When you opt for a different position in your field or have decided to switch your career, a cover letter can play a huge role in securing a job. Since you are shifting to a completely new domain, you may not have the relevant experience required for the job profile. This is where you can use your cover letter to exhibit your strengths and make the most of the opportunity. However, you must know how to capitalize on your transferable skills and convince the hiring manager on why you are the best fit for the job.



A cover letter's objective is to demonstrate why you qualify for a particular position. However, when you are changing your field, you must focus on points that will help you rise above experienced candidates. In this type of cover letter, you should stress on your transferable skills that will be useful in your new position. Apart from this, you must state your superior performances for which you were applauded in a former field. And last but not the least, express your passion for the new role. Writing an effective career change cover letter can help you communicate your desire to work in a particular industry the right way. You can refer to following cover letter format to convince your employer.

Full Name
Residential Address
City, State, Zip code
Contact Information -
Phone number
Email Address

Date

Recruiter Name
Company Name
Address
City, State, Zip code

Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms (Hiring Manager name)

It is with great interest and zeal that I am responding to “Production Manager” job opening posted on your company's website. I firmly believe that the abilities and skills that I have developed in my career, until now, can help me in handling responsibilities of the job position. The opportunity which your organization has presented seems very appealing, and I think my proficiency at handling projects makes me a suitable candidate for the role.

I am currently working as a (specify your position) for (state your company's name). I have interacted with people from various departments and public authorities. Because of this, my communication skills have been polished, and I have a better understanding on what needs to be done to ensure things are fulfilled as per client's demand.

In fact, I have recently received the (specify the name of the award)  because of my ability to coordinate with cross-functional teams, accomplish projects according to client's expectations and within a set deadline. My other areas of expertise include -

Problem solving skill

Termed as a useful resource known to keep calm for solving complex problems and making key decisions at crucial points.

Efficient planner and organizer

Have an established track record of handling multiple tasks and prioritizing assignments to meet deadlines. Capable of meeting goals to achieve the company's objective.

Team player 

Described as a competent member of my team who is willing to take extra efforts to achieve company target.

Self starter 

Highly motivated employee and a quick learner who always wants to improve and focus on self-development.

I am assured that my experience and set of skills that I have gained in previous jobs meet your expectations for this role. Hereby, attached is my resume for further information about experience. I am hoping that you find me interesting enough to set up face-to-face appointment. I am sure I will be a valuable member of your team. I believe in your company's motto, and it goes in alignment with my personal and professional values.

You can reach me anytime on my contact number to set up our meeting date as per your convenience. Thank you for taking out time for reading my application. Looking forward to your response and speaking on length about the job opportunity.

Sincerely,

Full Name

The cover letter must not contain the same points that you intend to elaborate in your resume. When you are writing a career change cover letter, try to manipulate how your experience can suit the new position. Include transferable skills and competencies that showcase why you as the right candidate for the position to the employer.

When you are planning to transition to a new career, you have to draft a cover letter. The purpose of this cover letter is to demonstrate how your transferable skills can go with the new profession. However, convincing an employer to hire you, especially when you are shifting a profession is not easy. You have to take a different approach and perspective to draft it.

Your only aim when drafting a career change cover letter should be to convince the would-be employer to hire you. This crucial document gives an apt explanation to the recruiter regarding points such as why you have opted for a career change. Along with the relevant resume, cover letter also highlights your transferable skills that make you suitable for the position. These points may not be reflected in your resume, and hence, your cover letter must be written with utmost care.

Cover Letter

Following points must be taken into consideration while writing a cover letter for career change:

#01. Opening Paragraph 

Address the career change cover letter to a specific person 

The cover letter must be addressed to the concerned person in a formal manner. Starting the letter by addressing it to a  specific person increases your chances of being noticed by the recruiter. Personalizing the letter can be an effective way to start your document. You can always get authenticate information for the same on the company's site.

Mention the job profile you are applying for 

The candidate must clearly mention the job position he/she is interested in and also give details about how he/she came to know about the job opening. Add reference of the person who gave you the information. It could be consultancy or any on-line job portal.

Sell yourself 

Since you are going through a career change, it is advisable not to mention previous work experience if they are irrelevant to the new job profile. Emphasize the transferable skills that can support you in the job. This will increase your chances of being noticed by the employer.

#02. Middle Paragraph (body)

Justify why you are changing your career to a specific field 

There will definitely be a question on why you are choosing to apply for this particular job opening. Mention your relevant desires and how your experience can assist the organization.

Give a brief description about your experience and skills pertaining to the job

You can mention your previous work if it is related to the position. Also, you can talk about abilities in completing projects within deadlines and your strong network that may be helpful to the organization.

Assist the employer in visualizing why you are the best candidate for the position 

You can include points regarding your background, experience and skills that will be useful in growing the business of the organization. Emphasize on how your experience can be effective in bringing positive outcomes and better results for the firm.

#03. Closing Paragraph

Thank the concerned person 

At the end of your cover letter, do not forget to thank the recruiter for taking out time to read your application and reviewing your resume.

Actuate the next move of the employer 

Take steps to initiate further steps from the hiring manager by adding proactive sentences. Mention you are open to any other questions and are willing to hold additional discussions for the same.

Sign off in a formal style 

Last but not the least, mention your full name, contact details, specifically your phone number and email id where the recruiter can get in touch with you.

Every individual has different reasons for a career change. It can be the changing market conditions, the individual's urge to grow more dynamically or any other personal reasons. To make the potential employer take interest in you, it is essential that you write an appropriate cover letter. It will help in conveying relevant credentials, your transferable skills and how passionate you are about your new career.