The first thing to do is understand where you should start. Here’s a career change cover letter example to help you understand what yours might look like:
Dear Mr. Smith,
I’ve known I wanted to be a software engineer since I was 16. In fact, I started coding profile pages for my friends online. Initially, I pursued a nursing career to take part in the family healthcare business my parents operated, as it was an easy place to get my first job. However, I still learned coding on the side, getting certifications in major programming languages and excelling in coding, as an “interesting hobby.” In 2018, I decided to find a new position in coding. That’s why I’m so excited to follow my passion and apply for the software engineer position at Company Name.
I am incredibly detail-oriented and write in code with very few errors. My experience working on my own in a variety of coding languages has taught me to identify errors and create easier pathways of code. I enjoy writing my own code step-by-step and correcting others’ code. Additionally, I have certifications in Java, PHP, Python, C++, SQL, and HTML.
This new field interests me significantly, and I’m excited to showcase exactly what I can do in the field of programming. I look forward to an interview where I can discuss my programming and other skills.
Sincerely,
Latoya Weber
Although this is a fairly short career change cover letter sample, it’s a great starting point for any job seeker looking to make a career change and could use some helpful tips on cover letter writing.
Header
The cover letter header should be the same as any other cover letter salutation: your full name, phone number, email address and professional job networking links, such as LinkedIn. Additionally, be sure to address your potential employer by their name.
First paragraph: Introduction and best achievements
Your opening paragraph needs a hook that will pull the recruiter in. Explain why you are changing careers. In the example, she chose her first career from pressure to join the family’s career path. Now, following her passion for coding, she is opening up the job search again to find a job opportunity that will make her happy. This first paragraph should clearly define what you’re switching from your previous role to the name of the job role that you’re applying to.
Second paragraph: More achievements and how you can benefit the company
Next, you need to talk about your relevant skills and why you’ll be a benefit to the company, even though you don’t have direct experience. This applicant mentions her detail-oriented nature, her ability to write and fix code and her many certifications. If you have experience from a previous job that you can apply to the new job, including transferable skills, then you can include it in this section. Mention extra achievements and skills in bullet points below this paragraph.
Final paragraph: Call to action
The closing paragraph should be your call to action. This applicant says, “I look forward to an interview,” actively requesting a job interview. This interpersonal request is one of the elements that makes a cover letter so powerful. You get to actually ask to further discuss the role, which is a great way to get an interview.