A career change is both an exciting and challenging time.

One of the most critical elements of this transition is crafting an effective cover letter. This is for two reasons:

Reason one: a career transition usually requires sending a bunch of cover letters – you’ll need the letter.

Reason two: writing a cover letter allows you to articulate your story before you head into an interview or a networking event – you’ll need to polish your story.

Therefore, putting together a well-written cover letter can be the key to opening doors in a new industry.

But before we get into the details of putting together a cover letter for career change, we need to first understand some key facts about career change itself.

Career Change Is Difficult

Transitioning to a new career is a considerable challenge. This is because, there are a number of deep seated obstacles you’ll need to overcome:

  • Lack of Track Record: Without a proven track record in the new industry, career changers often face skepticism from potential employers. The absence of relevant work history makes it challenging to demonstrate your competency and secure positions that align with your career aspirations. (And no, regardless of how stellar your career history might be in another career track, the new one will ALWAYS treat you as lacking in experience, since that attitude serves the job security needs of your new colleagues.)
  • Lack of Credentials: A lack of formal credentials or certifications in the new field can also be a significant obstacle. Many industries place a high value on specific qualifications, and without these, you might find your applications repeatedly overlooked. Some industries and HR departments will not even consider your application without the credential, especially if it lacks a referral.
  • Lack of Network: The lack of a professional network in the new industry can impede career change efforts as well. Networking is crucial for job opportunities, especially in the new hyper-competitive world. Career changers often need to start building these connections from scratch, before they make their job transition, which can be a slow and arduous process.
  • Lack of Institutional Support: One of the most daunting hurdles is the lack of institutional support. Unlike the structured guidance provided by colleges or HR departments when navigating initial career choices, when you try to shift careers, you’ll often find yourself without a clear roadmap. This absence of support can make the process overwhelming and directionless (Harvard Business Review).
  • Loss of Professional Identity: Another critical barrier is the loss of professional identity. For many, career is intertwined with sense of self. Shifting to a new field can lead to an identity crisis. (This should be dealt with, by talking to a mentor you look up to)

Despite these challenges, career change is not only possible but surprisingly common.

According to a study by BrainManager, 82.8% of individuals have changed careers during their working life. Notably, nearly half (45.6%) of these individuals pursued new roles in search of better job satisfaction.

Which reminds us…

Career Change Has Significant Benefits

A longitudinal study showed that individuals, merely one year after their career transition, report better job satisfaction, better job security as well as a reduction in the number of hours worked.

In other words, while the transition to a new career might indeed be difficult, odds are – you will not only make the transition, but the transition will come with significant benefits.

Understanding the Role of a Cover Letter in Career Change

A cover letter is both a formality as well as an opportunity.

It’s a formality because when you apply to a job, if you don’t send a cover letter it looks weird.

But simply writing a cover letter to jump through that formality hoop, and in the process, sending an average cover letter is… failure.

Your cover letter, especially when you are changing industries, is also your opportunity to directly address the hiring manager and explain why you are an excellent fit for the role despite your unconventional background. It allows you to:

  • Showcase your transferable skills and experiences.
  • Explain your motivation for changing careers.
  • Demonstrate your knowledge of the new industry.
  • Plant the seeds of your Career Narrative, which you’ll use to gain control of the interview.

Therefore, when writing a cover letter for a career change, you need to approach it with greater attention to detail. To the ordinary applicant, a cover letter may be a formality, but to a career changing applicant, it’s a significant and powerful tool.

Context of the Cover Letter and Types of Cover Letters

When switching careers, you are going to be sending more than just the ordinary “application cover letter”. Therefore, it’s important that we cover the different types of cover letters you’re going to need to use, as well as their nuances.

The context in which you send a cover letter and the type of cover letter you choose to write can significantly influence its effectiveness.

Context of the Cover Letter

Who You’re Sending the Cover Letter To

  1. Hiring Managers: When addressing a hiring manager, focus on how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Personalize your letter by referencing specific details about the company and the role. Focus on the job and your qualifications for the job above anything else.
  2. Recruiters: If you’re sending your cover letter to a recruiter, emphasize your qualifications and career goals. Recruiters look for candidates who fit well with the job descriptions they manage, especially on paper. Generally speaking, they are detached from the activity or work of the department they are hiring for.
  3. Networking Contacts: When leveraging your network, your cover letter should be more informal and focus on your career aspirations and how the contact can assist you. These letters also have a friendship building element that you should not overlook (see our events for the definition of “business friends”)
  4. HR Departments: When applying through an HR department, ensure your cover letter is professional and clearly highlights your qualifications and how they meet the job criteria. Be sure to use their terminology and leverage the Language of Value.

What Context Matters

  1. Job Posting: Reference the job posting directly in your cover letter. Mention specific qualifications or experiences that match the job description.
  2. Company Culture: Tailor your tone and content to reflect the company’s culture. For instance, a tech startup might appreciate a more creative and informal approach, while a traditional corporation may prefer a formal tone.
  3. Industry Norms: Different industries have varying expectations for cover letters. Research industry standards to ensure your cover letter meets those expectations. (Note: Research means talking to people, not just reading online!)
  4. Career Change: If you’re changing careers, you MUST address why you are making the shift and how your past experiences translate into the new role. This must be done within the first two paragraphs of your cover letter.

Types of Cover Letters

Application Cover Letter

An application cover letter is the most common type, sent in response to a specific job opening. It should:

  • Highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
  • Explain why you are interested in the position.
  • Showcase your knowledge of the company.

Prospecting Cover Letter

A prospecting cover letter, or an inquiry letter, is sent to companies that have not advertised job openings. It should:

  • Introduce yourself and your career aspirations.
  • Explain why you are interested in the company, as well as the type of job you’re open to.
  • Highlight how your skills and experiences would benefit the organization.

Networking Cover Letter

A networking cover letter is used to seek assistance in your job search. It should:

  • Mention how you know the contact and why you are writing.
  • Explain your career goals and how the contact can help.
  • Highlight your key skills and experiences.

Referral Cover Letter

A referral cover letter mentions a mutual contact who referred you to the job. It should:

  • Mention the referrer’s name in the opening.
  • Highlight your qualifications and how you learned about the position.
  • Explain why you are a good fit for the role.

Each type of cover letter serves a unique purpose. And each type should be tailored to the context of the job application.

Key Elements of an Effective Career Change Cover Letter

Now that we have the basics covered, let’s go over the steps involved in writing a great cover letter for career change.

  1. Strong Opening Statement: Capture attention with a clear and compelling introduction. Mention the specific role you are applying for and a brief explanation of why you are excited about this opportunity.
  2. Transferable Skills and Achievements: Highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to succeed in the new industry.
  3. Explain Your Motivation: Clearly articulate why you are making a career change. Show enthusiasm for the new field and how it aligns with your career goals.
  4. Company Knowledge: Demonstrate that you have done your research about the company. Be specific, detailed and concise. Mention how your background and skills can benefit their organization.
  5. Professional Tone and Structure: Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter. Ensure your letter is well-organized and free of grammatical errors.

Career Change Cover Letter Template

Here’s a template to help you get started:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [where you found the job posting]. With a background in [Your Previous Industry] and a strong passion for [New Industry], I am excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name].

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I developed skills in [list relevant skills]. For example, [specific example demonstrating transferable skills]. These experiences have equipped me with the ability to [how your skills can benefit the new role].

My decision to transition into [New Industry] stems from my avid interest in [explain your motivation]. I have undertaken [courses] and self-study to prepare myself for this new path. I am also confident that my unique background in [past career skill] will bring a fresh perspective to [Company Name].

I am particularly impressed by [specific aspect of the company] and am eager to bring my skills in [specific skills] to your team.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can join [Company Name].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Career Change Cover Letter

1. Customize Your Cover Letter to Each Job

Customizing your cover letter for each application is crucial. Employers can easily spot a generic cover letter. Address the specific requirements and preferences mentioned in the job posting.

By the way, this doesn’t just mean changing a few words out of a template. It means changing the specific examples of skill usage as well as specific statements of qualification.

You have to do the work. And doing the work takes less time than trying to “cheat” your way into an interview by using those “clever hacks…

Done correctly, 5 applications may be enough to get you an interview. Done by “hacked” template cover letters where you copy/paste and switch a few words… You may find yourself sending 500 applications without a single reply.

If you want the fast route… Do the work. Write unique, detailed, and specific cover letters to each job.

2. Highlight Relevant Experience

Even if your previous jobs don’t directly relate to the new role (share interchangeable titles), focus on the skills and achievements that do. For example, if you’re moving from marketing to sales, emphasize your experience with client relationships, persuasive communication, and communications planning.

3. Emphasize Soft Skills

Soft skills such as adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership are often considered transferable skills across industries. Highlight these abilities and provide examples of how you’ve applied them in different contexts.

(Pro tip: Be sure to give references to your competence in the five core skills and the seven high value disciplines)

4. Showcase Your Learning and Development

If you’ve taken any courses or certifications relevant to your new career, mention them. This shows your commitment to the transition and your proactive approach.

5. Be Honest and Positive

Acknowledge the career change, but frame it positively. Focus on what you bring to the table rather than what you lack. Avoid negative language and never apologize for your career shift.

Conclusion

Making a career change can be daunting, but a well-crafted cover letter can make a big difference.

By emphasizing your transferable skills, demonstrating your commitment to learning, and tailoring your message to each job, you can effectively communicate your potential to prospective employers.

There is no sugar coating this… Career transitions are hard.

People are extremely biased toward those outside their industry, and are also caught up in credentialism. Further compounding the matter, our institutions as well as incentive structures are set up so that such credentialism and unfounded biased towards outsiders persist.

In other words, it is an uphill battle.

But remember: it may not be easy, but in the end, it will be worth it!

And in that context, remember that your cover letter is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression.

So… Make it count!