How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Change
Examples and Tips
Starting a new job is a big step that comes with a lot of uncertainty and potential. Especially if your resume doesn’t fit the job, your cover letter is where you tell the story that ties everything together. A good cover letter can show off your skills, connect your past experiences to your future goals, and help potential employers see how valuable you are.
How Important A Cover Letter Is When Changing Jobs
When you’re changing jobs, your cover letter tells your story. It explains why and how you want to change careers, shows how excited you are, and explains how your past gives you unique insights and skills that can be used in other situations. It also directly addresses any worries people might have about your job change, showing that it is an advantage rather than a disadvantage.
How to Write a Cover Letter for a Job Change
- Make it personal:
When you can, address the letter to a specific person. This shows that you pay attention to details and are genuinely interested in the job. It’s important to show that you’re not just looking for any job and that you’ve done your research. You read the CEO’s 20-page annual report and looked through the business website (not just skimmed it). Since you’ve read it, you can even quote from their blog. You’ve learned new things. - Stress Transferable Skills:
Talk about the skills and experiences you’ve had in the past that are useful for this new job. If you can, be detailed and give numbers to your accomplishments. - Show that you’re excited about and committed to the new field:
Employers want to know that you are genuinely interested in it. Say why you want to change careers and how much you want to help. - Tailor Your Story:
Show how your unique background can bring a new view to the job; connect your past experiences to the job you’re applying for. - Address Possible Concerns:
Be honest about your job change and say you made it because you were motivated and knew a lot about the new field. - End with a Strong Call to Action:
To show initiative and determination, say at the end that you’d like to discuss your application further in an interview. - Use smart language:
Stay away from overused words. Choose colorful, specific language that makes it easy to picture what you can do and what you have accomplished.
Example: Cover letter for a general job change
To the [Name of the Hiring Manager],
I’m excited to apply for the [Position] at [Company]. I’m moving from [Current Industry] to [New Industry] for a career. The work I did in [Current Industry] taught me useful skills that I can’t wait to use in [New Industry]. As an example, I became very good at [transferable skill] while I was working as [Previous Position], which led to [specific achievement].
In [Current Industry], I improved my [relevant skill] and showed that I could [relevant achievement], which helped my team directly by [specific result]. I’m really interested in [New Industry] because [reason for interest], and I’m excited about the chance to bring [specific skill] and [another skill] to the [Position] at [Company].
Due sincere,
Name: [Your Name]
Changes for Different Stages of Your Career
Whether you are changing careers early on or later, your cover letter should show why you want to make this change and how excited you are about it.
Example: Cover Letter for a New Job
I’m just starting in my job, so I’m excited to use the basic skills I learned in [Initial Field], like [specific skill], in [New Field]. In my most recent job as [Previous Position], I gained [related skills or experiences] that are very similar to what the [Position] at [Company] needs.
Example: Cover letter for a late career
Moving into [New Field] at this point in my work is a choice I made with great enthusiasm because I’m really interested in [aspect of New Field]. Because I have worked in [Previous Field] for a long time, I have a lot of knowledge and a unique point of view that can help [Company] come up with new ideas for strategies and solutions.
Changes for both white- and blue-collar roles
Moving from white-collar to blue-collar jobs is a great way to show off different skills and experiences.
Cover letter from white collar to blue collar
I’m excited to bring the planning and management skills I’ve learned in my white-collar job to [Blue Collar Field], where things are more hands-on and always changing. My work experience in [White Collar Role], where I learned [certain skills], fits well with the duties and tasks of the [Blue Collar Position] at [Company].
Cover letter from blue collar to white collar
As I move from the [Blue Collar Field] to the [White Collar Field], I bring real-world experience that can help the [White Collar Role] make better strategic choices. I learned [certain skills] in [Blue Collar Role], which gives me a unique view that will help me in [White Collar Position] at [Company].
Putting a statement about a career change on your resume or CV
Your cover letter is the best place to describe your job change in more detail, but your resume or CV should also show that you’ve made this change. Putting a short statement about your job change at the top of your resume can help your career story make sense. In a few words, this sentence should explain your move, stressing your dedication to the new area and any relevant skills or experiences.
What to Write in Your Resume About a Career Change
- Objective Statement:
Start with a short, clear objective that explains your career goals and shows your excitement about the new area. - Summary of Qualifications:
Write a summary of your most important qualifications, focused on skills and experiences that will help you in your new job, right after your objective. - Emphasize Transferable Skills:
Make clear and stress which skills from your old job are relevant to your new one. This not only shows that you can do the job, but it also shows that you are taking the initiative to match your skills to the new role’s needs. - Tailor Your Experience:
Change the job descriptions to highlight the duties and accomplishments that are most important to the career path you want to take. Use measurable accomplishments to show how flexible and vital you are. - Education and Training:
If you have any relevant education or training for your new job, put it in a prominent place on your resume to show how dedicated you are to making the change.
Make your language stand out.
Use unique and accurate words in your cover letter and resume to not sound like everyone else. For example: • Instead of “experienced,” use “seasoned” or “accomplished,” and give specific examples of your experience, such as leading a team to exceed its goals or managing a successful project.
- Change the word “passionate” to “enthused” or “committed,” and describe a project or effort you worked on with zeal. This may make hiring managers feel more connected with you.
- Change the word “results-driven” to “outcome-focused,” and give an example of how your focus on results helped your group achieve real success.
The cover letter and resume speak for you by telling the story of your professional journey and explaining why you’re not just looking for a new job but starting a new career with energy and purpose. By carefully crafting these papers to tell your unique story, you make yourself stand out from the other candidates as a memorable and compelling one.
Here are some related links from your friends at Your Career Place.
https://yourcareerplace.com/uncategorized/resume-revamp-outshine-bots-get-noticed/
