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5 Career Change Cover Letter Examples Made for 2024

• Career Change Cover Letter
• Career Change No Experience
• HR Career Change
• Teacher Career Change
• RN Career Change Cover Letter
• Write Your Career Change Cover Letter

Switching careers can be equal parts exciting and daunting. You’re stepping into a whole new path, facing unknown challenges, and rebuilding your personal brand from scratch. There’s a lot at stake here, and to fight this battle and come out on top, you need to pick the right set of weapons.

Step one: a stellar  career change resume  tailored to match the job. Step two, however, is more challenging because you must write a cover letter to wow recruiters and express your excitement at a career change and for the company.

We’re here to help you navigate these murky waters and set the course for the career of your dreams. Our career change  cover letter examples  and free cover letter builder will help you craft a memorable job application.

Career Change Cover Letter Example

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Why this cover letter works

• For instance, this cover letter points to ways the candidate took initiative to connect sales and marketing. This evidences both interest and experience in the target role.

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Career Change No Experience Cover Letter Example

• Take, for instance, how Aria tells the story of her expertise—meticulous data analysis, project management, and problem-solving and convincingly discusses how these can be valuable assets for the new role. So, extract and communicate those transferable skills.

Human Resources Career Change Cover Letter Example

• Such competencies demonstrate that although it’s a career change, you aren’t a stranger to the environment. If the past stints involved the hiring company’s competitor, emphasize that for bonus familiarity points.

Teacher Career Change Cover Letter Example

• If you’ve earned professional certifications that don’t match your current role but align with your target career, your cover letter is the place to highlight them.

Registered Nurse (RN) Career Change Cover Letter Example

• Look for unlikely connections between your work experience and target role, then put the pieces together for recruiters in your cover letter.

Related cover letter examples

• Graphic designer

How to Write a Fantastic Career Change Cover Letter

You may think that you’re at a disadvantage when you’re applying outside of your previous career, but when it comes to cover letters, that’s not true. Treat this as an excellent opportunity to be creative and stand out from the crowd.

Here’s the trick: give that job description a good read, then whip your cover letter into shape to mirror it. Try to decipher the company’s core values, be it from the job listing or from its website, and highlight that this mission is important to you too. 

Pinpoint similarities across your past and future roles for this. For instance, if you’re switching from teaching to programming, emphasize your ability to explain complex topics to all kinds of audiences.

Writing a winning cover letter intro

The perfect cover letter begins with a personalized greeting that addresses the hiring manager by name. However, if you absolutely cannot find the recipient (try LinkedIn), you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Team.” Refrain from using “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam,” as those can be a little outdated by today’s standards.

Avoid generic starters and instead showcase why your past experience is valuable. For instance, if you previously worked in sales and you’re moving to customer service, highlight your ability to forge lasting relationships with clients.

Check out this example of what not to do below. This opening line is definitely on the uninteresting side—the hiring manager might skim your cover letter if it lacks a proper hook.

No, thank you!

“I am writing to apply for the project manager position I saw on your website. I believe this role is a great fit for me.”

Now, the example below is a huge improvement. The applicant immediately makes it clear that they used to have a different career, but they use this to their advantage by highlighting how their background in working with people can have a deep impact on their new career.

Hooked from the start!

I was inspired to transition my career from nursing into sales when I discovered the impact I could make by connecting people with the right product solutions. I am eager to bring my RN background, where relationship-building is paramount, and my skill set in sales forecasting to American Express as a sales manager.

Writing the main part of your cover letter

Roll up your sleeves because we’re diving into the main part of your cover letter—the body. Use this space as an extension of your resume that elaborates on your skills and the way they can make an impact on the company. 

Find common ground and share some of your greatest achievements that translate well to your new role. For example, if you’re a marketer transitioning into sales, discuss how spearheading a social media campaign increased your company’s revenue by 18%. 

Use metrics to support your accomplishments. Things like revenue, ROI, click-through rates, open rates, customer satisfaction ratings, budget savings, or efficiency improvements all apply to most industries. Much like in the intro, connect your background to match the company.

Here’s a body paragraph for inspiration:

In addition to teaching high school math, I have taught myself web and mobile development, database management, and the version control system Git. I am certified in AWS and Google Cloud, and built an educational app that streamlined school communication, improving homework submission rates by 23%.

Ending your cover letter on a strong note

The closing paragraph is the ribbon that you tie on top of a cohesive whole. It serves to reinforce the sentiments you talked about above—but without repeating yourself.

Emphasize your excitement at joining this particular company, and make sure to mention it by name. Pick one or two of your core skills or qualifications and flex a little—express how you will use these abilities to achieve positive outcomes at your new company.

You’re changing industries, so own it, and explain how, for instance, your knowledge of math can help you write complex code.

Lastly, thank the hiring manager for their consideration—you can do this either in the closing paragraph or in your final sign-off. Dot your i’s and cross your t’s with a respectful “Sincerely, [Your Name].”

It’s important to keep this final part respectful. Don’t assume you’ll be hired—instead of showing confidence, it can come off as presumptuous.

“I’m not experienced but I’m a quick learner, so I can’t wait to start growing my career at your company next month.”

This next example has it all—it reiterates your interest in the role, talks about transferable skills, and thanks the recruiter for taking the time to read your cover letter.

This is the way!

I would be thrilled to meet and discuss how my transition from sales to marketing can drive impactful strategies at Comcast. Thank you for considering my application.

When transitioning careers, it’s important to build credibility out of the gate by addressing the right person. Check the job listing and the company website. If that fails, try identifying the hiring manager via LinkedIn.

If all else fails, talk mostly about your education and preparation for the career change, but there are skills that apply to most jobs, too. For instance, working as a programmer and a travel agent means dealing with data and interacting with people.

While you may rely on transferable skills you used in nursing in your future sales role, avoid assuming this new job will have a similar company culture as your last one. Instead, adjust your tone to match the company. For instance, if the job ad and the website are written with humor, you can afford to crack a small joke or write less formally.

How To Write the Best Career Change Cover Letter

Switching careers can feel like embarking on a journey into uncharted territory — this is particularly true in the tech industry , where a career change often means navigating an entirely different set of digital tools, work processes, responsibilities, and skills. 

You may have prepared yourself for the challenges ahead, furthered your education, and even identified job postings you believe to be a great fit. But without an excellent career change cover letter, your new professional journey could be stalled before it even begins!

Hiring managers only look at resumes for seven seconds before deciding whether to proceed with the application. So, your cover letter has to make an immediate and lasting impression. 

To help you land the job you’ve been dreaming of, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on career change cover letters.

Here are the topics we’ll explore —feel free to skip around to the sections that interest you most:

• What makes it a career change cover letter?
• How to write a career change cover letter in 8 steps

Career change cover letter example: UX design

• Career change cover letter example: Frontend development
• Key takeaways

1. What makes it a career change cover letter?

Before we look at the format and structure of the cover letter, let’s clarify something: it may seem obvious, but what distinguishes traditional cover letters from those written by career changers?

The key difference lies in the way you present yourself and the story you tell. A career change cover letter must demonstrate three main things:

• Your understanding of the job and industry,
• your existing skills and experience, and
• how those can be applied to the new position.

This can be done in several ways, but the most effective cover letters strike a balance between emphasizing transferable skills , demonstrating adaptability, and highlighting your motivation for the career transition. 

Unlike traditional cover letters, they can also address potential concerns about your experience, showcasing your ability to transcend the boundaries of one professional field and excel in another.

2. How to write a career change cover letter in 8 steps

Writing winning cover letters is an art that requires practice, and career-change-specific cover letters are even trickier to tackle. But thankfully, you can follow a few best practices to create a compelling document that will make it easier for potential employers to imagine you in the new role.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of writing an effective cover letter for your career switch, from the opening line to the closing paragraph. So, grab a pen or open up your favorite word processor and write that first draft using the following tips:

1. Address the right person

To avoid using the impersonal salutation, “Dear hiring manager,” take the time to research who will be reading your cover letter. 

If the job ad doesn’t include a name, try searching for the company’s website or LinkedIn page and go to the employees’ section to track down the right person and job title. For example, if you’re applying for a UX designer role , search for “Director of UX Design,” “Creative Director,” or similar.

2. Introduce yourself with a hook

Begin your cover letter with an engaging opening that captures the reader’s attention. 

This could be a statement of your intent, a specific project you’ve recently completed, or a personal connection to the industry that demonstrates your passion and motivation for the career switch. This will set you apart from other candidates and create a memorable first impression.

3. Explain why you’re changing careers

To address your career change head-on, provide a clear rationale for the shift by sharing your personal career change story. For example, you could highlight your enthusiasm for the new field, noting what attracted you to it and any relevant experiences or interests supporting your decision. 

Then, use the power of personal branding to infuse the letter with your unique voice, personality, and vision, focusing on the value you can bring to the new sector. This transparency shows employers you’ve thoughtfully considered the move.

4. Demonstrate understanding of the company

Demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization by showing that you’ve thoroughly researched the company. You can achieve this by discussing its mission statement, values, and recent accomplishments. 

Align your skills, background, and career goals with the company’s objectives to showcase your potential fit within its corporate culture. Doing so will convey your enthusiasm for the role and the organization, increasing your chances of standing out as a suitable candidate.

5. Detail why you’re a great match

A personalized cover letter should also explain why you’re a strong candidate for the position in question. This means identifying the unique qualities that set you apart from other candidates, whether that’s your adaptability, problem-solving abilities, or valuable soft skills that can be applied across various industries. 

Use real-world examples to demonstrate how your skills and past experiences align with the job requirements, and mention how these traits can benefit the company in the long run.

6. Showcase transferable skills

One of the key objectives of your career change cover letter is to demonstrate your value to potential employers in your new field. To do this effectively, pinpoint the skills you’ve acquired in your previous career that are transferable to the new role. 

Use specific examples to illustrate how you’ve applied these skills in different contexts and how they are relevant to your new position. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can effectively demonstrate to employers that you have what it takes to excel in your new career path.

7. Mention relevant professional development

List any skills and knowledge you’ve gained through relevant courses, certifications, or training to showcase your commitment to learning and willingness to invest in your career transition. 

This will set you apart from other aspiring career changers, prove your enthusiasm for the role and help paint a picture of what you can bring to the new position. Doing due diligence upfront will make it easier for potential employers to imagine you in the new role and increase the chances of securing an interview.

8. Conclude on a positive note

When concluding your career change cover letter, it’s essential to end it enthusiastically. For example, name one way you can add value to the company and link it to your overall career vision. 

Finally, thank the hiring manager for considering your application and express your excitement about joining the team. Doing so will show you’re committed to the role and motivated to make a success of your career transition.

3. Career change cover letters example

Want to see cover letter examples that nail these key points? Check out these two samples, written specifically for career changers in the tech sector. Best practice for the email subject line? Put the job title from the job ad along with your full name. 

Career change cover letter: Frontend development

4. key takeaways.

Writing a convincing cover letter that highlights your skills for a role you’re hoping to transition into is an essential step in the job application process. 

A thoughtfully crafted career change cover letter can be the reason why employers take a second look at your resume, despite your limited experience in the new field.

In this article, we’ve gone through the basics of what makes a career change cover letter unique and how to write one tailored to your experience and goals. We’ve also looked at practical tips for structuring your letter and provided examples for your inspiration. 

We hope this guide will give you the confidence to write a standout cover letter and put your best foot forward when applying for jobs.

Looking for more tech-specific application support? Check out our practical guide to crafting the best tech resume , complete with valuable tips and real-world examples.

For further education support on your career change journey, try our free tech short courses ,  or speak directly with a program advisor.

With the help of expert instructors, personalized feedback, and a wealth of learning resources, you’ll soon be ready to tackle even the most complex challenges future employers might throw at you. 

Enjoyed this blog post? We think you’ll like these, too:

• How To Successfully Change Careers in 2024: Your Step-by-Step Guide
• The Top 5 Transferable Skills and How They Can Help You
• How to Build a Personal Brand for Your Tech Career

• Cover Letter Tips

How To Write the Best Career Change Cover Letter (+ Examples) 

So, you want to try something completely new? When you’re thinking about a career change, your cover letter is an essential tool. Your resume will tell the hiring manager about your experience, but you’ll use the cover letter to fill in the blanks.

Frankly, when you're changing careers, you have to work just a bit harder than any other applicants with a more intuitive work history. That means showing that the experience you have is an asset and that it can be transferred to this new role. Luckily, you can do all of this (and more!) by writing a well-thought-out career change cover letter. 

A career change cover letter is an opportunity to start a conversation to explain exactly why you're applying for a job outside of your current field. Get this right, and you will convince any hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job. But how do you get started?

Here at ZipJob, we give you the resources you need to supercharge your job search. In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips from our professional resume writers on how to write the best career change cover letter. We've also got a career change cover letter example for you to check out.

More common than you might think

First, a word of encouragement: In our fast-paced and rapidly changing economy, people are changing careers at rates that would have been unthinkable just a few short generations ago. In fact, recent statistics show that people have an average of 12 jobs in their lifetime. 

That can create problems for many applicants, however, and you may not be sure how you can use your resume to properly convey the right experience needed for your new career. The good news is that you can take care of that concern by using that other vital application tool: the cover letter.

7 tips for your career change cover letter

Ready to put pen to paper? When you're writing a career change cover letter, it's important to stay on task. This isn't the place to write a heart-to-heart that reads more like a journal entry than a professional document. Instead, focus on what makes you a great applicant. 

To help you along the way, we have some expert-backed tips below:

1. Make sure you use the right words

Changing careers is a big deal. While your resume will have covered your skills and experience, you can use this letter to really sell yourself to the hiring manager. What you lack in experience, you may be able to make up for in the willingness to learn.

While you can use your cover letter to explain why you want a new career, it doesn’t start and end there. This is also an opportunity to share why you are ready to switch things up. With that in mind, use words that excite the hiring manager and show your desire to work in your chosen field. The more creative you are with the language you use, the better here.

2. Be honest about your career change

The biggest mistake you could make here is trying to sneak your way into a new sector. The hiring manager already has your resume, so they know that you don’t have experience in this field. You should never try to bamboozle them into interviewing you on the basis of faux experience. Even if you do make it to the interview level, you will soon get found out. 

Instead, you need to be 100% honest about your career change. Direct your cover letter to the hiring manager and be clear about why you are switching industries. For example, you may have reached the highest heights in your current sector and feel it’s time for a change. On the other hand, you may have a real passion for this new field and want to pursue it. 

Whatever your reason is, now is the time to talk about it. You don’t need to write a short memoir. The hiring manager will ask you more in-depth questions at the interview stage. However, it’s smart to outline your reasoning here so that you fill in the blanks. State that you are looking to move sectors and try to give a compelling reason to the reader now.

3. Emphasize your transferable skills

When you’re writing a career change cover letter, this is vital. Transferable skills are your current talents that would help you succeed in a different position. These skills are often soft skills but may also be technical or analytical skills from your previous profession. Identify what your strengths are. How might those help you in another industry?

You can also approach this from the other side by spending some time analyzing the company’s needs. Look at the job description, the company website, and recent media coverage to identify the core skills that this company requires. Once you’ve honed in on those needs, you can determine which of your skills can help to make you a great candidate for the job.

Of course, you should heavily feature your transferable skills on your resume. Once you've noted them, you can offer more of an explanation in your cover letter about how each skill will apply to this new job. 

Emphasize your relevant skills within the body of the career change cover letter too. That means including specific examples of how they have helped you to achieve certain results and goals in the past. Show the hiring manager what you have to bring to the table. You can do this by identifying the overlap between your two fields and highlighting it clearly. Be brief, but be sure to answer why you're applying and why you're worth interviewing.

Key Takeaway

The key to a career change cover letter is to identify and highlight related and transferable skills.

4. Focus on your results

Results matter more than you think. The number one thing that will push you ahead of your competition are fantastic accomplishments on your resume . Your accomplishments are still valid, even when changing careers: awards, honors, and other results that show you're a high-achieving employee will make you look like a winner. 

Your career change cover letter gives you a chance to explain why it's so impressive that you accomplished something. Try to figure out numbers or metrics – these really stand out on resumes and cover letters. Quantifying your results will show the hiring manager that your hard work achieves big things. This fact will surely grab their attention. 

To showcase those results, you need to emphasize the success that you’ve enjoyed in prior jobs, providing details that help to connect those successes to your transferable skills. From there, you only need to complete the picture by explaining how your prior achievements and transferable skills can offer tangible benefits to the new company.

Always use the STAR method

Showcasing your results and quantifying them doesn’t have to be hard. Make your statements stand out by using the STAR method throughout your cover letter. 

5. Demonstrate genuine passion

Let your passion for the company be on full display so that the hiring manager knows you care about getting the position. Mention something new or interesting the company has accomplished, or relate to the company's core values. You can add your personality to your cover letter – as long as it stays relevant!

Take the time to do your homework so that you have a firm understanding of what the company does and how it hopes to achieve its goal. It’s also worth trying to understand the company culture ahead of time. That will enable you to properly convey your passion for the position in the body of your cover letter. In short, figure out what the vibe is and match it.

6. Tailor your resume to reflect your career change goals

If this is your first time creating a career change cover letter, be sure to review your resume when you’re done so that everything is properly coordinated. It all needs to match up. You don’t want any inconsistencies between those two important documents: your cover letter should only talk about experiences that are also mentioned on your resume.

To keep your message clear, make any resume changes that are needed to keep it aligned with the message on your cover letter. Remember, it’s the little things that often make the difference between success and failure. 

If your resume isn't tailored for your career transition goals, check out this article next: How To Tailor Your Resume For Different Positions

7. End with a strong conclusion 

When you’ve done all of the above, it’s time to sign off. The end of your cover letter is a good chance to reaffirm why you want to take this step. You may also want to add that you will help the business in question meet its goals. One of the more critical things you can do with your career change cover letter is insert some type of call to action – encouraging the reader to reach out to you. 

Remember, the hiring manager will naturally slow their reading pace down as they reach the bottom of the page. For that reason, it is vital that you end on a strong and clear note.

Career change cover letter example

This example is to the point and easy to scan through. It has several examples of how the applicant has added value in the past, using numbers that are easy for the reader to translate to a different industry.

Notice also that this letter – like all good cover letters – includes a professional heading and uses a business letter format. It is highly specific, a quick but clear message that you've put some thought into tailoring your cover letter. 

The letter does not use a generic "to whom it may concern" greeting; ideally, you can find the name of the hiring manager. When in doubt, addressing your letter to a "hiring team" is a good alternative.

The heading with your own information was borrowed from the updated resume format we used to share 200+ resume examples written by our professional resume writers. Using the same format for your resume and cover letter is another instance of details that stand out.

Focus on value; win the day 

As you can see, the cover letter for a career change is similar to many others. You still want to focus on the value you can add to the company. By emphasizing your transferable skills, focusing on past achievements, and demonstrating your interest in the new company, you should be able to leverage your existing skill set in a way that sets you apart from the crowd.

Ready to take the leap and start that new career? Use the ZipJob free resume review now to get the insights that you need to perfect your next application and get ahead of the competition. 

Recommended reading: 

9 Cover Letter Mistakes That Cost You Interviews - ZipJob

7 Signs It's Time To Quit Your Job

How to Ask for a Job Referral + 5 Examples

Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer

Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter

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Sample Career Change Cover Letter and Writing Tips

• Writing a Career Change Cover Letter

Career Change Cover Letter Sample

How to send an email cover letter.

• Refocus Your Resume to Match

The Balance / Chelsea Damraksa

Are you considering a career change? If you are looking for a position in a different industry or career field, your cover letter or  letter of intent  is an important factor in the likelihood of your getting the job.

Since your resume may not contain the relevant experience that hiring managers are looking for, it's important to use your cover letter as an opportunity to demonstrate why you are a good fit despite lacking that specific employment history.

A well-written and strong cover letter will convince the reader that your work experience is a strength rather than a weakness.

Before you start writing, though, be sure you're clear on your goals for transitioning careers and that you're  positioned for a successful career change job search .

Tips for Writing a Career Change Cover Letter

Any good cover letter explains why you are qualified for the specific job. However, a cover letter written during a  career change  needs to go beyond that.

Be sure to thoroughly  research the company  before writing your cover letter so you can convince the employer that you understand the company and can demonstrate why you want to be a part of it.

You must touch on three important points. This will help you rise above candidates who have more direct experience in the industry. You don’t necessarily have to cover all of these topics in order or in distinct paragraphs. The aim is to make sure you communicate these points somewhere in your letter.

1. Emphasize Your Transferable Skills

Most importantly, focus on the  transferable skills  you have that you can use in the new position rather than on the skills you have that are only related to your current role. Analyze the job description for the position you’re applying to, and look at the skills that the position calls for.

Choose the  ones that best match your own skills or experience . Then, if possible, use specific anecdotes from your work or academic history to illustrate some of these strengths in action. 

2. Highlight Your Superior Performance in Previous Positions

Other applicants may have the relevant experience, but if their experience is mediocre and cannot be backed up by strong references or tangible achievements, you may actually be a more desirable candidate for the job than they are.

In your letter, do your best to explain how you succeeded in previous roles, and connect that to a summary of how you would also add value in this new position.

Make sure your references will corroborate your statements.

3. Express Your Passion for the Company

Mention your passion for the company. This is another way to stand out from qualified candidates. Employers may be more interested in someone who is especially excited about their organization and the job opportunity than they are in someone who just wants a job and doesn’t care about much beyond that. In your cover letter, make it clear that you’re familiar with the organization and enthusiastic about the opportunity to be a part of it.

Read the sample cover letter below, which you can use as a framework for writing your own career change cover letter. However, be sure to edit the sample to fit your personal experiences and the job for which you are applying.

Download the career change cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).

Sample Career Change Cover Letter (Text Version)

William Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 111-111-1111 william.applicant@email.com

July 21, 2020

Michael Lee Director XYZ Company 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321 

Dear Ms. Lee:

This letter is to express my special interest in discussing the Senior Customer Service Manager position posted on the XYZ Company web site. The opportunity presented in this listing is very appealing, and I believe that my experience and education will make me a competitive candidate for this role.

Although I have been working primarily as an Operations Manager, in this capacity I have interfaced frequently with customers, in addition to vendors and staff. This has instilled multi-dimensional communication skills and an ability to recognize, act upon, and fulfill customer wishes and needs in order to ensure their continued, and positive, relationship with the business.

In fact, in my most recent job as Operations Manager for ABC Company, I received an ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ recognition due to my ability to coordinate complex logistics in order to keep customers happy even when issues arose that were beyond the control of the organization. Again, this involved not only managing operations but also communicating directly with customers. As a result, I believe my combined ability to successfully manage operations while also effectively interfacing with customers makes me a prime candidate for this role.

The key strengths that I possess for success in this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provide exceptional contributions to customer service for all customers. 
• Strive for continued excellence.
• Strong communication skills.
• Eager to learn new things.

You will find me to be well-spoken, energetic, confident, and personable, the type of person on whom your customers will rely. I also have a wide breadth of experience of the type that will allow you the versatility to place me in a number of contexts with confidence that the level of excellence you expect will be met. Please see my resume for additional information on my experience.

I hope that you'll find my experience and interests intriguing enough to warrant a face-to-face meeting, as I am confident that I could provide value to you and your customers as a member of your team. I am very excited about this opportunity to work for XYZ Company. I connect with your mission to “deliver the ‘five star’ factor” to both your staff and your customers. This tenet is reflected in my own professional and personal values, and I believe this alignment strongly supports my candidacy for this role.

I can be reached anytime via my cell phone, 555-555-5555. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this employment opportunity.

William Applicant (signature hard copy letter)

William Applicant

If you're sending your  cover letter via email,  list your name and the job title in the subject line of the  email message . Include your contact information in your email signature, but don't list the employer's contact information. Simply start your email message with the salutation.

Refocus Your Resume to Reflect Your New Goals

When you're seeking a career change, it's important to refocus your resume to reflect your new goals. That way, your resume and cover letter will both show that you're well qualified for a change in roles. Here are six tips for  writing a powerful career change resume  that will help you get started.

Get Ready to Interview

Be prepared, as well, to discuss in job interviews why you're transitioning and what  skills you will bring to prospective employers . It's important to have a comprehensive and professional pitch that will impress the employer and convince them that you're a strong candidate for the job.

How to Write a Cover Letter When Changing Careers (With Examples)

Making a career change is an exciting decision. And whether you're looking for a fresh start or pursuing your passions, writing a career change cover letter to complement your resume is your chance to make a powerful impression.

A well-crafted cover letter is essential to showcase your relevant skills and experience. It should show potential employers that you'll excel in a new industry. And by tailoring your letter to the job description and presenting your transferable skills, you can position yourself as a top candidate and increase your chances of landing that dream job. 

So, if you're ready to take the leap and switch careers, let's explore how to write a cover letter to help you make a successful and confident career transition.

3 Key takeaways you’ll find below

In this post, we’ll explore … 

• Preparing to write a career change cover letter
• The sections your cover letter should include
• 3 career change sample cover letter examples

What is a cover letter?

When it comes to job applications, a well-written cover letter can make all the difference. So let's start with the basics. 

A cover letter is a document that accompanies a job application and your resume. It's a one-page letter introducing yourself. And it also emphasizes your qualifications and interest in the job to the potential employer. 

A cover letter should accomplish two objectives. 

The first is to provide additional information about yourself that isn't in your resume. A resume offers a comprehensive overview of your work history and accomplishments. At the same time, a cover letter allows you to add context. 

The second objective of a cover letter is to highlight why you're the right person for the job while showcasing your personality. Your cover letter should do this in a way that demonstrates you understand the company's needs and how you can contribute to its success.

Are cover letters important?

Yes! Cover letters are an essential part of a successful job application. In fact, 49% of hiring managers believe attaching a cover letter to your resume improves your chances of landing a job. 

Your cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and demonstrate your knowledge, many skills, and passion for the position you're applying for. It's also your chance to shine and set yourself apart. 

In addition to providing information not included your resume, a cover letter also allows you to address any gaps in your work history, elaborate on your qualifications, and highlight your achievements. 

All of that said, your cover letter is a chance to tell your unique story.

How should I approach my cover letter if I’m changing careers?

If you’re planning a career pivot , it's best to approach your cover letter as a platform explaining why you're making a shift. It’s also the perfect place to discuss how your previous job experience and past roles will benefit your new role.

As a career changer, you may not have some relevant hard skills (and that’s okay!). Use your cover letter to explain why you are the best fit for the job and how your transferable skills make you a valuable candidate.

How to prepare to write a career change cover letter  

Before you begin writing a career change cover letter, it’s important to research your new industry and the roles you’ll be applying for. So, let’s explore a few best practices to implement before you start writing your letter. 

Research your new career

Starting a new career might seem daunting, but one of the best ways to mitigate any feelings of overwhelm is to make sure it aligns with your goals—career and personal. 

Research your industry and role using the questions below to determine if it fits you. 

• What are my long-term career goals? (For example, do you want to do meaningful work, work for a prestigious company, or increase your income?) 
• Will this new position help me to achieve those goals?
• What hard skills (specialized expertise like Marketo and Ahrefs) and soft skills (practical abilities like agility and communication) are talked about often? 
• What are some of the current market trends and opportunities in this industry? (For example, has there been an increase in hiring over the past six months?) 
• What is the salary range? Does it meet my needs?
• What kind of work-life balance can I expect?
• Are there opportunities for growth and advancement?
• What additional education or training might be required? 

You can keep track of the research you conduct in Teal’s Job Tracker . Tips and guidance are offered of where and how to conduct research. You can also log the research completed on the company.

Read relevant job descriptions

After you’ve decided this career is right for you, it's time to do a deep dive into some job descriptions. Remember, you want your career change cover letter to demonstrate you fully understand the role you're applying for. 

By analyzing a job posting or job description, you'll see a pattern in the key skills, direct experience, and qualifications that hiring managers want. And these details will help you create a keyword-rich, personalized cover letter.

Additionally, researching the job descriptions will help you understand companies and their core values. Your analysis gives you an idea of which organizations align with what you want. You'll also gain further insight into the best ways to position yourself as a strong culture add.

Find relevant resume examples

Before starting your cover letter, the last step in your research is to find and read relevant resume examples. Getting familiar with how to structure your resume as a career changer will help you narrow down vital elements you should focus on, like industry-specific language and the the best resume format .

If you don’t know where to begin, Teal has a free resource hub of 1,200+ resume examples to make this process a breeze!

How to write a cover letter for career changes  

Now that you understand the importance of a concise cover letter and the research you should do before getting started, it’s time to dig into your cover letter format and the fundamentals of crafting a cover letter for changing careers in the step-by-step guide below.

Write an introduction 

The introduction of your career change cover letter should pack a punch and grab the reader’s attention.

Start by addressing the hiring manager by name. Do your best to find this information in the job ad, LinkedIn, or company website. If you’re unsure of the hiring manager’s name, try something like “Dear Hiring Manager,” but avoid overly generalized statements like “To Whom It May Concern.”  

Then, start your opening paragraph by introducing yourself. You should include the following:

• Your current job title
• Position you're applying for 
• Company you’re applying to
• A sentence or two addressing your unconventional background 

Express reasoning 

After introducing yourself, it's time to touch on why you're changing careers. 

While discussing what you didn't like about your previous role might seem honest, your cover letter isn't the place to focus on any negative reasons.

Are you looking for new challenges? Seeking a better work-life balance? Have you become passionate about a different industry? When talking about why you want to change careers, these are the positive elements you should highlight.

Show personality 

One of the most important elements of your career change cover letter (or any cover letter) is showcasing your incredible personality. You can do this by …

• Demonstrating enthusiasm with a positive tone (e.g., “thrilled,” “excited,” or “passionate”)
• Using professional but conversational language
• Talking about your goals
• Tying in your values and motivation with those of the company
• Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to apply and for your perspective employer’s time and attention

Customize it to the job description

Much like you should tailor your resume to a job , you should personalize your cover letter, too. Customizing your cover letter to the job description you're applying to demonstrates you thoroughly understand the specifics of the role.

What's the best way to do this? Well, you can use AI tools like ChatGPT for job applications for repetitive tasks like pulling keywords and language from the job description. Then, include that content in the body of your letter.

If you want to skip multiple steps and make customizing your cover letter (and resume) to a particular job easy, use Teal. ( Sign up for free today !) 

Teal has a free Job Tracker that pulls relevant keywords for resume from your saved jobs. It also keeps notes for each job, helping you stay organized and track important information about each position. Just follow the steps below.

• Log in to your Teal account and navigate to the Job Tracker. 
• Click on one of the jobs you have saved, or click "Add a New Job." 
• Teal will automatically pull the hard skills, soft skills, emphasis words, and other key language from the job description.

      4. Click the "Notes" icon in the top right corner to jot down any important details you want to remember to include in your cover letter. You can also include notes about the company to reference as you move into the interview stages.

Highlight transferable skills

Your transferable skills are those soft skills, or interpersonal skills , from previous experiences like employment, education, unique hobbies, or personal interests . According to McKinsey & Company , the need for transferable skills —especially social and emotional—will continue to accelerate rapidly through at least 2030. 

So what transferable skills example might you want to incorporate into your cover letter?

• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Dependability
• Emotional intelligence
• Growth mindset
• Organization
• Relationality 

Also, honesty is critical when creating your cover letter and writing winning resumes. No matter what the job description lists, only highlight the skills you actually have experience with. 

Pro Tip: If you need some guidance in this area, check out the class “Identify My Skills” to brush up on the skills you’ve gained over time!

Showcase results 

Hiring managers need a glimpse into who you are, your reason for wanting to change careers, and your soft skills. But it's also valuable for them to see any results that might be considered pertinent to the role you're seeking. 

When crafting your career change cover letter, consider highlighting accomplishments examples like a specific project, awards, or metrics that showcase your skills. These results demonstrate your performance and potential to deliver value in a new field. 

Close with a strong call to action

A call to action tells your reader what you want them to do next. And because you likely want to meet with a company to discuss the opportunity and your qualifications further, let the hiring manager know in the final lines of your letter! 

So what should your call to action include?

• Enthusiasm 
• A request to meet or interview

3 Career change cover letter examples 

Now that you understand the fundamentals of a career change cover letter, let's go over some examples that show how to tailor your career transition cover letter to a new industry, highlight transferable skills, and express your motivation and excitement for a new career path!

Dear Hiring Manager,  As a dedicated and passionate teacher for the past eight years, I'm thrilled to apply for the project manager role at Vaniam Group. My unique background and experience as an educator have provided me with a skill set I believe will significantly impact project management. While I've found teaching to be a fulfilling and rewarding career, I'm excited to pursue a new challenge in project management. In my current position, I consistently receive excellent feedback for my ability to communicate effectively with my students, parents, and colleagues. I'm also drawn to this role because I'm passionate about working collaboratively with teams to drive successful outcomes. I believe these skills will translate well into project management, where clear communication and collaboration are essential for success. Throughout my teaching career, I've honed my ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines while keeping my students engaged and motivated. I've also become proficient in using project management software to organize my lesson plans and classroom activities. I'm confident that these skills, along with my attention to detail and ability to adapt to changing circumstances, will serve me well in the project management space. I'm very enthusiastic about bringing my talents and experience to Vaniam Group and contributing to its continued success. Thank you for considering my application. I'd love to demonstrate my skills and passion for this role through an interview with your team.  Sincerely, Cormac Doyle

Dear Hiring Manager, I'm excited to apply for the business development representative role at EveryDose. As a seasoned retail professional with a passion for driving sales and building customer relationships, I believe my unique background will enable me to make a significant impact in this role. I'm drawn to this role because I am passionate about leveraging my skills to drive success for a rapidly growing organization. As a retail professional, I’ve successfully managed a high volume of sales and customer service interactions, resulting in increased customer loyalty and repeat business. I am confident I can bring this same success to the healthcare technology industry. Throughout my 10-year career in retail, I've sharpened my skills in sales, customer service, and relationship-building. I've consistently exceeded sales targets by more than 20%—leveraging my ability to identify customer needs and provide tailored solutions. In addition to my sales and customer service skills, I also have experience with data analysis and reporting. As a retail manager, I regularly review and analyze sales data to identify trends and opportunities for growth.  Thank you for considering my application. I'm so excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to EveryDose and contribute to its continued success.  I look forward to hearing from you soon to discuss how my unique background and experience can help me excel as a business development representative. Sincerely, Alicia Orgera

Dear Ms. Patel, I'm excited to submit my application for the jr. marketing associate position at Ibotta. As a restaurant industry professional with 15 years of experience in customer service and operations, I've developed a diverse skill set that would translate well to the marketing field. While I've enjoyed my time in the restaurant industry and the valuable skills I've acquired, I’m seeking new challenges and opportunities for growth. I'm particularly drawn to marketing because of its dynamic and ever-changing nature—where creativity and innovation are highly valued. As a restaurant manager, I spearheaded a social media campaign that resulted in a 25% increase in online engagement and a 15% increase in customer foot traffic. I utilized my skills in communication, creativity, and strategic planning to create engaging content that resonated with our target audience and drove increased customer interest in our brand.  I'm confident that my experience in the restaurant industry and my passion for marketing make me a strong candidate for this position.  Can you let me know your availability to discuss my qualifications further? Thank you so much for your consideration. Sincerely, Stella Pertaker

How to quickly write a customized cover letter 

Making a career switch is an exciting step in your professional growth. Congratulations on taking the leap!

If you're looking to write a career change cover letter in even less time, Teal's AI functionality generates custom cover letters with the click of a button. 

All you need to do is navigate to Teal's Resume Builder , click on the cover letter icon at the top of your screen, select a saved job from the drop-down menu, and click the "Generate with AI" button—that's it! 

Still not using Teal? Sign up for free to create custom cover letters, tailored resumes, organize your job search, and so much more today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Kayte Grady

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