  email message . Include your contact information in your email signature, but don't list the employer's contact information. Simply start your email message with the salutation.

Refocus Your Resume to Reflect Your New Goals

When you're seeking a career change, it's important to refocus your resume to reflect your new goals. That way, your resume and cover letter will both show that you're well qualified for a change in roles. Here are six tips for  writing a powerful career change resume  that will help you get started.

Get Ready to Interview

Be prepared, as well, to discuss in job interviews why you're transitioning and what  skills you will bring to prospective employers . It's important to have a comprehensive and professional pitch that will impress the employer and convince them that you're a strong candidate for the job.

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How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter in 7 Steps (+3 Cover Letter Examples)

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated April 17, 2024 14 min read

How do you write a career change cover letter ? You write it well, of course! After all, the cover letter can make or break your chances at successfully completing a career switch. 

Not that career change is easy to begin with. It can often feel like trying to make your way through an obstacle course — no matter where you turn, new challenges just keep popping out of nowhere. And yet, a staggering 58% of workers are thinking about changing careers , according to a FlexJobs survey .

But inevitably, there comes a moment when you'll need to justify your choice to a new employer and prove that you're more than well-equipped to handle the new responsibilities.  

And what better way to do that than via a cover letter! 

So, if you want to change careers this year, keep reading to discover:

• What is a cover letter;
• Whether you should write a cover letter for career change;
• How to write a cover letter for a career change in just 7 steps;
• And, 3 career change cover letter examples.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

What is a cover letter?

Should you write a cover letter for career change, how to write a cover letter for a career change in 7 steps, career change cover letter examples, key takeaways: career change cover letter.

A cover letter is a formal document which, together with a resume, makes up the core of any well-rounded job application. 

It serves as the first point of contact between you and the recruiters. And for that reason, it's responsible for making the first impression (good or bad).

Unlike a resume, a cover letter allows you to:

• share a bit of your personality, 
• provide context for your background, 
• and present your career aspirations. 

It's your chance to make a compelling case for why you should be considered for the role, beyond just the bullet points on your resume. 

Yes, you absolutely should!

Let us explain: A resume is great for presenting the numbers and objective facts. But it doesn't offer you much space for creating a compelling narrative . 

When you're applying for a job as a career changer , you're already at a disadvantage - you're missing one of the crucial ingredients for the ideal job candidate.

An average recruiter needs only 6 seconds to look at your resume and recognize your lack of experience as a problem. And that's reason enough to move your application from the list of potential candidates to the bin.  

But it's all about perspective. And perspectives can change based on how you frame it — is your career change really a shortcoming? Or is it a testimony to your passion, dedication, and willingness to leave the comforts of your old job for a new one? 

Changing careers but don't feel like writing your cover letter?

Let our AI Cover Letter Writer handle it for you. Your first draft will be ready in seconds!

Although there isn't any definitive or universal manual on how to write the perfect career change cover letter, following these 7 steps will allow you to craft one which hits all the marks that matter.

Place your contact information ( including: your name; professional email address; phone number; link to your web page/portfolio/social media accounts if relevant) in the top section of your cover letter.

If you can find the name of the hiring manager, simply greet them with “Dear [full name],” or “Dear Mrs/Mr [last name],” . If not, you can address the letter more generally to “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Recruitment Office,” .

Capture the hiring manager's attention by making your goals and motivation for the new job position known. For example, you can share a personal story or an anecdote that shows your passion for the job in a unique way. 

Despite any possible discomfort, you have to be transparent about the fact that you don't have any previous work experience in the given job position. Any attempt at camouflaging could reflect badly on your professionalism and integrity. 

You must prove that despite not having previous work experience in this particular position, you're still able to handle the responsibilities and duties that define it. For this purpose, use transferable skills that you've picked up in your former profession, during volunteering, through courses, or thanks to your lifelong interest in the job position.

Additionally, establish a sentimental connection between yourself and the potential employer. You can reference, for example, the company's mission, values, recent projects, or any charities/non-profit organization the company promotes.

Finally, in the closing statement you should: 1. Reiterate your desire to work for the company, 2. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration, 3. Include a call for action, 4. Sign off professionally.

Now, we'll look at each of these steps in more detail.

Step 1: Start with your contact information

First of all, you need to deal with the basic conventions. After all, a cover letter is still a formal letter, though in digital form. And every formal letter needs to contain details about its sender. 

These include:

• professional email address,
• current phone number,
• link to online portfolio/web page/ social media accounts (if relevant) .

Make sure that all your contact information is updated and spelled correctly . This may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how easily these small mistakes can creep in. 

Place your contact information at the top of your career change cover letter so that they draw the attention of recruiters immediately. 

Don't forget to also mention the company's contact information or that of its hiring manager. This isn't all that necessary but again…formalities.

Step 2: Open with a polite greeting

If you're lucky, the name of the hiring manager (or recruiter) will be mentioned somewhere in the job posting you're responding to. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. 

But with the power of the internet by your side, this shouldn't be much of a problem. Try to dig up the addressee's name from the company's official website or their LinkedIn profile .

It's always better to address the hiring manager by their name — it helps establish a personal connection between you two. 

But don't overthink it! A simple “Dear [first name] [last name],” or “Dear Mrs/Mr [last name],”  will do just fine. 

In case the hiring manager's name is nowhere to be found, you can use one of these 5 email salutations . 

Step 3: Kick off with a strong introductory paragraph

The purpose of your cover letter's introductory paragraph is to give the reader a little something to make them interested in the rest of your cover letter. 

Normally, you'd try to hook the reader by pointing out that you fulfill the main candidate requirements. Like so:

Opening paragraph example

“As a seasoned professional with a Master’s Degree in Business Economics , I bring four years of comprehensive experience in the finance sector, highlighted by leading a team that successfully increased our portfolio’s annual growth by 20%.”

But since you're switching careers, this formula won't work for you. Instead, you could charm the recruiters with your:

• motivation,
• passion, 
• or purpose. 

These are the cards you need to play when writing a career change cover letter! 

So, don't be afraid to get personal here — share a story that depicts the workings behind your decision to switch careers. Just remember to stay professional! It's a fine line, we know, but you must tread it expertly. 

For example, your introduction could look something like this: 

Opening paragraph for career change cover letter example

“My journey into the world of business finance began unexpectedly, over coffee chats and spreadsheets helping my family’s small business navigate tough financial waters. This experience wasn’t just eye-opening; it became a calling. I realized my knack for numbers and strategic planning could make a real difference beyond the classroom. That’s why I’m thrilled about the opportunity to bring my passion and fresh perspective to [Company Name] as part of your finance team.”

Step 4: Address your career change

And now it's time to acknowledge the elephant in the room!

While it may be tempting to conceal the fact that you're trying to enter a new profession, don't hide it. In the end, it could cause you more harm than good. 

Because the recruiters will know just by taking a single glance at your career change resume . 

Fail to address this, and you're running the risk of giving the impression that you're unprofessional. Or that you're being dishonest. And either of the two can leave a really bad taste. 

So, when writing about your career switch, be upfront, be direct, but don't be apologetic! Remember, you need to persuade the recruiters that you're confident in your abilities.

Step 5: Showcase your potential with transferable skills

Basically, this part of your career change cover letter is all about closing the gap between what you used to do and what you want to do. 

In other words, you must show that you have more to offer besides your unrivaled motivation. 

And the best way to do this is by talking about any relevant transferable skills you've picked up along the way. The keyword being relevant! 

For example, the project manager skills you developed while working in marketing may translate well into leading teams in pretty much any industry. Or the insights into SEO that you've gained as a copywriter can become valuable in your new PR position.

In short, your transferable skills can be anything from hard skills like computer proficiencies , to soft skills like problem-solving , leadership, communication, team management, and so on.  

Besides abilities you've gained from a previous employment, you can also focus on those you've acquired thanks to: 

• volunteering,
• lifelong interest in a specific profession,
• personal projects and ventures,
• and training/certifications/ courses .

But don't just list them! 

Instead, you need to clearly demonstrate how your new employers would benefit from your skills despite coming from a different background. 

Here's a brief how-to:

• Firstly, you need to brainstorm about what skills you possess that might be useful in your new job position. 
• Then, align them with the requirements outlined in the job posting. 
• Out of the bunch pick 2-3 skills that are essential for succeeding in the new position. 
• Finally, provide a proof that you have these skills by giving examples of how you utilized them in your previous job (back your claims by quantifiable data if possible).

Transferable skills on a cover letter example

“In my role as a Project Manager, I led a team of 10 in developing and executing a marketing campaign that resulted in a 25% increase in customer engagement over six months. This experience honed my skills in strategic planning , c ross-functional team leadership , and data-driven decision-making . I am excited to apply these skills to the role of [New Position], where I can contribute to [Company’s] success.”

Step 6: Highlight your interest in the company

And don't just say that you want to work for them because they pay more. In fact, don't mention salary at all! 

In this section of your career change cover letter, you need to show your affinity to this particular company that goes beyond mere financial gain. Why them?

But before you jump into it headfirst, do these three things: research, research, and more research! 

Read their website, stalk their social accounts, go through their quarterly reports, pull up any news articles, look at their LinkedIn page — and do all that without reservations. And try to find answers to the following questions:  

• What is the company culture like?
• What are the company values/mission?
• What projects did they work on? 
• What events did they organize?
• Do they support any non-profit organizations? 

Let the information you learn be your pointers. And then, all you need to do is try to be as honest as you can. 

For your inspiration, consider this example:

Showing affinity with company example

“I’ve always admired the Neverwas Company for not just what you do, but how you do it—especially your support for the Environment Institution in cleaning up local beaches last summer. It’s this kind of work that inspires me. In my last job, I organized community clean-up events, and I see a lot of overlap in our values. I’m excited about the chance to bring my passion and skills to a team that cares so much about making a difference.”

Step 7: Bow out with a strong closing paragraph

And now, all that's left to do is apply a few finishing touches. 

The final paragraph of your career change cover letter should include: 

• A reiteration of your desire to work for the company. But only briefly. 
• An expression of gratitude. Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
• A call for action. Such as expressing your wish for a personal meeting. 
• An appropriate sign-off. Depending on how you greeted the recipient of your cover letter, you can sign off with either “Yours sincerely,” or “Best regards,”. If you addressed the recruiter by their name, sign off with the former; if not, use the latter. 

In case you'd like to see how to close the curtain with finesse, these 8 great cover letter endings are just waiting to be read. 

And now, let's put all these steps together and look at 3 complete cover letters, made with our cover letter templates .

#1 Career change cover letter example

This cover letter was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

Why does it work?

• This example does a great job of making the text digestible and easy to follow . Because the last thing you want is to have your cover letter looking cluttered and disorganized. 
• Another interesting element is the inclusion of bullet points . It’s yet another way of making you cover letter visually distinct.

#2 Career change cover letter example

This cover letter was made using Kickresume templates.

What’s good about this example?

• The candidate’s contact information stands apart from the rest of the text, making it easy to spot. 
• Also, this person manages to bridge the gap between marketing and UX design by identifying a principle common for both - customer satisfaction. This motive is then repeated throughout the whole cover letter. 
• Another thing worth pointing out is the detailed description of the candidate's most relevant achievements .

#3 Career change cover letter example

What can you take away.

• This cover letter example opens with a bang ! The candidate communicates his passion for the new job load and clear. From his writing, it's obvious that his career change was inspired by a genuine desire to facilitate memorable events for his clients. 
• Despite the fact that accountancy and event organization have very little in common, Robert was able to draw transferable skills from his volunteering experience . 
• And, to better illustrate the scope of his skills, Bob provided quantifiable data to bolster his competencies. 

For more cover letter samples, feel free to browse our cover letter database .

To sum it all up, a compelling career change cover letter is your best bet at persuading hiring managers to give you a chance. 

As a career changer, you probably have little to no work experience that directly relates to the profession you want to transition to. That's why you should focus your cover letter on: 

• your passion and dedication to the job
• any relevant transferable skills 
• explaining your reasons for the professional pivot

To craft an effective cover letter that addresses all three themes mentioned above, we recommend following these simple 7 steps:  

• Start with your contact information
• Open with a polite greeting
• Kick off with a strong introductory paragraph
• Address your career change
• Showcase your potential with transferable skills
• Highlight your interest in the company
• Bow out with closing paragraph

Finally, if you've just started looking into a career change because you're unhappy in your current job but don't know what profession to focus on, feel free to explore how to become:

• an architect ,
• a real estate agent ,
• a psychologist ,
• a human resources manager ,
• a chiropractor ,
• or a Scrum Master .

As a rule, your cover letter shouldnt exceed one page! Anything longer than that and you're risking discouraging the hiring manager from ever reading it. Your cover letter should recount the best parts of your professional life and your motivation, not the whole story.

By far the biggest mistake you can make is NOT customizing your cover letter to fit specific requirements of the job posting you're responding to. Other minor, but no less significant, mistakes include: spelling errors, grammar mistakes, and typos. So make sure you proofread your cover letter before hitting send. 

Although your cover letter is still a formal document, it's also your chance to establish a connection with the recruiter on a personal level. And your tone of voice should reflect both of these realities. Be professional, but not too stiff; confident but not arrogant; friendly, but not too nonchalant.

That depends.You can name-drop your previous employer if you feel like it will give you more professional credit. But don't dwell on this for too long. And never EVER speak badly about your past employer, colleagues, or team. Such behaviour reflects negatively on your professionalism and integrity.

When you're looking for a new job, every moment is precious. That's why you should consider trying an AI tool that helps you create the first draft of your cover letter. Simply enter your most recent job title, press the “Use AI Writer” button and the AI writer will generate a cover letter for you. And the best thing is, you can try it for free .

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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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

USE THIS TEMPLATE

Microsoft Word

Google Docs

Block Format

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.

Pair Your Cover Letter with a Matching Career Change Resume

or download as PDF

Level up your cover letter game

Relax! We’ll do the heavy lifiting to write your cover letter in seconds.

Career Change No Experience Cover Letter Example

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Graphic designer

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!

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.

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:

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%.

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!

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.

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.

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How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter (Sample + Tips)

As a career changer, you need to help recruiters understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work and what you want to achieve in your new career path.

You will inevitably change jobs throughout your career as you seek more responsibility, growth, or even a higher salary. According to Statista [ 1 ], the average Canadian employee stays at a job for just over twelve years. Changing careers can allow you to find more meaningful work, better align your career path with your larger goals, and move into a more energizing role.  

However, for career changers, switching to a new path can sometimes involve unique challenges. 

When drafting your cover letter to apply for a job in a new line of work, you should explain your larger objectives. This article will cover specific information you can feature in your career change cover letter to help recruiters understand your goals and reasons for making a switch. 

Information to include in your career change cover letter. 

Generally, a cover letter is a chance to flesh out the bullet points you outline on your resume . It’s a space to explain your interest in the role and company, highlight your experience and skills, and sell a recruiter on the overall fit you’ll make. 

A career changer must do all that in the cover letter and more. You also need to help recruiters and hiring managers understand why you’re moving away from your former line of work. You’ll want to cover what you want to achieve in your new career path and highlight any transferable skills that will help smooth your transition. 

Let’s review four key pieces of information you can weave into your career change cover letter.  

Career change context

Plan to include a career change objective somewhere in your cover letter, similar to how you would use a resume objective to provide a summary of your experience and goals. Explain why you’re interested in changing careers and how the role you’re applying to fits within your larger career aspirations. Don’t be afraid to share a sense of your personality so that recruiters can better connect with you.  

What this looks like: I’ve spent the last six years translating complex topics for various users as a technical writer. But in a lightbulb moment, I realized that what really drives me is the user’s experience. That’s why I want to make a career change to UX design . I believe I’ll make a strong addition to your team because my work has consistently put the user front and center. Now, I’m interested in focusing on a different facet of that goal. 

Certificates, courses, or trainings

Recruiters and hiring managers want to find the right candidate. It costs an average of US$4,129 to hire an employee, according to the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) in an ADP article [ 2 ]. SHRM also found it takes 42 days, on average, to fill a job opening. So, make hiring you even easier by explaining what you’ve done to prepare for your career change. Highlight any professional certificates or training you’ve completed to prepare for your new position. 

What this looks like: To familiarize myself with the tools and processes used in data analysis, I completed the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate , which taught me SQL  and R, and trained me to clean and visualize data. Thanks to this preparation, I am confident I will make a smooth transition to your team from the very start.  

Transferable skills 

Transferable skills are “portable,” meaning you can take them from job to job. They include problem-solving, critical thinking, attention to detail, and more. When making a career change, highlighting your important workplace skills, such as communication and teamwork, can help. This can help those making the hiring decisions quickly understand your unique value to their company.  

Find out the key technical skills the job requires, highlighting any you have learned, especially regarding important software or tools. 

What this looks like: As a software developer, I regularly relied on my problem-solving skills to solve complex issues. As the new algebra teacher at ABC High School, I’ll bring that same skill and strong attention to detail, listening, and decision-making to ABC High School. 

Past achievements 

Any time you can highlight what you’ve accomplished in your past roles, you help a recruiter see your potential in a new role. Summarize moments that showcase your strengths and illustrate your work ethic or character. 

What this looks like: I am a team player and problem-solver. As a social media manager at Company X, I identified a better program to help my team schedule content. Using that tool improved my team’s efficacy, leading to our most successful quarter to date. 

Why a cover letter is so important for career changers. 

The idea of a career path can be rigid, suggesting that people only follow one specific track. Although that perspective is starting to shift, it’s still prevalent. Help recruiters and hiring managers see you in a new role by explaining why you’re changing careers and what you’ve done to streamline your transition. 

Career change cover letter sample

It's a common practice to submit your cover letter digitally. Even still, it’s good to include some of your contact information in the top left corner so recruiters can easily see how to get in touch.

Thomas Bennett

Calgary, AB

(555) 555-1234

[email protected]

Dear Ms. Tufte, 

I’m writing to apply for the project manager role at Company X. I initially began my career as a marketing coordinator and eventually moved into email marketing, where I was responsible for strategizing and developing new campaigns. But in that time, I realized how much I thrived when managing our quarterly campaigns from start to finish. That’s why I’m interested in a segue into project management. 

Knowing that, despite my experience, I still needed to learn more specifically about project management, I completed the Google Project Management Professional Certificate. Over six months, I’ve learned Agile project management and how to create product documentation, among other key skills. I believe this training and my previous experience will help me transition to a project management role at Company X and make a big impact.   

I’m an organized problem-solver with a sharp eye for detail, all important skills in project management. In fact, I believe my previous work in email marketing provided hands-on training in managing projects, albeit without the official title. I identified new tools to help my team create more effective quarterly campaigns. As a result, we increased our click-through rate (one of our key metrics) to 1.87 per cent, bringing it closer to the industry standard—an immense achievement. 

I’m proud of the foundation I gained through marketing, but realizing where my true passion lies, I’m keen to transition into a project management role with more growth opportunities. Thank you for your consideration. 

3 ways to strengthen your cover letter. 

Any time you write a cover letter, whether for a standard new role or as a career changer, you might apply these tips to strengthen your letter. After all, the cover letter is part of your important first impression on potential employers.

1. Tailor your letter for each role.

Just as you should customize your resume for each role you apply to, the same holds for your cover letter. Research the company and find out aspects of their work that interest you. Mention those details in your cover letter. You should also tailor your experience and skills to highlight the most relevant skills and accomplishments to suit each job. 

2. Get specific.

Your cover letter should expand upon your resume rather than repeating the same information. One way to do this is by giving details about your past achievements. Quantify your impact with numbers and explain how these accomplishments make you uniquely qualified for this new role. 

As a career changer, consider the cover letter as the place to make your case for your transition. The resume lists information about you and your skills and experience. In the cover letter, you can tell a story about your career trajectory and the reasons for your course change.

3. Use action words. 

Build action words into your resume and cover letter. Action verbs can liven up your cover letter and make it more interesting to read. Find verbs that succinctly and accurately depict your previous experience. Also, aim to use more dynamic action words to tell your story. For example, lots of people “lead,” “manage,” or “assist.” You can make a stronger case by choosing strong verbs specific to your roles.

Continue growing with Coursera. 

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Article sources

Statista. “ Average Job Tenure in Canada, by occupation 2022 , https://www.statista.com/statistics/439028/multiple-jobholders-canada/” Accessed April 29, 2024.

ADP. “ Calculating the True Cost to Hire Employees , https://www.adp.ca/en/resources/articles-and-insights/articles/c/calculating-the-true-cost-to-hire-employees.aspx/” Accessed April 29, 2024.

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