Author: Ami Au-Yeung / Source: Lifehack
Embarking on a career change, tiny or big, can be paralyzing. Regardless of the reason for your desired career change, you need to be very clear on ‘why’ you are making a change. This is essential because you need to have clarity and be confident in your career direction in order to convince employers why you are best suited for the new role or industry.
A well crafted career change cover letter can set the tone and highlight your professional aspirations by showcasing your personal story.
1. Know Your ‘Why’
Career changes can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You can take control and change careers successfully by doing research and making informed decisions.
Getting to know people, jobs, and industries through informational interviews is one of the best ways to do this.[1] Investing time to gather information from multiple sources will alleviate some fears for you to actually take action and make a change.
Here are some questions to help you refine your ‘why’, seek clarity, and better explain your career change:
- What makes me content?
- How do I want work to impact my life?
- What’s most important to me right now?
- How committed am I to make a career change?
- What do I need more of to feel satisfied at work?
- What do I like to do so much that I lose track of time?
- How can I start to explore my career change options?
- What do I dislike about my current role or work environment?
2. Introduction: Why Are You Writing This Cover Letter?
Make this section concise. Cite the role that you are applying for and include other relevant information such as the posting number, where you saw the posting, the company name, and who referred you to the role, if applicable.
Sample:
I am applying for the role of Client Engagement Manager posted on . Please find attached relevant career experiences on my resume.
3. Convince the Employer: Why Are You the Best Candidate for the Role?
Persuade the employer that you are the best person for the role. Use this section to show that you: have read the job posting, understand how your skills contribute to the needs of the company, and can address the challenges of the company.
Tell your personal story and make it easy for hiring managers to understand the logic behind your career change. Clearly explaining the reason for your career change will show how thoughtful and informed your decision-making process is of your own transition.
Be Honest
Explain why you are making a career change. This is where you will spend the bulk of your time crafting a clear message.
Speak to the mismatch that may be perceived by hiring managers, between the experience shown on your resume and the job posting, to show why your unique strengths make you more qualified than other candidates.
Address any career gaps on our resume. What did you do or learn during…
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