How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter: Tips and Examples

Why a career change cover letter matters

Cover letters are typically the first part of an application that hiring managers review. This makes them a powerful way to engage the employer and get your foot in the door, career switch or not. For career changers, this document is crucial and helps recruiters understand your entire application.

Irrelevant experience is one of the first red flags an employer notices, and they could form inaccurate biases about you before they finish reading your application. They could also discard your resume, believing it was sent accidentally.

Cover letters help you control the narrative. They give you autonomy over a daunting task, enhance confidence, and let you explain and clarify your motives.

A cover letter for a career change is upfront and honest. It shows respect for the hiring manager’s time and expertise, but doesn’t diminish your accomplishments and qualifications.

Key elements of a career change cover letter

While all applications are a little different, cover letter examples for career change generally include the following components.

Attention-grabbing opening

Learning how to start a cover letter is vital for any job seeker – it captures the employer’s attention and encourages them to read your application in full. For career changers, it’s even more important. 

The first paragraph should acknowledge your current role, express interest in a new position, and briefly mention your enthusiasm for your dream career path. You can go in-depth later, so make this section powerful but brief.

Explain the change

Next, quickly explain why you’re transitioning from one career to another. Discuss what interests you about the new role and why you decided to shift. This gives the employer context for your motives, but more importantly, gives you a reason to express your energy and enthusiasm. Showcase your commitment to learning and development, ambition, and work ethic – they’re all attention-grabbing soft skills.

Highlight transferable skills

Draw direct correlations between your current skill set and your desired role. Transferable skills fall into two categories: shared hard skills and universal soft skills. 

Shared hard skills are technical skills that your current position and desired position have in common. For example, both retail associates and call center agents have customer service skills.

Universal soft skills are useful for every role. Some examples are communication, time management, and adaptability. These are important, but don’t use too much space discussing them, as they aren’t as impactful.

Describe relevant achievements

Measurable metrics are a powerful way to show your accomplishments. Using numbers and percentages to display your impact shows your work ethic and dedication in a quick, tangible way, which is especially helpful to hiring managers who are typically busy.

Choose applicable achievements and draw a correlation to the new role. Don’t leave it up to the recruiter to notice the relevance. For example, a writer aiming for an editing role may say: “I maintained an average of 99% grammatical accuracy, giving me an eye for detail essential for an editing role.”

Close with confidence

Write a brief, strong ending paragraph. Reiterate your excitement for the new role and fresh challenges, then end with an energetic call to action. Encourage them to contact you and tell them you’re looking forward to discussing the role in-depth.

Don’t forget to thank them for their time – it’s a professional courtesy that’s always appreciated.

“Cover letters help you control the narrative. They give you autonomy over a daunting task, enhance confidence, and let you explain and clarify your motives.”

How to highlight transferable skills

Showcasing transferable skills is the most important part of a career change cover letter and resume. This is your opportunity to show potential employers that you may not have the professional title, but have the qualifications to get the job done. Here are a few tips to highlight strong, relevant transferable skills:

• Focus on hard and soft skills: While technical skills are usually more valued, it’s essential to include a mix of hard and soft skills. Emphasize shared hard skills, but mention a few soft skills, especially if you’re in a people-centric field like nursing or teaching, where patience and empathy are vital.
• Frame past experiences positively: Your former achievements are an asset that brought you where you are today. Frame them positively, draw correlations to your desired job, and use them as strengths.
• Tailor each letter to the role: Read the job description carefully and understand what the employer needs. Consider which of your skills fit the description and tailor your cover letter to match.

Check out our realistic resume examples if you need help identifying transferable skills and understanding your current and ideal industries.

Common mistakes to avoid

You know the foundation of a strong career change cover letter, but it’s still easy to make certain mistakes. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Don’t apologize: You’re an accomplished professional looking to make a move to a new career – whether you have the right qualifications or not, there’s nothing to apologize for. If you don’t have what they need, let them decide, but don’t sell yourself short.
• Avoid generic phrases: Emphasize your strengths and omit any generic language, like “I’m a team player” or “I work hard.” These don’t add value, and you can use that space for impactful achievements and skills.
• Don’t focus on the past: Mention your history, but if it isn’t relevant to this role’s qualifications, don’t dwell on it. Focus on your goals and future, and what you hope to bring to the company’s team.

Career change cover letter example

While it’s important to review realistic cover letter examples, career change applications are all a little different. Use this customizable sample to inspire your own – fill in the blanks, add your own accomplishments, and create something uniquely yours.

Use this example immediately by grabbing one of our cover letter templates. These professional layouts add clean structure, so all you need to do is add your details.

Additional resources for a career change application

To finish up, browse these helpful tools to enhance your job application and add a professional polish:

• Resume maker: Craft a cohesive, professional job application with an online cover letter and resume maker. This software helps you add structure, maintain readable white space, and keep your application ATS-friendly.
• Application templates: Use expert-made cover letter and resume templates to keep your application readable and professional. Download matching templates for your cover letter and resume for the best look.
• Newsletters: Look for industry leaders on LinkedIn and follow their newsletters for inside information on your ideal career path. It’s also a good idea to find career change newsletters for general tips and advice from people in the same situation.
• Affordable online courses: There are countless free and cost-effective online courses available to enhance your resume and cover letter. Complete a few courses, and you can add the lessons and certificates to your application.

Make a successful career change and move into your dream job

A career change is a big move, but with a polished job application, you can handle it. Explain your background, focus on the future, and show the hiring manager that you’re an amazing candidate.

Use our guide to craft a compelling cover letter. Remember to highlight your transferable skills, mention relevant achievements, and stay confident – you have every right to be here and should be proud of your accomplishments.

Need some help getting started? Use CVwizard’s cover letter maker to write an excellent cover letter without the hassle. Simply log in, choose a template, and start filling in your details. Download a tailored letter in seconds and land your ideal career.