How to write a cover letter when changing career

How to write a cover letter when changing career How to write a cover letter when changing career Writing a cover letter is challenging at the best of times, and even more so if you’re in the process of making a big career change. Although you know why you want to make this change, persuading the HR team to give you a chance is something else. You will really need to pull out all the stops in your cover letter, but if it’s something you want, then it will definitely be worth it. We’re behind you, every step of the way, and we’ve got some tips for creating the perfect cover letter to help you make that all important career change.Follow Ladders on Flipboard!Follow Ladders’ magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and more!The cover letterWriting a convincing cover letter takes a lot of time, energy and soul-searching. When it comes to making a career change, you need it as your one big chance to present yourself and the reasons why you want to switch up your career. The better you explain your reasoning, the more likely it is that the HR team will offer you a chance. There are a couple of ways to do this, starting with the opening lines.Start your letter with a bangYou need to start with a bang! Instead of opening your cover letter in a generic way, by saying that you’re undoubtedly the best person for the job because of xyz reasons, think of a more explosive/fun way to grab the HR manager’s attention.Put yourself in the HR team’s shoes. What would you like to know about a surprise applicant and what would make you stop and take the time to read their cover letter? Maybe you have a story about the moment you realized that you wanted to pursue this new career, or you have a quote that sums up you or your decision-making? This is your chance to impress, so go for it!Take center stageAfter you’ve made a great first impression with your opening lines, it’s time for you to take center stage and make the next part all about you (just make it short and sweet). This is your chance to introduce yours elf, your motivations and your ambitions for this new role. Take a look at our article about  giving yourself an edge  to help you with this.Focus on the skills you already haveWhat’s your superpower? Are you super organized, a great motivator or an experienced salesperson? Here, you want to emphasize the skills and/or experience you already have that you will bring to your new role. Also, think outside the box. If you think you’ve learnt specific and important lessons or skills in your former job that don’t immediately translate into the new one, tell the HR manager why you think these are important and how they make you an attractive candidate for this job.Be honestNow’s your chance to share the story behind the career change. Was there a moment when you suddenly realized you were in the wrong job? Were you encouraged to make the move by a friend or family member? Did you always dream of this career but never felt confident enough to take the plunge? Have your priorities c hanged now that you have a family? Whatever your story is, you can bet that the HR team will want to know. Just write this part from the heart.Focus on the positivesSince you’re making a career change, there’s likely to be a few skills you don’t have yet. Whatever you do, make sure that you don’t apologize for this. Turn it into a positive as much as possible by telling the HR team how eager and excited you are to learn new skills. Find out more about how to do this,  here.Make a big closing argumentTo wrap your letter up, use the last couple of sentences to state your closing arguments. Quickly summarize what you’ve said so far and give the HR manager 2-3 big reasons why they should hire you or at least offer you an interview.This article first appeared on Kununu.    You might also enjoy… New neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happy Strangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds 10 lessons from Benjamin Franklin’s daily schedule that will double your productivity The worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs 10 habits of mentally strong people (