Writing career change cover letters

Cover Letter Career Change

When you apply for your first job in your chosen new career, the application process is likely to be incredibly daunting. Despite your enthusiasm for your career change, it can feel as if you are applying for your first ever job all over again. You have little to no experience in your new field, and you’re concerned that this will be the only talking point in any interviews you gain. Despite these obstacles, the benefits from successfully completing a career change are huge – so don’t be dissuaded by these initial challenges. Renovo’s career coaches have teamed up to reveal some of the more common mistakes that jobseekers make on career change cover letters when changing careers.

#1: Being negative

As with every other part of the application, the cover letter should be a sales document. You are trying to explain to the hiring manager why your application should be considered. Apologising for (or even mentioning) your lack of direct experience is a negative approach that won’t be well received by employers.

#2: Avoiding the issue

Similarly, don’t skirt the issue of your career change in your cover letter. If you do, the hiring manager may make a negative assumption about your reasons for applying. Instead, speak openly about the career change – in particular, why you’re moving to this new field of work and want this particular role. Stay positive – avoid referring the shortcomings of your previous career and instead, focus on the future.

#3: Writing about your career goals

You’ll be excited to change your career, but the hiring manager isn’t interested in why their role meets your new career goals. As with any cover letter, you must explain why and how you can bring value to the organisation.

#4: Fail to mention unpaid work

You may have had the opportunity to gain some experience in your new field either through voluntary work or work shadowing. Unpaid experience can be just as valid as previous job experience, and when changing careers this shows the hiring manager that you have a very real interest in your new field.

#5: Not considering transferable skills

Even if there’s no link at all between your previous career path and your new one, you will have gained valuable transferable skills that will be highly sought after by employers. Check the job description and see what they’re after, then briefly mention examples of when you displayed these skills in your previous work.

If you’re still unsure how to approach the application process during a career change, consider the services of a career coach. We’re able to offer you one-to-one support and access to a suite of comprehensive online resources to help you through your career transition.