How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

Check out our career change cover letter example and tips below to learn how to write a cover letter that convinces hiring managers that you’re the best fit for the job.

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Career Change Cover Letter Sample

This career change cover letter example demonstrates how to use your existing experience to apply for a job in a new field:

1. Write an attention-grabbing introduction

Hiring managers have a limited amount of time to spend on each job application. So, don’t start your cover letter by drawing attention to your lack of experience with self-deprecating phrases like “I may be unqualified, but…”

You don’t want to make a negative impression on employers before they’ve gotten the chance to learn why you’re the right candidate for the job.
Instead, you want the introduction of your cover letter to make a positive impression and immediately give hiring managers a reason to consider your application. For example, highlight your:

• Relevant qualifications
• Passion for your new career path

2. Highlight your transferable skills

When you’re switching careers, your cover letter needs to convey that you possess the skills required to do the job.

According to Caroline Castrillon, an experienced career and leadership coach, highlighting your transferable skills is the key to writing a strong career change cover letter:

The cover letter is the perfect place to address a career change because you can tailor it to address why your current experience is valuable and relevant to the job and the company. The key is to highlight transferable skills which allow you to make an immediate impact in almost any field.

Caroline Castrillon, Career and Leadership Coach at Corporate Escape Artist

Rather than focus on your lack of work experience, use your cover letter to focus on the transferable skills you picked up at your last job (or in other parts of your life) that will make you a great addition to your new workplace.

Not sure what skills to highlight? No problem. Here are some versatile examples of soft skills to include in your career change cover letter:

• Communication skills (verbal, written, and listening)
• Leadership skills
• Critical thinking
• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently
• Creativity
• Time management
• Public speaking

Some transferable hard skills you can mention in your cover letter include:

• Data analysis
• Agile project management
• Budget management
• Research skills
• Technical writing
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Coding skills
• Microsoft Office
• Collaboration tools (Slack, Trello, Microsoft Teams)
• Language skills

Additionally, you should highlight any industry-specific technical skills you have that are directly relevant to the job you want.

For example, if you’re transitioning into a career in software development, be sure to mention any coding classes you’ve taken, whether through an accredited program or through self-study.

Remember to be clear and concise about your skills and how they translate to the open position.

3. Explain your career change

When you’re changing careers, your resume may not show employers why they should hire you. So, your cover letter is the perfect opportunity to convince them that you’re the right candidate for the job, and that hiring you is worth taking a chance.

To make sure your commitment to your new career is apparent, be honest in your cover letter about why you’re changing industries. Tell the story behind how you discovered your passion, and emphasize any relevant experience you have.

Remember: relevant experience doesn’t have to be work-related, it can also be:

• volunteer work
• online courses
• personal projects

Explain the reason for your career change and discuss the steps you’ve already taken to prepare for your new career. That way, employers will see that you’ve put thought into your decision.

4. Show how you can help the company reach its goals

While employers love candidates who are passionate about their careers, to land an interview you also need to show them how their company stands to benefit from hiring you.

You may be up against candidates who’ve worked in the industry for years, so your cover letter needs to convince hiring managers that you’d be a strong fit for the job despite your gap in experience.

First, learn about the company’s values, past projects, and mission statement. Then, when you write your cover letter, mention these points and how your skills and personal qualities will help you contribute to the further success of the company.

Here’s an example of a career change cover letter closing paragraph to show you how to convince employers that you understand the company and its needs: