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How to write an impactful cover letter for a career change

young-woman-thinking-how-to-write-a-letter-for-career-change

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How to write a cover letter for a career change

Career change cover letter examples.

8 tips to write a successful career change cover letter

Learning to navigate career changes

As a job seeker, your primary objective is to stand out from every other candidate — and writing a strong cover letter is a great way to do this.

But if you’re trying to change careers, it might seem more complicated. Crafting a compelling letter for a career change needs to put your best foot forward while explaining how your experience and transferable skills make you the best fit. 

Luckily, like any application, cover letters give you a unique opportunity to make a strong first impression on a prospective employer. They’re your opportunity to spin a perceived drawback into a valuable asset, showing hiring managers your unique perspective and ability to make a change.

Let’s start with the basics. Like any other professional communication, every word of your career change cover letter counts. Your relevant skill set, work experience, and communication style let a recruiter, hiring manager, or potential supervisor know what it’ll be like to work with you. 

Here’s how to use your cover letter to make an impact: 

1. Start with a powerful introduction

The first few lines of your cover letter set the tone and pique your reader's interest (or spur disinterest). Skip generic introductions and aim for an opening line that quickly encapsulates the value you can bring to the new job. It can also reflect your unique personality, within reason.

Don’t be shy about identifying yourself as a career changer. It’s an opportunity to showcase important soft skills — such as courage, intellectual curiosity , and a resilient mindset — and connect relevant experiences with valuable transferable skills . With the right framing, it may be the key to standing out as an interesting candidate.

Here’s an example: “As a seasoned journalist, I’m eager to transition into public relations. I've spent the last 20 years sharpening my critical-thinking, research, and copywriting skills, which will serve me well in this new role.”

2. Develop your full character

Your opening paragraph should include your previous role and new career ambition. Next, it’s time to offer a glimpse of your professional drive and explain in more detail what you bring to a career switch, especially if you’ve been upskilling, taking classes, or attending trainings. This is an opportunity to blend your established reputation with your new career goals. If you’re making the change to pursue your passion or do more meaningful work, putting that fact on diisplay creates a fuller image of your personal values , mission, and vision for the future. 

For example: “I currently manage a team of 50 sales representatives in the constantly evolving healthcare sector. The most fascinating and fulfilling part of my job has always been developing a deep understanding of my client’s needs. Acting as a bridge to better service, consulting with them about updating their tools and training to focus on providing excellent treatment to their patients is so rewarding. I’m excited by the prospect of leveraging my social skills and years of experience working directly with healthcare providers to move into software development for the healthcare sector.” 

3. Show some emotion

woman-channeling-her-emotions-to-write-a-career-change-letter

Carefully placed action verbs and feelings help make your experience jump off the page. Potential employers aren’t just looking for a list of key skills — they want to imagine the person behind them. Choose language that conveys enthusiasm, drive, and work motivation , like “I’ve always been passionate about problem-solving and teamwork” or “I immediately connected with your company’s vision and commitment to sustainability.” 

4. Describe your past performance

Your successes in previous roles are the best predictor of the meaningful work you’ll accomplish in the next one — even if you’re moving to a new industry. Focus on accomplishments that demonstrate flexibility and a learning mindset to help the hiring manager envision a successful transition. You need to make the most out of your letter of interest , portfolio , and resume, so put the highlights on your resume and tell the story in your cover letter. 

For instance: “I oversaw a project to automate sales tracking systems, working with our tech team to evaluate the best strategies for the sales department. The project improved efficiency by 25% and decreased overhead costs by 15%.” 

Metrics quantify the value of your growth mindset and show off important skills like team collaboration , project management , and adaptability. 

5. Align your skills with the job description

Even if you’re at the height of your career, a hiring manager needs to know you can bridge the gap between your current role and the new position. Pay careful attention to the soft and hard skills they mention in the job posting and work them into your career transition cover letter. Don’t embellish for the sake of standing out, but do highlight the skills you can back up with valuable, direct experience. 

6. Write a memorable closing

Your closing is your opportunity to reiterate your excitement about the job opening. Adjectives like “eager,” “excited,” and “thrilled” demonstrate you’re ready to hit the ground running. 

Additionally, your cover letter for switching careers should invite further dialogue with a call to action. For example: “I’m eager to learn more about the role and look forward to sharing how I can bring my unique perspective and years of experience in [industry] to your organization.” 

woman-looking-at-cover-letters-examples-for-career-change

Before digging into your resume or cover letter, a potential employer may peruse your job application or LinkedIn profile to understand your value as a candidate. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to turn a list of skills and experiences into a well-rounded picture of your character. 

The best cover letters balance highlighting your unique personality and perspective with proving you have what it takes to fill the job description. While your letter should represent you, you don’t have to start from scratch. Instead, build your own using a basic structure and templates for inspiration. You can also ask ChatGPT to generate a first draft for you with strategic prompts .

Here’s a general career change cover letter sample to consider:

Dear [hiring manager’s name], 

Thank you for considering my application for [ prospective job title] at [company name]. 

I’ve spent the last [years of experience] learning the ins and outs of [current industry], where I currently work as a [most recent job title]. I gravitated toward [industry] because of my passion for [the factors that pushed you to your current career]. The most fulfilling part of my career has been [transferable skills relevant to the new job posting]. I’ve built my expertise around [relevant skills], which were instrumental in accomplishing [a notable achievement or project]. 

I’m excited to transition into a new career chapter and follow my calling in [new field]. Reading about your company, I immediately connected with [core value]. I’m thrilled by the prospect of contributing [your vision or skills] and am eager to apply my unique perspective as a [current job title] in a new context. 

Attached is my resume. I’m eager to learn more about the company and how my background aligns with your needs.

I look forward to the opportunity to continue the conversation. 

Sincerely, 

[Your name]

When changing careers, you may feel worried about potential red flags in your resume, like career gaps or lack of direct experience . While your technical abilities are important, many recruiters and hiring managers prioritize soft skills , like leadership, critical thinking, and communication. Here’s a cover letter that balances proven soft skills and highlights your excitement to fill the gaps: 

Thank you for the opportunity to apply for [prospective job title] at [company name]. While I’ve developed my career in [industry], my enthusiasm for [relevant interest] combined with my proven [relevant transferable skills] has prepared me for this career path. 

Over the last [years of experience], I’ve cultivated a solid foundation in [relevant skills], which mirror the dynamic demands of [new industry]. 

I’m attracted to [new industry] because of [your interest or inspiration to switch to a new field]. The [specific aspect of your new field] that [company name] embodies deeply resonates with my personal values and professional aspirations. I’ve spent the last [months or years] learning [valuable technical skills or industry knowledge] through [examples of learning experiences, such as a class, seminar, or networking opportunity]. 

Attached is my resume, which underscores my transferable skills and [relevant coursework or certifications]. 

I’m confident that my adaptability, dedication to quality work, and passion for learning position me to hit the ground running and become a strong asset to your team. I look forward to discussing how my excitement and skill set align with your objectives. 

8 tips to write a successful career change cover letter 

a-man-celebrating-after-succesfully-writing-a-letter-for-a-career-change

Now that you have some cover letter examples for changing careers, let’s get into the fine print. Here are eight tips to help your career change cover letter lead to an interview: 

  • Address the letter to the right person: General salutations — like “Dear hiring manager” — may give the impression you’re copying and pasting the same cover letter across several job postings. Likewise, it signals to the reader that you lacked the initiative and dedication to find out more about the role and the hiring team beyond what’s in a brief job posting. Take the time to learn the hiring manager's name and use it to kick off communications. 
  • Keep things short: The objective of your cover letter is to spark a hiring manager’s interest and encourage them to read your resume . Keep your cover letter to a few well-curated paragraphs that balance your unique value with the requisites for the job role. 
  • Research, research, research: The company’s website, social media, and other branded materials can provide insight into the organization’s mission and core values. Aligning your vision with the company’s is a great way to capture a hiring manager’s attention and let them know you fit the company culture .
  • Explain your reasons for changing careers: The courage to take a chance on yourself and switch careers speaks volumes about your character. It’s nothing to shy away from. Highlight the reasons you decided to make the difficult career decision —  your resilience, fortitude, and decisiveness can provide a competitive advantage over more traditional candidates. 
  • Mention new skills: Highlight how you’ve learned about your new industry, acquired technical skills, and prepared for the career switch. Whether it’s a one-day seminar or several months with a career coach , your drive for personal and professional development helps make your case for a smooth transition into a new industry. 
  • Source references: Having a list of professional references and their contact information ready to send to a hiring manager is always a good idea. Carefully choose colleagues who can speak to your passion for your new industry and ability to adapt to change.
  • Align all your communications: Consistency and clarity are important to hiring managers. When your LinkedIn profile, letter of intent , and resume have mismatched skills and work experience, the person reading them may pass you over for a candidate with a profile that’s easier to understand and imagine in the role. Double-check that all your information is up-to-date and consistent across all platforms and lines of communication. 
  • Proofread : An enthralling story about your decision to dive into a new field can be thwarted by a misspelled word or poorly placed comma. Spelling and grammar errors can jeopardize your chances of an interview — hiring managers may worry that a lack of attention to detail could show up in more important areas of your work performance. If you’re not a natural copy editor, double-check your work with a proofreading app like Grammarly.

Learning to navigate career changes 

A career change is a big life decision , no matter where you are in your professional journey. After you’ve settled into your niche, shaking things up at 30, changing careers at 40 or following a new calling in your 50s might feel increasingly overwhelming. 

But it’s never too late to embrace change. Your professional life occupies a big part of your time, energy, and personal identity. You deserve to feel fulfilled — even if that means choosing a road less traveled. Carefully crafting a cover letter for a career change is an effective way to capture a hiring manager's attention from the jump and move one step closer to an exciting new opportunity. 

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

What is gig work and does it make the dream work?

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Young smiling woman sits at computer writing a career change cover letter

How To Write the Best Career Change Cover Letter

CareerFoundry contributor Dr. Anneke Schmidt

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. 

ux design cover letter template

Career change cover letter: Frontend development

frontend development cover letter template

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) 

Charlotte Grainger

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

Changing Careers 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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Template: Career Progression Cover Letter

You’ve decided that you’re ready to make that next step forward in your career. It’s time to look for a new role that will offer you the progression opportunities you desire.

Whether you are looking to move internally or you’ve got your sights set on a job at a different company, it’s important that you convey how you are ready to take the next step up.

Always display how far you have progressed in your most recent role, and how your performance has improved the team/department/business as a whole. 

If you are looking for more guidance on how to write the best cover letter , we can help!

You should then link this to what you wish to achieve next with this progression, and why you think you’re ready and deserve this opportunity to move your career forward.

The immediacy of you overtly stating that you are ready now for the additional responsibilities is an attractive prospect for hiring managers, especially if you can provide context around why now is the right time.

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Customizing a Career Change Cover Letter: 5 Tips and a Template

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In this day and age, employers are looking for candidates who are more than just their resume. A resume can detail the ins and outs of responsibilities and job titles, but a cover letter is crucial to catching an employer’s eye. When returning to the workforce after an extended leave or pivoting in a new professional direction, detailing your experience in a well-written career change cover letter can greatly enhance your chances of securing a new job.

A career change cover letter can oftentimes be trickier to write than a typical cover letter. In a career change cover letter, you’re presenting your case for any employment gaps, as well as explanation as to why you’re headed in a new direction. It is an important opportunity to highlight the skills you’ve acquired and discuss past job transitions. It’s also a chance to define why you’re the right person for the role.

As with any cover letter, research both the company and the job itself, and address your career change cover letter accordingly.

Here are five more tips to customizing your career change cover letter, plus a template to get you started.

1. Introduce yourself and position your transition

Use the opening paragraph of your career change cover letter to summarize your skill set and express how your experience aligns with the organization’s needs for the open position. Share your knowledge of the company, as well as your interest in the role.

2. Cover your career change bases: Explain why you’re evolving

As you transition to the second paragraph in your career change cover letter, share your story in more detail: why are you making the transition from your previous role and how you hope to utilize your previous professional experience in the new job. What brought you here and why does the open role interest you at this time? Use this paragraph to explain your career transition when applying in a new sector.

3. Show your work and feature your transferable skills.

Use the third paragraph to share examples of your skills and experiences and how they’ve shaped your path to the new role. Give specific instances on how you’ve developed your skills, and be sure to highlight previous successes. Make the case for why you’re the best person for the job. Share your passion for the role.

4. Reveal your passion and align your goals with the organization.

Wrap-up your career change cover letter by expressing your thoughts and feelings behind the new career transition. Include your insights as to how you plan to utilize your past experiences to succeed in your next role.

5. Summarize and show enthusiasm

End your cover letter by summarizing the paragraphs above, recapping your story, your successes, and your transferable skills. Be sure to include contact information and relevant links supporting your successful career transition.

Career change cover letter examples can be invaluable when building your own cover letter. Here is a sample template for your career change cover letter that you can use as a roadmap.

Career Change Cover Letter Template

Jane Candidate

123 Main Street

City, ST 54321

555-555-5555

[email protected]

Samantha Jones                                                             

Big City Company

123 City Road

Dear Ms. Jones:

I am writing to express my interest in the Assistant Manager position posted on the Big City website. The position fits in line with my career path and I believe that my previous experience makes me an ideal candidate for the role.

Although I have previously been working primarily within the food and beverage industry, I have gained valuable experience in the day-to-day management of operations, including vendor and staff coordination. It has allowed me to build on my customer service skills as well as developing interpersonal communication skills and overall business management.

During my time within the food and beverage industry, I’ve grown to truly appreciate what it takes to build a business and keep it running smoothly. In fact, in my most recent role as Senior Barista, I was responsible for maintaining staff schedules and product inventory in addition to tallying and submitting daily/weekly/monthly reports. Last fall, when our store experienced issues with our inventory systems, I provided direction and solutions to work around the issue. As a result, I was recognized as the “Regional Employee of the Month” by our District Manager.

As your job description requests, I bring a strong work ethic, extensive customer service skills, and a thorough understanding of management software to the table. I am an outgoing, well-spoken team player who enjoys both learning and educating. A quick thinker, always working to solve problems efficiently and effectively, while implementing new plans and ideas for future operations. I am confident I will bring the same level of energy and expertise to the Assistant Manager role at Big City.

In my research, I’ve found that the mission and values of Big City are aligned with my own, and I am truly excited about growth and opportunity available with the Assistant Manager position. Additional information about my experience can be found on the attached resume and I look forward to meeting in person to discuss the role further.

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Cover Letters That Show a Progression of Responsibilities

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How to Discuss Your Career Plan With Your Manager

Do i need to put all past work experience on a resume, cover letter for reentering the workforce.

  • Good Ways to Explain Yourself During an Interview
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Your cover letter doesn't just introduce your resume; it should also pique an employer's interest and entice him to read further – and look at your resume. If you're applying for high-ranking jobs, make it clear in your letter that you have strong management skills and that you've been on a steady path with progressive responsibility as you've moved toward the top, recommends Indeed.com .

If you demonstrate consistent career progression, employers will take you more seriously as a management candidate, and help you make a move to a better or more responsible position at work.

Benefits of Good Cover Letters

If your cover letter demonstrates an upward career path, employers will see you as someone with drive, ambition and the focus to reach your goals. How you describe this progression can also show employers that you have a solid foundation to support you when taking on more demanding roles.

For example, if you show them that you steadily advanced up the ladder, taking on more high-profile roles only after mastering your previous positions, they'll view you as someone who takes his job seriously and cares about living up to the expectations of the job rather than constantly seeking out jobs with more impressive titles.

Demonstrating Your Progression

Your job titles might not convey increasing responsibility, so you'll need to describe your duties and achievements to prove to employers how you moved up the corporate ladder. For example, if you've held several positions sharing the title "manager" or "associate," employers may think your career has been at a standstill.

Include specific examples of how you took on more authority or responsibility, such as managing 50 employees instead of just 35, or overseeing a budget twice the size that you handled in your previous roles.

Highlight Transferable Skills

When showcasing your increasing responsibilities, focus only on those that show how you're qualified for the position for which you're applying. Even impressive credentials can hurt your chances if they're not clearly related to the job you're seeking. Your letter should provide specific examples of skills, knowledge and accomplishments you'll bring with you if hired, and that you'll use to help your new company thrive. If you're applying for a management position with a regional company, don't focus on the fact that you oversaw an international expansion at your previous employer. Instead, note that you coordinated facilities in several states.

Consider the Job

It's rare that showing continuous career progression would hurt you when applying for jobs, but it could happen. For example, if you're having difficulty finding employment at the level where you were working, you might want to apply for lower-level jobs.

However, if employers see that you've been on a steady path of advancement, they may hesitate to hire you for a lower-level job for fear you'll leave if something better comes along.

In this case, you may want to downplay your career progression, or explain why the job you're currently seeking makes sense. For example, you could explain that your previous roles didn't provide enough creative opportunity or direct contact with customers or clients.

  • Indeed.com: 7 Key Elements of a Successful Cover Letter
  • MindTools: How to Write a Compelling Cover Letter

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Writing Your Cover Letter

What is a cover letter.

A cover letter is a document that serves as an introduction to your résumé and provides the reader with additional context about your skills and qualifications when considering your application. Not only does it reiterate your enthusiasm and qualifications for the opportunity, but it also serves as mini writing sample which can be extremely helpful when applying for a position that requires strong written communication skills.

Constructing A Cover Letter

Much like your position-specific résumé, a cover letter should be uniquely tailored for each opportunity you apply to. Researching the organization and position prior to writing your letter will provide helpful guidance on content to include and attributes to draw attention to. In addition, here are a few other general rules you should follow when formatting your cover letter.

Contact Section

There are two options for arranging the contact section on your cover letter: using formal business letter formatting or mirroring the contact section of your résumé.

1 . Formal business-style cover letters should follow a standard block format which aligns all text to the left margin and includes an outgoing address (your contact information), the date, an incoming address (your recipient’s contact information), followed by the salutation.

career progression cover letter

2. If mirroring the contact section of your résumé, your contact information should be centered on the page (or however it appears on your résumé) with the date, recipient’s contact information, and salutation aligned to the left margin.

career progression cover letter

Organizing Content

When constructing the body of your cover letter, the content should be separated into four main paragraphs based on the skills and/or experiences you wish to highlight to your reader. These paragraphs should be written without indentation and contain the sentiments outlined below.

Introduction Paragraph

  • Why are you writing this cover letter? Specifically mention the position and company to which you are applying
  • Make a connection with the reader by mentioning a common professional acquaintance, sharing the name of the company representative you spoke with at a career fair, or expressing how a certain aspect of the position or organization related to you personally
  • Conclude the paragraph with a statement that identifies the skills, knowledge, and/or experience(s) you plan to discuss in the next two paragraphs

Body Paragraphs

Focus on one skill or experience you want to write about in each paragraph, then make sure that each one…

  • Explains why you are a strong fit for the position and organization
  • Shows that you possess the skills/qualifications listed in the position description by providing specific examples of past work, internship, classroom, volunteer, or leadership experiences
  • Illustrates why/how your past experiences and skills can add value to the organization

Closing Paragraph

  • Thank the reader for reviewing your application materials
  • Reiterate your interest in the position/organization by referring to them by name
  • Express your willingness to follow up with more information if needed
  • Provide your phone number and email address for contact if your contact section does not mirror your résumé

Valediction (signature line)

  • Leave a paragraph space after your closing paragraph for your valediction; sentiments such as “Sincerely”, “Kind regards”, “With appreciation”, and “Respectfully” can all be used and should be followed with a comma
  • Leave at least two to three paragraph spaces between your valediction and your typed name to include a printed signature – even if you are not physically printing and signing the letter

Cover Letter Sample

career progression cover letter

Office Hours: 8AM – 5PM Career Coaching Hours: 8AM – 5PM * Evening appointments vary by semester. * If you require an accommodation to utilize any resource or to participate in any event, please contact our office.

(860) 486-3013 career@uconn.edu

Center for Career Development Wilbur Cross Building, Rm 202 233 Glenbrook Road U-4051 Storrs, CT 06269

A black woman sits at an open laptop.

Cover Letters

Your cover letter is just as important as your resume. You have written your resume as a document that represents you, and the recruiting manager has written a position description that reflects the organization’s needs. A cover letter ties them together. It’s more specific than a resume and highlights projects or efforts that align with the requirements of the position or program.

You should plan to submit a cover letter along with your resume (or CV) for every position or program you apply for. The only exception is if the internship/job posting specifically notes not to include one.

  • Alignment: Left aligned, after the header
  • Length: 1 page and 3-4 paragraphs at maximum

Date, Recipient, Salutation

  • Date: This is first after your header. Spell out the month and include the year.
  • Recipient: This comes after the date and is usually 3-5 lines. Include the organization’s name, the name and title of the person you are addressing (if you have this information), and the organization’s address or other contact information (if you’re able to find this).
  • Salutation or Greeting: If you are addressing a specific person, use their name in the salutation (“Dear Firstname Lastname” or “Dear Mr./Ms. Lastname”). If not, use something generic such as “hiring manager,” “hiring committee,” or “selection committee.”

Letter Body

The body of your cover letter should be a maximum of 3-4 paragraphs and address 3 main points: what you know about the organization, what you are applying for, and what you can do for them.

  • Introduction and Interest (paragraph 1): Include what you are applying for, what you know about the organization, and why you are interested
  • The Evidence (paragraph 2): Outline what you can do for them, make a case for why you are the candidate to hire
  • The Connection (paragraph 2-3): Make the connections between the desired qualifications listed in the posting to your experience and skills.
  • The Closing (paragraph 3-4): Reiterate your interest, express gratitude, and note that you look forward to hearing from them. Also, provide contact information if it is not in the header.

Use “Sincerely” followed by your full name on the next line. This is your electronic signature. You can use a script font if you prefer or keep it the same as the rest of the letter.

  • Cover letter sample 1 (pdf) , showing paragraph style
  • Cover letter sample 2 (pdf) , showing bullet style
  • Cover letter sample 3 (pdf) , showing preferred name and bullet style
  • Attend a cover letter presentation to get started. Check the calendar for upcoming sessions
  • Read more tips and advice on the blog
  • Bring a draft in for a cover letter review

Career Development Specialist Cover Letter Example

While writing a resume you oftentimes get confined by space, by keywords, by resume space, and so on – you will give up against a lot of technical requirements, whereas in a Career Development Specialist Cover Letter you get an opportunity to craft a descriptive/narrative one that aligns you not just with your position you are applying for, but also with the company you are applying to. Unable to draft this! Use our readymade or customizable Career Development Specialist Cover Letter Samples and get that job interview!

A Career Development Specialist is responsible for helping clients accomplish their career goals through counseling and guidance services. The job description entails meeting clients, identifying their needs and career goals, conducting skills assessments, and helping them connect with potential hiring companies. They also assist clients in finding academic or vocational training programs, teaching clients about finding jobs, locating companies, and conducting interviews.

Career Development Specialist Cover Letter example

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What to Include in a Career Development Specialist Cover Letter?

Roles and responsibilities.

  • Designing the methodology for assessment and development centers.
  • Designing and implementing leadership programs for high potential employees.
  • Developing specialized programs for high potential employees.
  • Running assessment centers for the selection of high potential employees.
  • Discussing career opportunities with high potentials.
  • Designing the mentoring and coaching methodology.
  • Building the network of internal and external coaches and mentors.
  • Designing the leadership programs for young talented graduates.

Education & Skills

Career development specialist skills:.

  • Knowledgeable about the social and economic landscape.
  • Personable and excellent communication skills.
  • The ability to liaison with potential employers.
  • Strong facilitation skills.
  • Time management and strong influencing skills.

Career Development Specialist Education Requirements:

  • Degree in social work.
  • Master’s degree in psychology or counseling.
  • License to practice the occupation.
  • Training in client assessment, OD, or counseling theories.

Career Development Specialist Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Dear Hiring Manager,

With this enclosed resume and letter, I would like to express my strong interest in the Career Development Specialist role you are looking to fill. As a highly-HR driven professional with extensive experience in workforce and career development, talent acquisition, and client training, I am equipped with a huge range of skills and knowledge that will help me to contribute towards the success of your ***.

I have work experience both in human resources and fundraising and have learned about new techniques that can help me achieve my career goals. My expertise includes assessing client skills, and job requirements, identifying positions for possible employment, and providing vocational guidance and appropriate training. All through my career, I have exhibited a keen interest to connect with various community agencies, and consistently identified optimal steps for clients to exceed their career goals. Besides, my training and developing clients overcome their employment barriers places me to make a significant and positive impact on ****.

The following qualifications highlight my accomplishments –

  • Compiling and analyzing client data obtained through records, interviews, tests, and other professional sources, and determining client’s suitability for job opportunities, and vocational training programs.
  • Educating and supporting clients, conducting training initiatives, connecting clients with eligible and appropriate employment programs, and evaluating client work interests, and aptitudes.
  • Leading and training individual and group orientation sessions, and educating participants on agency-sponsored programs.
  • Handling myriad administrative tasks including processing applications, preparing various reports and documents, and maintaining case records.
  • Earning a master’s degree in HRM from **** University.

My skills to monitor the effectiveness of training activities, to get the required outcome, and the measures are taken to ensure employees maintain their work skills will be a valuable asset to your organization. My proven dedication in performing surveys to assess employees will contribute immensely to the success of your Career Development Team. I look forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

An Effective Career Development Specialist Cover Letter can help your hiring employer differentiate between candidates with similar qualifications. Include all your achievements, additional certifications, and other attributes. Also, have a quick look at our Career Development Specialist Resume Sample to get ideas on how to create a good resume for the above-said position.

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Customize Career Development Specialist Cover Letter

Get hired faster with our free cover letter template designed to land you the perfect position.

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Training Officer Cover Letter Example

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Cover Letter 101

A cover letter is a commonly requested document that you submit when you apply for a job, internship, or other professional experience. Unlike a resume which quickly summarizes your experience in a highly formatted way, your cover letter is more like a persuasive essay that you'll write to convince an employer that you are qualified for a position. 

In order to write an effective cover letter, you will end up customizing it completely for each position. While that may sound daunting, there are steps you can follow to make the process easier.

The 5 Steps of Cover Letter Writing

The purpose of the cover letter is to discover what skills the employer is looking for and demonstrate how your skills match the ones listed in the job description. 

Step 1 : Determine if you meet the basic or minimum qualifications to apply (usually education requirements and years of experience). 

Step 2 : Look for key words/phrases throughout all parts of the job description that match your skills and experiences (not just under “Required or Preferred Qualifications”).  

Step 3 : Retype key words or phrases (transferable skills) from the job description directly onto a new document and highlight them in another color. The highlighting tells you which key words came from the job description, so you won’t change them.  Do not use synonyms – use these exact key words. 

Step 4 : Take each key word/phrase and provide an example of when you used/acquired this skill, which will be unique to you. Ask yourself the following: 

  • What Does the Employer Want?:  List the skills, qualities, or values in the job description (or deduce what skills will be needed for such a position): Example: Direct communication skills 
  • What Evidence Can You Provide to Highlight Your Skills?:  Unpaid experiences, work, classes, academic projects, internships, jobs, etc.).

Incomplete response : "Demonstrated strong communication skills."

Excellent response: "Demonstrated direct communication skills when assigning five cancer walk volunteers specific set up and break down instructions."

Step 5 : Place these examples into paragraphs in a sensible order for the reader. Begin with the strongest, most relevant examples or skills first. The least relevant (or weakest) will be at the bottom of the cover letter. 

Cover Letter Formatting Tips

First paragraph.

What position are you applying to? (Include a job ID # if there is one) 

Where did you see it advertised? 

Why do you want this job? (Be as specific and unique as possible, and demonstrate enthusiasm) 

Middle Paragraphs (usually between 2-4 sentences) 

Must include words/phrases directly pulled from the job description 

Opening paragraph has the most relevant skills and important qualities, last paragraph has the least relevant 

Use short narrative examples to showcase how your skills and experience match their qualifications 

Several short paragraphs are easier to read and comprehend rather than one long one 

Closing Paragraph and Tone

Include final skill sets, or additional qualities or characteristics that make you stand out

Must include a “Thank you for your time and consideration” phrase 

Professional, positive, direct, enthusiastic

Business Style Design 

Use your resume header, or put your contact information at the bottom only

Use only one white space (aka return) in between all paragraphs 

Minimum of three sentences necessary for a paragraph  

Do not indent paragraphs

Format/Layout 

Font is the same style as your resume and should be same size 

Length - one page  

Keep bolding, all-caps, colors, lines, and italics to a minimum 

Margins between .05 and 1.25 inch  

Final Advice 

Create a NEW cover letter for each application, as the skills and qualifications will vary- don’t waste time with generic phrases or cover letters  

Never mention things you don’t have, such as “While I don’t speak Arabic, I know some Spanish”. Instead, write about how you have utilized conversational Spanish in the past and enjoy learning new languages 

Sample Cover Letter

Your Address Your address

HR Direct 1234 Maple Drive Trumbull, CT 01002

Dear Hiring Committee:

I am writing enthusiastically to apply for your Human Resource Specialist position that I found on Handshake. I am graduating with my bachelor’s degree with a Concentration in Human Resources and am looking to leverage my 10+ years in customer and support services. My background includes experience with problem solving, advanced communication skills, and taking the initiative in multiple settings. I am particularly interested in HR Direct given your focus on innovation, which resonates with my career values.

In my current role at Best Customer Service Company, I utilize advanced skills in multi-tasking, customer service, problem solving and attention to detail to improve my daily workflow. Leadership has given me increasing levels of responsibility over the last few years; they noted how I take the initiative to learn more than just what is required when approaching a new task. I now train most incoming employees, and recently began to manage financial spreadsheets, as my supervisor has noted my strong attention to detail.

Being a customer service success representative can be challenging, and I often utilize strong interpersonal skills. Oftentimes, a customer will have a complicated request that will lead to frustration. The leadership has lauded me publicly in meetings for my ability to problem solve under frustrating or time sensitive circumstances. Recently, my supervisor has asked me to put together a training manual to keep track of all the different customer issues that might arise, and I am excited to standardize these issues in a way that will help all employees.

To advance my knowledge of Human Resources, I recently completed 12 hours of Compensation and Benefits advanced coursework via LinkedIn Learning. My enthusiasm for this work continues, as I am excited to align my academic coursework, independent learning, and strong background in customer service success as a Human Resources Specialist for HR Direct.

Thank you for your consideration, I look forward to hearing from you.

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Cover Letters

What is a cover letter.

The purpose of a cover letter is to convince an employer that your skills and background make you worth interviewing. While a resume summarizes your experience, a cover letter persuasively relates that experience to the specific job to which you are applying. Although a cover letter is not always required, when it is, it gives you the opportunity to explain why you’re interested in that particular company, making you a more attractive candidate to that employer.

CAREER TIP: It’s true that some employers barely glance at cover letters; however, many others review them attentively. View it as an extra opportunity for you to promote yourself and increase your chances of getting an interview by sending a well-written cover letter with every application when requested.

Writing your Cover Letter

A cover letter is your chance to tell YOUR story! Make sure each cover letter is uniquely tailored. It is crucial that you are not simply restating your resume but putting your accomplishments in context. This will give potential employers an insight into your personality, something that’s hard to discover by just skimming your resume.

A strong cover letter will demonstrate:

  • Knowledge about the job, the company, and the industry
  • The effort you have put into your job search and enthusiasm for the job
  • Writing and organizational skills
  • Understanding about yourself, your skills, and your potential contributions

Targeting your Cover Letter

There are four main components of writing a cover letter:

This is the most important step to determine your fit for the position, so don’t skip this! Gather background on what the hiring team is looking for through networking, researching, and analyzing the job description, especially keywords in skills/responsibilities sections. Your research can not only help you identify where you can add value to the organization, but more importantly, it can help you determine if the company fits your own values and needs and is a place you could thrive.

CAREER TIP: When it’s a good fit, cover letters are not that hard to write! Examples of matching experiences or stories explaining your motivation to apply should come to mind. If you are twisting yourself into knots to try to explain why you should be hired, this is a sign that it may NOT be a good fit!

As part of preparation, it is important to carefully review the job description and identify the most important keywords and skills categories.

Prepare and organize your thoughts by identifying which of your skills and experiences best demonstrate your fit to the role and the organization. Organize which of your experiences and accomplishments match each skill category or job requirement.  All experiences could be relevant!

Once you have organized your thoughts and have your key themes and stories ready, begin incorporating these into your cover letter. This helps keep your document concise, short, and to the point as employers don’t want to read a lot when they have many candidates’ applications to review.

First, construct 3 – 4 paragraphs organized around key themes of the job description and explaining how your background makes you a good fit for the role/organization. Make sure you date your letter and use the same heading as your resume. When writing your greeting, be sure to address a specific person if possible, or simply write “Dear Hiring Manager”. Stay away from “To Whom It May Concern”, do not use this as a greeting.

Next, open with which position you are applying to and where you found it. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to track your application. Don’t forget to mention why you are applying to that specific company in your introduction. This is critical because it shows them that you’ve seriously considered them, and that you’ve done your research.

Lastly, summarize what makes you an ideal candidate. Avoid the word “perfect” here and try to find a natural way to say this. Here is where you’ll tie in some of that prep work you’ve done to highlight key skills, themes, etc. about yourself – almost like a thesis statement.

One of the most important steps when writing your cover letter is for you and others to review it! Proofread, proofread, and proofread some more! The more reviewing of your document(s), the better! One typo or error might make the difference in being chosen for an interview or not. Review the application instructions carefully and make sure you follow them.

We recommend reading your cover letter out loud to make sure your words sound right as this allows you to pick up on any grammatical issues or sentence errors. Have trusted members of your network (family, friend, advisor, professor, Career Design) read your cover letter. Be open to other’s feedback, but make sure to take in comments and incorporate as you see fit. This is, after all, your own words and body of writing and you need to stand behind it 100%. Give yourself some time for the editing process. This will help reduce any stress for when you are ready to submit your application materials. You will likely revise your cover letter many times before it is good to be sent.

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Send an email to with:

Or use the contact form below:

A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your writing abilities, and create a compelling application package to show how you're the right candidate for the role. It is a chance to show your personality, strengths, goals, and values.

Important things to remember about a cover letter:

  • This serves as a writing sample — make sure you are putting your best foot forward. If you're unsure about your grammatical abilities or writing quality, we encourage you to visit the writing center.
  • Your cover letter should be about attitude and your resume should be about aptitude. Your cover provides an opportunity to compliment your resume, not reiterate.
  • Focus on the WHY — Why you? Why this job? Why this company?
  • Be sure your cover letter is no more than a page. A properly crafted cover letter should be exactly one full page.
  • Your resume and cover letter should look like a part of the same application package — use similar formatting, font, and creative design.
  • Double check – when you are sending out multiple cover letters it is easy to get your documents confused. Double check youre sending the right cover letter to the right person and company.
  • Save as PDF Always.
  • Do not address your letter "To Whom It May Concern", if you are unsure of who to submit your materials to, simply greet with "Dear Hiring Manager:"

You are welcome to have your cover letter reviewed at our Career Studio  in the Career Development Center or by appointment with your career coach on Handshake.

Here are some samples and resources to get you started:

  • Job Cover Letter Sample
  • Internship Cover Letter Sample
  • Education Cover Letter Sample
  • Cover Letter Checklist
  • Cover Letter Writing Tips

In the first paragraph, indicate your reason for writing, the specific position or type of work you are applying for, and how you learned about the position. Mention the name of the person (if any) who referred you to the person, position, or organization. Give information to show your specific interest in the organization.

Your middle paragraph(s) should explain why you are interested in working for this employer; specify why you desire this type of work and showcase your qualifications. Highlight any relevant work experience or related education, but do not reiterate your entire resume. Emphasize your skills, abilities, and personal traits that relate to the job for which you are applying . A useful tip is to look at the job description for the position you are applying for and see what skills and abilities it requires. Make connections between your skills and abilities and what the employer is looking for. Be sure to do this in a confident manner and remember that the reader will view your cover letter as an example of your writing style.

Close your letter by indicating your desire for a personal interview. You might suggest a day or time frame when you will be available. You may refer your reader to your enclosed resume or other media you are using to illustrate your training, skills, and experience. Give a telephone number and/or email address where you can be reached at the employer’s convenience.

Your handwritten signature

Your name typed

Download: Cover Letter Sample for Internships (.doc)

IMAGES

  1. 39 Professional Career Change Cover Letters ᐅ TemplateLab

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  2. 39 Professional Career Change Cover Letters ᐅ TemplateLab

    career progression cover letter

  3. Career Change Cover Letter

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  4. 2018 Cover Letter Examples [+Writing Tips]

    career progression cover letter

  5. Career Development Cover Letter

    career progression cover letter

  6. How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter (With Examples)

    career progression cover letter

VIDEO

  1. Employability Skills

  2. Career Transformation Challenge Day 10

  3. How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter 2022 (Career change cover letter structure)

  4. CV & Cover Letter That Can Help You Get Jobs Faster

  5. How To Write the BEST Cover Letter for Your Next Job Application

  6. How to write a cover letter when you're changing careers

COMMENTS

  1. How To Write a Career Change Cover Letter (With Examples)

    To write a career change cover letter, start with the following steps: 1. Introduce yourself. Start your cover letter by stating who you are, what you want and why you'd be a good fit for the job. Highlight your most impressive, valuable and relevant achievements without oversharing your lack of experience.

  2. How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter (With Samples!)

    5 steps to a persuasive career change cover letter. Here's your step-by-step guide to writing a career change cover letter that'll tell your unique story and help a hiring manager envision how you would benefit their organization. 1. Start strong with a unique opener. Get the reader's attention right away by putting the opening line of ...

  3. How to write an impactful cover letter for a career change

    6. Write a memorable closing. Your closing is your opportunity to reiterate your excitement about the job opening. Adjectives like "eager," "excited," and "thrilled" demonstrate you're ready to hit the ground running. Additionally, your cover letter for switching careers should invite further dialogue with a call to action.

  4. How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

    Here are some versatile examples of soft skills to include in your career change cover letter: Communication skills (verbal, written, and listening) Leadership skills. Critical thinking. Adaptability. Teamwork. Interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently. Creativity.

  5. How to Write a Cover Letter When You're Changing Careers (Sample + Tips

    2. Get specific. Your cover letter should expand upon your resume, rather than repeating the same information. One way to do this is by giving details about your past achievements. Quantify your impact with numbers, when possible, and explain how these accomplishments make you uniquely qualified for this new role. 3.

  6. How To Write the Best Career Change Cover Letter

    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.

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

    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.

  8. How To Write a Career Change Cover Letter (With Examples)

    Then, you can follow the steps listed below to write your career change cover letter: 1. Introduce yourself to the reader. Start by addressing the reader directly. If possible, find their name and address them by it. You can then introduce yourself and communicate your interest in applying for the position in question.

  9. Template: Career Progression Cover Letter

    Template: Career Progression Cover Letter. 1 Mins Read 26-08-2021. You've decided that you're ready to make that next step forward in your career. It's time to look for a new role that will offer you the progression opportunities you desire. Whether you are looking to move internally or you've got your sights set on a job at a different ...

  10. Customizing a Career Change Cover Letter: 5 Tips and a Template

    1. Introduce yourself and position your transition. Use the opening paragraph of your career change cover letter to summarize your skill set and express how your experience aligns with the organization's needs for the open position. Share your knowledge of the company, as well as your interest in the role. 2.

  11. PDF Cover Letter Guide

    A cover letter is more than a resume in paragraph form. 3 The format, content and purpose of a cover letter are highly individualized. • Follow basic professional writing standards, paying special attention to differences in uploading a cover letter into an online application or using your letter as the body of an email message.

  12. Cover Letters That Show a Progression of Responsibilities

    If your cover letter demonstrates an upward career path, employers will see you as someone with drive, ambition and the focus to reach your goals. How you describe this progression can also show employers that you have a solid foundation to support you when taking on more demanding roles. For example, if you show them that you steadily advanced ...

  13. Cover Letter for a Career Change

    Cover Letter for a Career Change. Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Even if a cover letter is not explicitly required by an employer, it is vital and should always be a part of your job applications. A cover letter introduces you, demonstrates you have invested time and energy into researching the organization, highlights a few of your experiences or ...

  14. Writing Your Cover Letter

    1. Formal business-style cover letters should follow a standard block format which aligns all text to the left margin and includes an outgoing address (your contact information), the date, an incoming address (your recipient's contact information), followed by the salutation. 2. If mirroring the contact section of your résumé, your contact ...

  15. Cover Letters

    The body of your cover letter should be a maximum of 3-4 paragraphs and address 3 main points: what you know about the organization, what you are applying for, and what you can do for them. ... BU Center for Career Development Yawkey Center for Student Services 100 Bay State Road, Sixth Floor Boston, MA 02215 [email protected] 617-353-3590.

  16. Career Development Specialist Cover Letter Examples

    Career Development Specialist Cover Letter Example. While writing a resume you oftentimes get confined by space, by keywords, by resume space, and so on - you will give up against a lot of technical requirements, whereas in a Career Development Specialist Cover Letter you get an opportunity to craft a descriptive/narrative one that aligns you ...

  17. Cover Letter 101 : Career Development & Professional Connections

    The purpose of the cover letter is to discover what skills the employer is looking for and demonstrate how your skills match the ones listed in the job description. Step 1: Determine if you meet the basic or minimum qualifications to apply (usually education requirements and years of experience). Step 2: Look for key words/phrases throughout ...

  18. Cover Letters

    Getting More. Getting your cover letter perfect can take quite a bit of practice, but you can always come in to see a Career Development Professional who will help you take your cover letter from good to great! To schedule an appointment. Call Us: 618-453-2391. Email Us: [email protected]. Schedule Online at Hire A Saluki.

  19. Resumes & Cover Letters

    Resumes & Cover Letters. Having a well-written resume and cover letter is essential in the job search process and can help you land an interview for your dream job. To show employers that you are an ideal candidate, these documents highlight the qualifications and experiences that are most relevant for your desired position. To gain detailed ...

  20. Cover Letters

    This will give potential employers an insight into your personality, something that's hard to discover by just skimming your resume. A strong cover letter will demonstrate: Knowledge about the job, the company, and the industry. The effort you have put into your job search and enthusiasm for the job. Writing and organizational skills.

  21. Cover Letters

    Cover Letters. A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself, showcase your writing abilities, and create a compelling application package to show how you're the right candidate for the role. It is a chance to show your personality, strengths, goals, and values. Important things to remember about a cover letter:

  22. Cover Letters

    Sample Cover Letter. Dear [Director or Coordinator _______ ] or [Hiring Manager]: Opening paragraph: State your reason for the letter: the position you are applying for, how you heard about it and your interest. Second/third paragraph: List examples and illustrate how and why you are a qualified candidate. Describe relevant work, volunteer,