How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

By Susan Dansby

It's tempting (and a lot easier) to apply for a job simply by submitting a cover letter and your resume. But if you really want that job, it's a lot smarter to ask for 15-minute informational interview first.

This may seem unnecessary or time-consuming; but think about how you buy a car. From the time you enter the lot, that salesperson is getting a feel for what you, the buyer, want. "What's most important, safety, style or mileage?" "Convertible or sedan?" "Carpooling or off-roading?"

Just like that car salesperson, you've got a product you can present in any number of ways. Find out what's most important to your buyer (prospective employer) before you start selling.

What follows is an example/sample of a career change cover letter asking for that informational interview, and an explanation of the eight points that should be in the letter.

"Dear Ms. Smith:
 
My name is Joan Doe, and Joe Jones (1) suggested I write you. 

I've had many years of experience as a kindergarten teacher, and loved that job because I enjoy helping children excel. In fact, I was named Teacher of the Year last year.(2)

However, after ten years, I've become interested in pursuing a job in the customer service field. This might seem like a huge leap, but for the past 15 years, I've spent my spare time volunteering in customer service at our local youth center.(3)

I've enjoyed providing technical assistance, troubleshooting, and supporting the various computer applications. And at this point in my life (my own children are grown), I find I'd prefer to work with adults in a business environment. (4)

Toward that end, I'm trying to get as much information as possible about the customer service industry. I was hoping you, as a fellow alumnus,(5) would have 15 minutes to talk to me about the skills I might need, and any further studies I should pursue, to achieve my goal.(6)(7)

I'm enclosing my resume as a means of introduction.(8) I'm hoping you can spare the time to meet with me, Ms. Smith, I could really use the guidance.

Sincerely,

Now, let's analyze the points covered here:

1. You should have at least one personal contact you share with the person you're writing (someone with whom they've worked, or a former classmate, or relative). This isn't as difficult to accomplish as it may seem.
2. Give information about what you liked about your previous career, and why you were good at it.
3. Explain why you're changing careers. Never mention anything negative about your old job. By stating why you loved the job you're leaving, and what you think you'll like about your new job, you'll establish you have sound reasons for wanting a change.
4. Show some understanding of what's entailed in the new career.
5. Reference a second connection (i.e., school, civic organizations). This not only shows you have something in common, it also proves you're not some random person who pulled the potential employer's name out of a hat.
6. Ask for a 15-minute informational interview.
7. Admit that you might not be quite ready to take on this new job - and that you may have things to learn. This takes the pressure off both you and the potential employer; and reiterates you're not asking for a job in this interview!
8. Enclosing your resume gives the potential employer an idea of how you've applied yourself in the past, and offers you the opportunity to list colleagues you have in common as references.

job, jobs, career