Hiring someone with little to no experience can be extremely risky for employers. While considering your resume, many questions will run through the hiring manager’s mind.
“Can this candidate learn the skills?”
“If they do, can they do the job?”
“Why is the candidate changing jobs in the first place?”
With no proven track record or certified skills to do the job, they have no way of knowing what you’re capable of. Strategically crafting a compelling, career change resume is your best way to quell those fears. Use it to explain why you are changing careers, demonstrate achievements, show how your skills and experience will translate, and how your passion will benefit the company.
Topics Covered:
- The basics of a career change cover letter
- Explain why you are changing careers
- Highlight your past performance
- Describe your relevant skills and experiences
- Display your passion for the new company and career
The basics of a career change cover letter
Is a cover letter necessary?
Absolutely. Cover letters are useful for every job, but they become critical when you are changing careers.
Who to address the cover letter to?
The recruiter for that specific position. Look at the job description and online post to find who that is. If you can’t find the specific recruiter, look for the hiring manager of the department you are applying for.
What is the best cover letter length?
Your career change cover letter should fit on a single page. A 2-4 paragraph-length is ideal.
What goes in the cover letter header?
Your basic contact information including: Name, Address, Phone Number, E-mail Address, Relevant Websites (LinkedIn, your portfolio, etc.)
Explain why you are changing careers
The first thing any employer will wonder about is why you are looking to change careers. They will have their own preconceived notions based on their own experiences, which are often negative.
- Are you changing careers because you’re not good at what you currently do?
- Are you professionally wishy-washy, always looking for the next best thing?
- Are you unhappy in your current situation, but unwilling to work to make it better?
While none of these may be true, they are likely what’s running through the hiring manager’s head.
Be honest and authentic while explaining your reason for changing careers, but be sure to focus on the positive. If you work in an industry that you think is dying, describe how promising this new industry appears to be. If you are bored in your current role, explain much the work you’ll be doing in this new career excites you.
Be sincere while focusing on the positive aspects of your new career change rather than the negative ones you’re looking to leave.
Highlight your past performance
In the eyes of a hiring manager, your previous performance i