How to Create Your Cover Letter When Switching Careers

From Job Search Secrets

 

You
have recently made the decision to exit one career and enter a new one,
which can be both exciting and a little bit scary. But while the choice
to make the career switch was probably a grueling one, the prospect of
explaining your lack of job experience to potential employers is
probably downright terrifying.

Though you may be concerned about
drawing attention to this missing portion of your career history, don't
spend too much time dwelling on it. The truth is, if you really desire
to move into your new career, you can do it. You just have to believe
in yourself and present this belief in your cover letters. Let's look
at how you can do it ...

Be Honest about Why You're Changing Careers

When
you begin explaining why you're switching careers in your cover letter,
it is best to be as honest as possible. You can do this by remembering
that at some point you sat alone and contemplated your reasons for
making this major life decision. So take this time to revisit those
reasons. Are you switching because you weren't fulfilled in your
previous career? Or do you believe that you've always had talent in
this field and now you want to pursue it?

Whatever your reasons
may be, express them well. Doing so may help prospective employers
better relate to your new-found passion. Even more, it may inspire them
to take a chance with you, even if you have less experience in this
specific career than other candidates.

Discuss Your Relevant Experience

As
mentioned previously, you may not have an extensive background in the
career you are pursuing, but that's okay. If you have relevant
professional experience, you can simply dig that up to show the
prospective employer your ability to perform.

For instance, you
may have years of experience working as a PR manager. However, you
would like to become a marketing manager because you're interested in
branding products, participating in trade shows, and getting the
company name out to the public. As a PR manager, you may have
experience talking to the media on behalf of your company, and
developing strategies to help create the proper public image. So you
can note these and other relevant PR experiences in your cover letter
to show that your understanding of the company's public image and
products can easily be applied to a marketing career.

Do You Believe in Yourself?

You
should question how much you believe in yourself before writing your
cover letter. Why? Because you are making a major change in your life
that requires courage, and could possibly face a little rejection. If
you hold fear in your heart, it can easily translate on paper. So
before you write your cover letter, it is a good idea to develop and
nurture your belief in your capabilities. This can boost your
confidence and possibly help the potential employer take a greater
interest in you.

Switching careers can definitely be an
intimidating prospect to consider. But if you have confidence in your
abilities, the skills to back it up, and a great cover letter to boot,
you will be well on your way to successfully entering an exciting new
career in the field you absolutely love.