How to Create Your Cover Letter When
Switching Careers
You have recently made the decision to
exit one career and enter a new one, which can be both exciting and a
little bit scary. But while the choice to make the career switch was
probably a grueling one, the prospect of explaining your lack of job
experience to potential employers is probably downright terrifying.
Though you may be concerned about
drawing attention to this missing portion of your career history, don’t
spend too much time dwelling on it. The truth is, if you really desire to
move into your new career, you can do it. You just have to believe in
yourself and present this belief in your cover letters.
Let’s look at how you can do it
…
Be Honest
about Why You’re Changing Careers When you begin explaining why
you’re switching careers in your cover letter, it is best to be as honest
as possible. You can do this by remembering that at some point you sat
alone and contemplated your reasons for making this major life decision.
So take this time to revisit those reasons. Are you switching because you
weren’t fulfilled in your previous career? Or do you believe that you’ve
always had talent in this field and now you want to pursue it? Whatever
your reasons may be, express them well. Doing so may help prospective
employers better relate to your new-found passion. Even more, it may
inspire them to take a chance with you, even if you have less experience
in this specific career than other candidates.
Discuss Your
Relevant Experience As mentioned previously, you may not have
an extensive background in the career you are pursuing, but that’s okay.
If you have relevant professional experience, you can simply dig that up
to show the prospective employer your ability to perform. For instance,
you may have years of experience working as a PR manager. However, you
would like to become a marketing manager because you’re interested in
branding products, participating in trade shows, and getting the company
name out to the public. As a PR manager, you may have experience talking
to the media on behalf of your company, and developing strategies to help
create the proper public image. So you can note these and other relevant
PR experiences in your cover letter to show that your understanding of the
company’s public image and products can easily be applied to a marketing
career.
Do You Believe
in Yourself? You should question how much you believe in
yourself before writing your cover letter. Why? Because you are making a
major change in your life that requires courage, and could possibly face a
little rejection. If you hold fear in your heart, it can easily translate
on paper. So before you write your cover letter, it is a good idea to
develop and nurture your belief in your capabilities. This can boost your
confidence and possibly help the potential employer take a greater
interest in you.
Switching
careers can definitely be an intimidating prospect to consider.
But if you have confidence in your abilities, the skills to back it up,
and a great cover letter to boot, you will be well on your way to
successfully entering an exciting new career in the field you absolutely
love.
Written By
Heather Eagar |
Writers
Profile
Heather Eagar assistant@heathereagar.com
Heather Eagar is a
former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing
working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search
tools and information. Check out reviews of the top resume writing
services in the industry at
http://www.resumelines.com |
