teacher cover letter career change

Professional Teacher For Career Change Cover Letter Examples for 2024

Your teacher for career change cover letter must highlight your adaptability and transferable skills. Clearly articulate how your experience in education has equipped you with the capabilities to excel in a new sector. Demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and your enthusiasm for this career shift. Emphasize your ability to engage and inspire, a skill honed in the classroom that will be invaluable in any professional context.

Cover Letter Guide

Teacher For Career Change Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Teacher For Career Change Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Are you tackling the challenge of writing a career change cover letter as a teacher? It's easy to stumble, feeling lost between the need for formality and the desire to stand out. You've got your resume ready but remember, your cover letter isn't just a repeat—it's your chance to share a proud professional moment in a compelling narrative. Keep it concise, avoid clichés, and make every word count. Let me guide you in crafting a one-page letter that resonates.

• Create a teacher for career change cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
• Use industry-leading teacher for career change cover letter templates and examples to save time;
• Dedicate your teacher for career change cover letter space to your best achievement;
• Make sure your teacher for career change cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.

Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your teacher for career change cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.

If the teacher for career change isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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Teacher For Career Change cover letter example

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• Transferring skill sets: The cover letter effectively highlights the candidate's ability to adapt and apply her analytical skills from teaching to a QA role, demonstrating versatility and potential for cross-functional competencies.
• Quantifiable achievements: Mentioning the 34% increase in student performance provides a concrete example of the candidate’s impact and success in implementing strategies, a key skill in quality assurance work where outcomes need to be measurable.
• Initiative to innovate: The candidate’s experience in reformulating teaching methods shows a propensity for innovation and problem-solving, essential qualities for tackling the complex troubleshooting tasks in quality assurance.

Five tips on formatting your teacher for career change cover letter

Do you want to make a good impression on recruiters and, at the same time, follow the best industry advice on writing your teacher for career change cover letter?

Make sure to include the following:

• Header and Salutation;
• Introductory paragraph;
• Body paragraph;
• Closing paragraph;
• Signature (this one is up to you).

Remember to use the same modern, simple font for your teacher for career change cover letter as you did for your resume (e.g. Lato, Rubik, etc.)

Ensure your teacher for career change cover letter is single-spaced and is wrapped around a one-inch margin, like in our cover letter templates .

Once completed, use our cover letter builder to export your teacher for career change cover letter in the best format to keep your information intact - PDF.

At the end of the day, your teacher for career change cover letter won't be assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) software, but by the recruiters. Your information should thus be legible, organized, and follow a structured logic.

The top sections on a teacher for career change cover letter

Header: Include your contact information (name, address, phone number, email address), date, and the employer's contact information to establish professionalism and make it easy for the recruiter to reach out to you.

Opening Greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible, to add a personal touch and show that you've done your research about the company.

Introductory Paragraph: Clearly state your intention to change careers and why you are interested in the new role, highlighting your enthusiasm for the teaching profession and any transferable skills.

Body: Dive into specific examples of how your previous experience has equipped you with skills that are relevant to teaching, focusing on aspects such as curriculum design, mentorship, leadership, communication, and conflict resolution.

Closing Paragraph: Reiterate your interest in the position and the value you can bring as a teacher, inviting the recruiter to continue the conversation, and thank them for considering your application.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Strong communication skills: Being adept at conveying information clearly and effectively is crucial for both teaching and many alternative careers, especially those involving training, customer service, or any role requiring clear dissemination of information.
• Adaptability: Teachers regularly adapt to different learning styles, curriculum changes, and educational tools, which is a valued trait in any industry needing flexibility and the ability to pivot quickly.
• Leadership and team management: Experienced in leading classrooms and managing diverse groups, teachers can transition into roles that require leadership skills, team coordination, and the ability to motivate and manage others.
• Patience and resilience: Teachers are seasoned in handling challenging situations with patience and maintaining a positive attitude, a quality beneficial for high-pressure or client-facing roles.
• Continuous learning and development: Education professionals are committed to lifelong learning, both for themselves and their students, positioning them well for industries that value continuous personal and professional growth.
• Creative problem-solving: Teachers regularly develop creative solutions to engage students and overcome educational challenges, making them valuable for roles that require thinking outside the box to address complex problems.

What matters most when tailoring your teacher for career change cover letter salutation

Your teacher for career change cover letter greeting should feel welcoming to recruiters.

Use their first name (e.g. "Dear Marshall" or "Dear Sara"), if you've previously been in touch with the hiring manager and are on a more friendly basis.

If this is the first time you're contacting the recruiters, start your teacher for career change cover letter with:

• their last name (e.g. "Dear Ms. Ali" or "Dear Mr. Stevens") - look up who's the hiring manager for the role on social media or the company website;
• generalized greeting (e.g. "Dear HR Team") - just don't use "To whom it may concern" or "Dear Sir/Madam".

List of salutations you can use

• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Company Name] Team,
• Dear [Department] Team,
• Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],
• Dear [First Name] [Last Name],
• Dear [Job Title] Hiring Committee,

Introducing your profile to catch recruiters' attention in no more than two sentences

The introduction of your teacher for career change cover letter is a whole Catch 22 .

You have an allocated space of no more than just a paragraph (of up to two sentences). With your introduction, you have to stand out and show why you're the best candidate out there.

Set out on a journey with your teacher for career change cover letter by focusing on why you're passionate about the job. Match your personal skills and interests to the role.

Another option for your teacher for career change cover letter introduction is to show you're the ideal candidate. Write about how your achievements and skills are precisely what the company is looking for.

However you decide to start your teacher for career change cover letter, always remember to write about the value you'd bring about. Making it both tangible (with your metrics of success) and highly sought out.

How to write an achievement-focused teacher for career change cover letter body

We've got the intro and greeting covered. Now, comes the most definitive part of your teacher for career change cover letter - the body .

In the next three to six paragraphs, you'd have to answer why should recruiters hire you.

What better way to do this than by storytelling?

And, no, you don't need a "Once upon a time" or "I started from the bottom and made it to the top" career-climbing format to tell a compelling narrative.

Instead, select up to three most relevant skills for the job and look back on your resume.

Find an achievement, that you're proud of, which has taught you these three job-crucial skills.

Quantify your accomplishment, using metrics, and be succinct in the way you describe it.

The ultimate aim would be to show recruiters how this particular success has built up your experience to become an invaluable candidate.

Closing remarks to end your teacher for career change cover letter

Of course, you'll have to show gratitude to the recruiters, who have assessed your profile at the end of your teacher for career change cover letter .

A "Thank you for the consideration" would work wonders, instead of the standard "Sincerely yours".

Do you want to make an even better impression?

Close off your teacher for career change cover letter by promising how you see yourself excelling in the role and the positive impact you'd bring about.

A sentence that encourages some further action on the recruiter's end could also be a good way to close off the communication (e.g. provide your availability for an interview).

The zero experience teacher for career change cover letter: shifting the focus to your unique value

Don't worry if you have no conventional professional experience . Within your whole experience, there's plenty more you can write about in your teacher for career change cover letter.

Take, for example, your biggest achievement or award - dedicate your cover letter body to describe it and the job-relevant skills you've learned.

Your professional ambitions could also take center stage. Describe what you plan on achieving in the next five to ten years and the efforts you're making towards your dreams.

Key takeaways

Winning recruiters over shouldn't be difficult if you use your teacher for career change cover letter to tell a story that:

• Is personalized by greeting your readers and focusing on key job skills greets;
• Isn't spread all over the place, but instead focuses on one key achievement and selling your value as a professional;
• Introduces your enthusiasm for the role, passion for the job, or creativity in communication;
• Is also visually appealing - meeting the best HR practices;
• Ends with a nod to the future and how you envision your growth, as part of the company.

Cover letter examples by industry

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• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
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Teacher Career Change Cover Letter Example

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When starting a cover letter for a teacher career change, open with a strong, attention-grabbing statement that highlights your passion for education and the new industry you're pursuing. Then, quickly pivot to emphasize transferable skills and experiences that are relevant to the new role. For example: "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], As an educator with [number] years of experience fostering student success and engagement, I am excited to apply my expertise in curriculum development and instructional design to the [new industry/position] at [Company Name]. My background has equipped me with valuable skills such as [skill 1], [skill 2], and [skill 3], which I am eager to leverage in a new context to contribute to your team's goals." This approach shows enthusiasm, acknowledges the career change, and immediately connects your teaching experience to the new field.

The best way for Teacher Career Changes to end a cover letter is with a strong closing statement that reaffirms their interest in the new role and highlights their transferable skills. They should express enthusiasm for the opportunity to bring their unique educational background and teaching experience to the new position. It's important to thank the reader for considering their application and to include a call to action, such as a request for an interview or discussion. Here's an example: "Thank you for considering my application. I am eager to bring my passion for education and my expertise in curriculum development to the [new position]. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my teaching experience and innovative approach can contribute to the success of your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to arrange an interview." This ending leaves a professional impression and encourages the potential employer to take the next step.

Teacher Career Changes should include the following elements in a cover letter: 1. **Introduction**: Start with a strong opening statement that captures the reader's attention. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. If you have a connection at the new company or were referred by someone, mention this as well. 2. **Teaching Background**: Briefly summarize your teaching experience, highlighting your years in the profession, subjects taught, and any special initiatives or accomplishments. Emphasize transferable skills such as curriculum development, classroom management, and the ability to adapt to diverse learning styles. 3. **Reason for Career Change**: Clearly articulate why you are transitioning out of teaching. Focus on the positive aspects of the change, such as a desire to apply your skills in a new context, a passion for the industry you are moving into, or the opportunity to impact a different audience. 4. **Relevant Skills and Qualities**: Identify the skills and qualities you have developed as a teacher that are relevant to the new role. These might include communication, organization, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to work under pressure. Provide specific examples that demonstrate these skills in action. 5. **Knowledge of the New Industry**: Show that you have done your research and understand the new industry or role you are pursuing. Discuss any relevant courses, certifications, or professional development activities you have undertaken to prepare for the transition. 6. **Enthusiasm and Commitment**: Convey your enthusiasm for the new opportunity and your commitment to succeeding in a new field. Employers want to see that you are motivated and ready to take on the challenges of a career change. 7. **Closing**: End your cover letter with a call to action, such as requesting an interview or a meeting to discuss how your experience and skills make you a strong candidate. Thank the reader for considering your application. Remember to tailor your cover letter to each job application, focusing on the most relevant experiences and skills

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High School Teacher Cover Letter

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High school teacher resume example, try our ai cover letter generator.

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Teacher Career Change Resume: Tips to Help You Land that Job!

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If you want to land that new job, you’ll have to work hard on your teacher career change resume. Remember, your teacher transition resume is your first impression. It’s all about showcasing those transferrable skills and highlighting why you’re the best fit for getting the job done.

If you need help leaving the classroom, check out the  Teacher Career Coach Course .  This step-by-step guide has helped thousands with a transition from teaching. Save time and get support with every step of picking a new path, rewriting your resume, and answering tricky interview questions.

It can be intimidating applying to jobs outside of the classroom, no matter how badly you want out! You may be having a hard time identifying the experiences to highlight on your resume. Maybe you’re struggling with how to write them in a way that applies to a job outside of the classroom. Anyhow, you’re about to break through that barrier! Here are some of my top tips from the Teacher Career Coach Course . These will help you put your best foot forward and land that interview! But first, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. You don’t have to start from scratch.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m just a teacher,” it’s time to look closely at all you do on a daily basis as part of that role. Honestly, teachers are some of the most skillful and multi talented professionals I know. The truth is, many teachers battle with Impostor Syndrome , often overlooking their achievements and the value they bring to the table in many careers. Whether you realize it or not, the skills and accomplishments you have already achieved will make a stellar resume. (Trust me.)

You are an asset to your school, and you’ll be an asset wherever your career transition takes you next. First, identify your career accomplishments as a teacher. Then you can effectively apply them to the next chapter of your working life. Without knowing the specifics of your teaching experience, as a former teacher, I know you have desirable skills and valuable experience. Don’t be afraid to brag about yourself. Your new career change resume should reflect your many achievements and in-demand teacher skills! 

Teacher Career Change Resume Resources

In this post, I gathered expert advice to help you master rewriting those resume skills. I want to help you avoid the most common mistakes teachers make when writing their teacher career change resume. Read on to learn how you can tweak your teaching-focused resume to highlight your skills and experience that apply jobs outside of the classroom.

You can also listen to my interview with HR and resume writing expert Alli Arney to learn how to effectively translate your teaching experience on your transition resume . 

Let’s get to rebranding your expertise, shall we? 

*But first a note!* Much of what you include in your resume and cover letter will be dependent on the job for which you’re applying. If you’re not sure what jobs you’re qualified for or even what’s out there, take a look at Best Jobs For Former Teachers . This post will give you an idea of what’s out there, who’s hiring, and what you need to qualify for a position.

Writing a Cover Letter for Your Resume

Every teacher career change resume needs a cover letter! Your cover letter introduces who you are and what you can offer in position X at company Y. A common mistake I see teachers make is creating a generic cover letter to send with all of their applications. 

Some hiring managers may approach your application with the assumption you’re willing to take any job outside of the classroom. Even if that’s the truth, you don’t want the hiring manager to know that. Use the cover letter and an opportunity to showcase why their job is a great fit for you and what you can bring to the table for their company. Hiring managers want someone qualified, excited about the position, and a good fit for the company culture. 

Make sure every cover letter is unique to the job and company you are sending it to. Add in specifics regarding what excites you about the role and how your experience will translate into the new responsibilities. Do research about the company and address how you are equally passionate about their core values and company culture. You will learn so much from a company’s website, including its mission statement and core values.

Get Started on Your Cover Letter

First, start with an introduction paragraph. This will likely stay the same on every cover letter as you introduce yourself. Next, add five to six bullet points about why you are qualified for this specific position and reflect on your qualifying achievements. For example, I am constantly focused on collaborative relationships and strategic partnerships that advance the mission, vision, and goals of the organization. Last, add a closing statement about the position to which you’re applying, why it excites you, and how you will be able to effectively fulfill the role and responsibilities.

Add an Elevator Pitch to Your Teacher Career Change Resume

An elevator pitch is basically highlights who you are, your area of expertise, and your career intentions. It’s clear, concise, and is key to a teacher transition resume. Think about it like this: Imagine being on an elevator and only having about 30 seconds to sell yourself to the hiring manager. You should utilize your elevator pitch on your resume and when you get in front of a hiring manager at an interview. Just like your cover letter, this pitch should always be catered to a specific audience rather than being overly generic. 

Practice your elevator pitch so that it is second nature. It may sound silly but practicing your pitch in front of a friend or even a mirror helps. You can gain confidence in front of a hiring manager or an interview committee after practicing.

Again, an elevator pitch goes beyond your resume. Have your pitch handy at networking events, in job interviews, on any social bios, and in your resume header. Let’s say you are an experienced teacher looking for a transition into a Training and Development Manager position. Here’s an example of an elevator pitch you could use at a networking event or in your LinkedIn bio:

Elevator Pitch Examples

“ I have more than 10 years of experience in training and development as a high school teacher where I have planned, directed, and coordinated various vocational programs. I am skilled in the ADDIE Model and various training methodologies, and I am currently looking to transition from the classroom to the corporate world. If you know anyone who is adding to their Training and Development Team, I hope you’ll send them my way. “

To adjust it to be more resume friendly, you could make the following tweaks:

“I have more than 10 years of experience in training and development as a high school teacher where I have planned, directed, and coordinated various vocational programs. I am skilled in the ADDIE Model and a variety of training methodologies, and I am currently looking to make a transition from the classroom to the corporate world as a Corporate Trainer at Company X.”

While your elevator pitch is short and sweet, you should always be prepared for follow-up questions. Make sure you are comfortable with the different occupational terms and acronyms associated with any career path you seek. This shows your audience that you are knowledgeable and ready to move into that field of work.

Developing Your Teacher Career Change Resume: Formatting Essentials

When it comes to your teacher transition resume, we need to talk about the big F-word: Formatting. 

A whopping 75% of resumes NEVER GET OPENED or seen by a hiring manager. One of the biggest culprits? Formatting. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through applications before they even make their way to a hiring manager’s hands. Luckily there are a few formatting tips that can help you pass the test. 

Length, File Format, and Other Tips for Your Teacher Career Change Resume

When it comes to the length of your resume, it really depends on your experience. While one-page resumes were once a rule-of-thumb, most resumes are now one and a half to two pages. However, if you have 15 years of work experience, you shouldn’t shy away from your accomplishments. In that case, it’s totally acceptable to have a 2-page resume. 

Next, you want to focus on another F-word: file format. There are different platforms and software, but I recommend you send your resume as a Word document, unless otherwise specified. So, when you go to save your resume file, be sure it’s saved in the .doc or .docx format. ATS will reject files saved in Pages, Excel, or JPEG format. 

The last big resume formatting tip is about style . If your go-to is a creative and colorful template that landed you your job in the classroom, it’s time for a change. Simple, chronological resume templates are your best bet in the corporate world, listing your experience starting with your most recent job. This is the most popular resume style, and it’s best for ATSs. It also happens to be preferred by recruiters and HR professionals, so you really can’t go wrong here. 

A chronological resume should be written to include the following elements in the listed order: 

• Header (including your personal information and your keyword-rich elevator pitch) 
• Technology experience and expertise 
• Current volunteer experience (if applicable)

Developing Your Teacher Career Change Resume: Spill About Your Skills (the Right Way). 

As a teacher, you already have skills that can be utilized in the corporate world. It’s time to brag about them. Before you can do that, you have to move past any Impostor Syndrome you may be experiencing and acknowledge the value, experience, and expertise you have to offer. Trust me. You have a lot more to offer in roles outside of the classroom than you may think.

For example, your organization and multitasking skills can easily transfer to administrative tasks. Parent-teacher conferences give you the experience to handle customer service situations, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement. You’re no stranger to goat setting or data tracking and analysis. Think about any committees or after-school activities you’ve contributed to or helped organize as project management experience. 

Related Resources: Creating your Instructional Designer Resume

WALKING THE WALK AND TALKING THE TALK

It’s not just about identifying your transferable skills but how you translate them on your resume.

Here are three of my biggest tips to help you effectively translate your transferable skills and experience on your teacher transition resume. 

First, be specific by quantifying your accomplishments . 

Second, unless you transition into an education-based role, leave out the teacher-specific terminology, acronyms, or pedagogy. One of the biggest mistakes teachers make on their transition resumes is not rewriting or translating their resume experience so that it is applied to the world outside of the classroom setting. 

Make sure you are showcasing your skills and experience in a way that translates into the new roles you are looking for. Hiring managers don’t want to see you as a teacher. They want to see you as someone qualified for and ready to take on the role you are applying for.  Depending on the role, managers don’t want to know about record keeping for 25 students, but that you managed a portfolio of 25 clients. They don’t want to hear about teaching pedagogy and lesson planning but about training strategy and training materials. The corporate world isn’t about grading and cumulative assessments but about data tracking and analysis. 

Go back to your career buckets. Figure out which teaching duties fall under each and then focus on translating the teacher-specific language into corporate-appropriate terminology.  Then you’ll have an already translated list you can easily pull from any time you need to tailor a resume for a new job. 

Do Your Research For Your Teacher Career Change Resume

Last but not least, do your research and include job and industry-specific language and keywords in your resume. These terms should be peppered throughout your elevator pitch summary and throughout your highlighted experiences throughout your resume. Not only will using the language make your experience and skills more relatable to the position you are applying for, but it will show the hiring manager that you have done the work and are fully committed to stepping into the role, rather than a teacher looking for any new job they can get. 

Insider tip? You can utilize job descriptions as a tool, looking for the keywords and experiences highlighted throughout. Find a way to incorporate the industry-specific language as you translate your skills and experiences. Just make sure you know enough to expand upon the ideas if asked in an interview.

If you don’t feel like you have experience in any of the major keywords that pop up, look them up before you write them off. You likely have more experience than you are giving yourself credit for. More often than not, teachers have the skills. They’re just used to calling it something else.

Acquiring New Skills for Your Teacher Change Resume

Even after translating all of your relevant experience, you might find that there are some areas where you are lacking and that’s okay. Depending on the experiences you had while teaching and the role you are looking to transition into, you might find that there are certain skills that would be beneficial to have to make you a more desirable candidate. 

The good news is you can work on new skills while you are still teaching in the classroom. There are a variety of online classes and tutorials you can take at home and add to your teacher transition resume. The added keywords will make it easier for you to find a new career and you’ll likely go into it feeling more confident and prepared. 

Developing your Teacher Career Change Resume: Final Thoughts.

I know that was a lot of information. Maybe you were already stressed about writing your career transition resume, and now you’re feeling even more overwhelmed. If that’s the case, start by taking a deep breath. (Right here, right now). You don’t have to write and send out a hundred resumes in one day, or even one week. 

In fact, you don’t have to write hundreds of resumes at all. 

A lot of teachers ask, “Do I have to create a million different resume templates for all of these jobs?”   Absolutely not. While you should tweak your resume to fit each specific position you are applying for, you can save time by creating a template for each general category of positions you apply to. For example, you might have one template for training-type positions and another for jobs that fall under curriculum writing and instructional design categories. 

One final word of advice? When it comes to taking resume writing advice, please, please, please vet your source to ensure the information applies to the position and industry you are applying to.

Teacher Career Change, Beyond the Resume

Developing a professional teacher transition resume is just the first step on your journey to a new career. If you have more questions like: How do I get employers to notice my resume? What kind of jobs am I qualified for? What do I do after I get the interview?!?

I want you to know that if being in the classroom is no longer an option for you, there are many career options for teachers. As a former teacher who transitioned out of the classroom, I have been at that crossroads. I successfully moved from teaching into a new career that has left me happier, healthier, and more relaxed than I ever could have been in the classroom.

Next steps to a new career

One of the biggest mistakes that we see teachers make is that they try to  navigate this process alone . Often, they put off “researching” until the very last minute. Which sets them up for a very stressful application season. I want to help you get some clarity in the options available to you. To know EXACTLY what you need to do (and not do) in order to get your foot in the door. You don’t have to do this on your own. With the help of an HR expert with over 10 years of experience and a team of former teachers, I’ve created a guide to support you in the early stages of your transition out of the classroom.  Tap the button below to learn more .

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5 Steps to Writing a Cover Letter as a Career Changer (With Samples!)

Preparing for a career change can feel like walking up to a ride at Six Flags: It’s exciting, but also somewhat terrifying. What if, for example, some less open-minded hiring manager takes a look at your resume and dumps it right into the “no” pile because they don’t immediately understand why someone who’s spent their career in software engineering is applying for a financial analyst role? That’s where your cover letter comes in.

I know, drafting a cover letter—let alone a compelling one—can be stressful and time-consuming. But cover letters are a potent secret weapon for career changers. While resumes can be a great way to showcase your work experience, cover letters give you the opportunity to explain how that experience will help you excel in your next role. And you always want to do everything you can to help sell a prospective employer on why you’re the right person for the job.

5 steps to a persuasive career change cover letter

Here’s your step-by-step guide to writing a career change cover letter that’ll tell your unique story and help a hiring manager envision how you would benefit their organization.

1. Start strong with a unique opener.

Get the reader’s attention right away by putting the opening line of your cover letter to work! Don’t start with a tired old trope about being the perfect person for the job, and avoid leading with the sentence, “I’m excited to apply for [role] at [Company],” if you want to maximize your opportunity to draw the hiring manager in.

Ask a question, tell a story, or begin with an interesting tidbit about your experience or maybe a short anecdote that leads into why you’ve decided to switch career paths. Just be sure it relates to the specific role for which you’re applying.

2. Introduce yourself—succinctly.

If you could only tell a hiring manager three things about yourself, what would they be? How do you want to market or package your experience?

For example, are you a tech-savvy customer relations specialist eager to flex your talents in a sales role? Are you an exceptionally organized office manager looking to make a move into human resources ? Are you a graphic designer turned software engineer on the lookout for a job where you can blend your creativity with your technical expertise? Use this portion of your cover letter to emphasize those qualities that make you a unique individual and employee.

There’s no need to include your entire life story here, so try to avoid over-explaining your experience with sentences like, “After graduating from college in 2015, I decided to apply for an administrative assistant job…” Instead, try a line like, “I’m an organized, deadline-driven administrative assistant with a talent for wordsmithing executive emails and jazzing up corporate announcements.” Your goal should be to keep your introduction short, snappy, and relevant to the job.

3. Share your career-change story.

This is where you explain the why behind your career change . Were you inspired by a newsworthy event? Have you always secretly wanted to be in this industry? Did working on a side project spark your interest in pursuing it full time? Give the hiring manager a little insight into why you’re so excited about their job opening, despite your unconventional background.

4. Highlight your transferable skills.

This is going to be the meat of your cover letter. Hiring managers are notoriously short on time, so don’t send them on a scavenger hunt to figure out how your experience might make you a great fit for the job—they’re more likely to just throw the indecipherable map away and move on to the next applicant. Instead, connect the dots for them as clearly and concisely as possible by emphasizing your transferable skills and experience.

Bullet points can be effective in doing this in an organized and efficient way. Try pulling out the top three to five skills that are required for this role, and then briefly explaining how your experience relates to each. Even better? Provide evidence demonstrating that your experience created a positive impact or contributed to team or company goals. Hiring managers can’t help but be impressed by hard numbers and facts.

Be realistic here. If you don’t have any familiarity with a particular topic, don’t mention it in your cover letter. Stretching the truth might land you an initial interview, but your fib will almost always catch up with you in the end.

Whatever you do, don’t apologize for the experience you don’t have . Rather than saying, “I know I don’t have any direct experience with employee training…” write something like, “Having worked in a dynamic business development environment for the past four years, I’m excited about the opportunity to leverage my personal experience in a sales enablement role.”

5. Bring it all together.

Think of the final lines of your cover letter as the closing argument. You’ve spent the preceding paragraphs making a case for why you deserve an interview, so use your closing sentences to tie everything together.

And be sure to highlight what you can do for the company, not the other way around. So while you may be genuinely thrilled about the idea of learning all there is to know about digital advertising, now isn’t the time to mention it. Instead, say, “I look forward to discussing how my marketing and public relations expertise might benefit the digital advertising team!”

Sample career change cover letters

Here’s what this advice might look like, depending on where you are in your career and how much experience you have.

Sample career change cover letter for an early career professional

Dear Ms. Alice Chen,

Over the past few months, I’ve volunteered to represent my company at local college recruiting events, and I had no idea how much fun job fairs could be. As I meet with eager students, collect resumes, and chat with soon-to-be graduates about business development opportunities at Sunny Sales Inc., I often find myself thinking, I wish this were my full-time job. So you can imagine how excited I was when I discovered the university recruiting coordinator opportunity with Cloud Tech!

After completing a degree in business administration, I decided to put my outgoing personality and laser-focused organizational skills to work as a business development specialist for Sunny Sales Inc. Over the past two years, I’ve sharpened my communication skills in client meetings, fine-tuned my presentation experience, and sourced more than 300 warm leads. Working in sales has given me an invaluable foundation, and now I’m ready to move from business development to recruiting.

I’m energized by the prospect of applying my interpersonal skills and sales experience to the university recruiting coordinator opportunity with Cloud Tech. I think my enthusiasm for recruiting and ability to learn on the fly will serve me well in this role. I’ve outlined how my skills might fit with your specific needs below:

• Applicant outreach: As a business development specialist, I’m comfortable seeking out new opportunities, making cold calls, and selling potential clients on the advantages of Sunny Sales software.
• Interviews: I make an average of 50 phone calls a day, meet with at least five clients a week, and am at my happiest when I get to interact with a lot of different personalities. I’ve also gotten to participate in 10 interviews as part of a sales panel, resulting in two new hires for our organization.
• Application management: I track my 1,500+ business development contacts as well as activities, pipeline, and 30+ active opportunities in a customer resource management system. As an organized, tech-savvy professional, I think I’d be able to master an applicant tracking system in no time.

I’d love to learn more about your university recruiting strategy for the coming year and to discuss how my experience and recruiting exposure might benefit the Cloud Tech team. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide, and thank you so much for your consideration.

Sample career change cover letter for a mid-career professional

After you’ve helped a client navigate a tricky IRS audit or file taxes for their new small business venture, you start to feel like you can handle anything a customer might throw at you.

I know I do. In my 15 years as a personal tax accountant, I’ve helped people through some of the most stressful and sensitive financial undertakings imaginable. Doing this with the right balance of empathy and pragmatism can be tricky, but it feels great when I get it right.

I’ve come to realize that working with people, helping them understand complicated or frustrating concepts, and serving as a client advocate are some of the things I love to do most. Getting to use these skills through my accounting practice has been very rewarding, but now I’m ready for a new chapter and am excited about the opportunity to focus exclusively on customer relations as a client services specialist.

Diamond Design has a stellar reputation when it comes to customer service, and I’d be thrilled to join a team that shares my passion for helping others. Here’s a brief overview of how I believe my experience would translate into a client services role.

• Identifying client goals: Understanding customer needs is an essential element of my current role. Over the past few years, I’ve fine-tuned my approach, and have been recognized for my ability to create open dialogue by asking thoughtful questions and soliciting feedback.
• Taking a customer-first approach: As a tax specialist, I approach every account with a solution-focused mindset. This had yielded a 95%+ customer satisfaction rating for the past six years.
• Developing lasting relationships: My commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience has yielded a 75% client retention rate. More than half of my clients have worked with me for five years or longer.

I’d be eager to learn more about Diamond Design’s client service goals and discuss how my background might serve to enhance the customer experience further.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking soon.

Bonus tips for writing a career change cover letter

Here are a few more tips to ensure your career change cover letter does the trick:

• Address your cover letter to the right person or people . Do some research to try to find out the name of the hiring manager . But always avoid “ To Whom It May Concern .”
• Tailor your career change cover letter for each position. Don’t just swap in the position title and company name from your last application. All of the content of your cover letter should show why you’re qualified for this job specifically.
• Keep it to one page or less . Don’t get too caught up in explaining every detail of your choice to change careers or your past jobs until this point. Just tell the hiring manager enough to know they want to invite you for an interview and learn more.
• Edit ! Always reread your cover letter before you send it to check for any errors. If you have time, you can ask someone else to look it over with fresh eyes as well.

As you draft your cover letter, you’ll want to make sure that it emphasizes your unique talents, transferable skills, and passion for this new field. Spelling this out for prospective employers will help them piece together your qualifications—and up your chances of moving forward in the process.

Regina Borsellino contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

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5 Career Change Cover Letter Examples Made for 2024

• Career Change Cover Letter
• Career Change No Experience
• HR Career Change
• Teacher Career Change
• RN Career Change Cover Letter
• Write Your Career Change Cover Letter

Switching careers can be equal parts exciting and daunting. You’re stepping into a whole new path, facing unknown challenges, and rebuilding your personal brand from scratch. There’s a lot at stake here, and to fight this battle and come out on top, you need to pick the right set of weapons.

Step one: a stellar  career change resume  tailored to match the job. Step two, however, is more challenging because you must write a cover letter to wow recruiters and express your excitement at a career change and for the company.

We’re here to help you navigate these murky waters and set the course for the career of your dreams. Our career change  cover letter examples  and free cover letter builder will help you craft a memorable job application.

Career Change Cover Letter Example

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Why this cover letter works

• For instance, this cover letter points to ways the candidate took initiative to connect sales and marketing. This evidences both interest and experience in the target role.

Pair Your Cover Letter with a Matching Career Change Resume

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Career Change No Experience Cover Letter Example

• Take, for instance, how Aria tells the story of her expertise—meticulous data analysis, project management, and problem-solving and convincingly discusses how these can be valuable assets for the new role. So, extract and communicate those transferable skills.

Human Resources Career Change Cover Letter Example

• Such competencies demonstrate that although it’s a career change, you aren’t a stranger to the environment. If the past stints involved the hiring company’s competitor, emphasize that for bonus familiarity points.

Teacher Career Change Cover Letter Example

• If you’ve earned professional certifications that don’t match your current role but align with your target career, your cover letter is the place to highlight them.

Registered Nurse (RN) Career Change Cover Letter Example

• Look for unlikely connections between your work experience and target role, then put the pieces together for recruiters in your cover letter.

Related cover letter examples

• Graphic designer

How to Write a Fantastic Career Change Cover Letter

You may think that you’re at a disadvantage when you’re applying outside of your previous career, but when it comes to cover letters, that’s not true. Treat this as an excellent opportunity to be creative and stand out from the crowd.

Here’s the trick: give that job description a good read, then whip your cover letter into shape to mirror it. Try to decipher the company’s core values, be it from the job listing or from its website, and highlight that this mission is important to you too. 

Pinpoint similarities across your past and future roles for this. For instance, if you’re switching from teaching to programming, emphasize your ability to explain complex topics to all kinds of audiences.

Writing a winning cover letter intro

The perfect cover letter begins with a personalized greeting that addresses the hiring manager by name. However, if you absolutely cannot find the recipient (try LinkedIn), you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Team.” Refrain from using “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam,” as those can be a little outdated by today’s standards.

Avoid generic starters and instead showcase why your past experience is valuable. For instance, if you previously worked in sales and you’re moving to customer service, highlight your ability to forge lasting relationships with clients.

Check out this example of what not to do below. This opening line is definitely on the uninteresting side—the hiring manager might skim your cover letter if it lacks a proper hook.

No, thank you!

“I am writing to apply for the project manager position I saw on your website. I believe this role is a great fit for me.”

Now, the example below is a huge improvement. The applicant immediately makes it clear that they used to have a different career, but they use this to their advantage by highlighting how their background in working with people can have a deep impact on their new career.

Hooked from the start!

I was inspired to transition my career from nursing into sales when I discovered the impact I could make by connecting people with the right product solutions. I am eager to bring my RN background, where relationship-building is paramount, and my skill set in sales forecasting to American Express as a sales manager.

Writing the main part of your cover letter

Roll up your sleeves because we’re diving into the main part of your cover letter—the body. Use this space as an extension of your resume that elaborates on your skills and the way they can make an impact on the company. 

Find common ground and share some of your greatest achievements that translate well to your new role. For example, if you’re a marketer transitioning into sales, discuss how spearheading a social media campaign increased your company’s revenue by 18%. 

Use metrics to support your accomplishments. Things like revenue, ROI, click-through rates, open rates, customer satisfaction ratings, budget savings, or efficiency improvements all apply to most industries. Much like in the intro, connect your background to match the company.

Here’s a body paragraph for inspiration:

In addition to teaching high school math, I have taught myself web and mobile development, database management, and the version control system Git. I am certified in AWS and Google Cloud, and built an educational app that streamlined school communication, improving homework submission rates by 23%.

Ending your cover letter on a strong note

The closing paragraph is the ribbon that you tie on top of a cohesive whole. It serves to reinforce the sentiments you talked about above—but without repeating yourself.

Emphasize your excitement at joining this particular company, and make sure to mention it by name. Pick one or two of your core skills or qualifications and flex a little—express how you will use these abilities to achieve positive outcomes at your new company.

You’re changing industries, so own it, and explain how, for instance, your knowledge of math can help you write complex code.

Lastly, thank the hiring manager for their consideration—you can do this either in the closing paragraph or in your final sign-off. Dot your i’s and cross your t’s with a respectful “Sincerely, [Your Name].”

It’s important to keep this final part respectful. Don’t assume you’ll be hired—instead of showing confidence, it can come off as presumptuous.

“I’m not experienced but I’m a quick learner, so I can’t wait to start growing my career at your company next month.”

This next example has it all—it reiterates your interest in the role, talks about transferable skills, and thanks the recruiter for taking the time to read your cover letter.

This is the way!

I would be thrilled to meet and discuss how my transition from sales to marketing can drive impactful strategies at Comcast. Thank you for considering my application.

When transitioning careers, it’s important to build credibility out of the gate by addressing the right person. Check the job listing and the company website. If that fails, try identifying the hiring manager via LinkedIn.

If all else fails, talk mostly about your education and preparation for the career change, but there are skills that apply to most jobs, too. For instance, working as a programmer and a travel agent means dealing with data and interacting with people.

While you may rely on transferable skills you used in nursing in your future sales role, avoid assuming this new job will have a similar company culture as your last one. Instead, adjust your tone to match the company. For instance, if the job ad and the website are written with humor, you can afford to crack a small joke or write less formally.

Sample Cover Letter for Career Change to Teaching

Changing your line of work is not an easy decision and entering into a new job market is even more difficult.

In this scenario, your job application and resume need to be furnished with an extraordinary cover letter, flaunting your transferable skills.

The content of a career change cover letter focuses only on the relevant skills you gained through nonrelevant jobs.

The following is a sample cover letter for a career change from childcare services to teaching.

Teaching Career Change Cover Letter Sample

Carla Kinston 894 Rochester Ave, Roseville, MN 87443  (004) 658-5247 carla @ email . com

January 23, 2022

Ms. Denise Richard Superintendent, Daisy’s Elementary School 687 Literacy Lane Roseville, MN 87443

Dear Ms. Richard:

I am writing to apply for the position of Elementary School Teacher at Daisy’s Elementary School. I have hands-on experience in dealing with various elementary school-aged kids during my four years of work as a childcare professional.

Though I enjoyed the child care job a lot, with time I realized that my teaching skills were more prudent. This interest in teaching was strong enough to lead me on and pursue an elementary teaching diploma as well, which is due to be completed by the end of this month.

I was excited when I read the job requirements since I am in possession of many transferable skills you require for the teaching position. The same are highlighted below:

• Skilled in assisting kids with their homework and reinforcing the class lesson efficiently.
• Hands-on experience in dealing with kids of various ages, catering to their psychosocial needs.
• Well practiced in dealing with a bunch of kids aged 3-6 years of age and ensuring their physical and mental well-being.
• Covered three modules on developmental stages along with six case studies on cognitive development.

With my highly relevant teaching capabilities, I enthusiastically foresee an opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss how I will be a valuable addition to your staff.

Hoping to get in touch with you soon, I thank you for your time.

Carla Kinston

• 2 Career Change Cover Letter Examples
• Sample Combination Resume for Career Change
• Sample Letter of Introduction for Teaching Job
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Career Change cover letter example

So you used to be a history teacher, but you decided there’s no future in it? If you’re contemplating a career change, more power to you. It’s a bold move, and though it may be a tough transition, this could be the best decision you ever made. Readiness to submit an exceptional career change cover letter is your best strategy for pursuing new job opportunities.

Resume.io is here to help with expert advice and support for every cover letter preparation step. Our job-winning resources include a wide collection of occupation-specific writing guides and free cover letter examples.

Here’s what we’ll talk about in this guide to writing a successful career change cover letter:

• The outlook for anyone changing careers and why a cover letter is critical for anyone changing careers
• Why a cover letter is critical for anyone changing careers
• How a cover letter is structured and organized
• How to write persuasively to get the results you want in each cover letter section: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• Cover letter writing psychology
• Pitfalls to avoid in writing a cover letter.

For more inspiration and ideas, take a look at these cover letter examples and writing guides in the "other" occupation category:

• Non-profit cover letter example
• First Job cover letter example
• Journalism cover letter example
• Translator cover letter example
• Acting cover letter example

Outlook for changing careers

Since the global coronavirus pandemic many workers have reassessed their careers. Some were forced to since millions of non-essential businesses closed their doors, and some reestablished themselves with different employee norms. 

Many jobs can be done remotely from the safety and comfort of one’s home, but in many fields this is simply impossible. Many migrated from jobs that require face-to-face interaction to those that can be done remotely, although the trend is shifting back toward at least some in-office time.

Of course, people changed careers long before there was a global health crisis. Sometimes people realize they’ve chosen an occupation they just don’t enjoy. Or they may have only recently completed the educational requirements to go into the field of their choice. 

Whatever your personal situation is, your ticket to a new job is an outstanding resume and cover letter, and that’s where resume.io can help. In fact, we’ve already written a guide to how to craft a resume if you’re changing careers. But you’re going to need an excellent cover letter as well — especially if your resume doesn’t reflect much if any experience in the field you want to go into.

For more general advice about writing cover letters, take a look at our comprehensive cover letter guide.

Why do I need a cover letter?

If you’re looking for a job as an accountant and all the experience on your resume is in dog grooming, the recipient could be excused for thinking you’ve sent your resume to the wrong address.

In any job application, it’s always best to include a cover letter with a resume unless you’re specifically asked not to. But it’s especially imperative if you’re contemplating a change of career, because you’ve got some explaining to do. A resume is a strictly formatted, just-the-facts compilation of your work experience, education and skills. It also contains a summary or profile that states your job objective, and this does provide an opening to note that you are seeking a change of career.

However, a cover letter is your personal introduction to someone who has the power to offer you a job. It’s the opening salvo in what you hope will become a person-to-person conversation. And it gives you a much better opportunity to discuss your reasons for changing careers, and to persuade the recipient that you are qualified to work in a field where you may have little or no experience.

A cover letter should almost always be one page only — 200 to 400 words — and these are your objectives in writing it:

• To introduce yourself to a hiring manager, state your job objective, and make a personal appeal to be considered for a job.
• To state your work experience, education, certification, skills and other qualifications that make you the right person for this job.
• To close with a call for action seeking some kind of follow-up that will increase your chances of getting the job.

Some employers, for whatever reason, do not want to be sent cover letters, or their job application systems don’t allow you to upload one. Obviously, you should always follow an employer’s guidelines for applying for a job. But if you have an opportunity to send an email to the decision maker, there’s no rule against using this email to send some of the text you would include in a formal cover letter.

Best format for a career change cover letter

Cover letters may not be as strictly formatted as resumes, but don’t make the mistake of thinking you don’t have to follow a certain structure. Almost all cover letters should contain the same basic components:

• The cover letter header
• The greeting / salutation
• The cover letter intro
• The middle paragraphs (body of the letter)
• The ending paragraph of your cover letter (conclusion and call-to-action)

Let’s take a look at each of them.

Cover letter header

The very top of your cover letter should contain your name, address, phone and email, presented in an attractively designed header, or what people used to call a letterhead. This is critical for several reasons:

• You don’t want to leave any doubts about who you are or how to reach you.
• You don’t want your cover letter to become a “nameless” print-out lost in a stack of papers on someone’s desk.
• The header is your best opportunity to provide some eye-pleasing design elements and white space in a letter that will otherwise consist of only blocks of black text.

Align document styles

Important! You need to use the same fonts, font sizes and formatting styles in your resume and cover letter. You need to give them a “visual brand,” a matching style, so that if someone holds your resume and cover letter side by side, it’s obvious they came from the same person. 

Speaking of fonts, commonly used sans serif fonts (Calibri or Arial, for example) are generally preferred for ease of human reading (as well as avoiding technical pitfalls), with font sizes of between 10 and 12 points.

Goal of the cover letter header: Visually distinguish yourself as the cover letter sender and as someone worthy of a closer look.

Cover letter greeting

“Sup y’all” may be your standard greeting when you write to your family, but that’s not going to work in a formal business letter. “Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. Xxxxxx:” is your best bet for writing the greeting (also known as salutation) of your cover letter.

For decades, the rules of letter writing have distinguished between formal business letters and friendly personal letters — the former prefer a last name and a colon, while the latter tend toward a first name and a comma. The era of email has relaxed a lot of the rules, often replacing the colon with a comma in business communications, or favoring “Greetings” or “Hello” in favor of the time-honored “Dear.”

Study the style used by the company you’re targeting in addressing its customers on its website or social media posts, and try to match that style. 

Address your letter to an actual person

In most cases, it’s best to address your letter to a named individual. There are many reasons for this:

• People like to read their own names, and if you’ve identified the appropriate recipient for the letter and spelled the name right, that’s a great start.
• A generic “Dear Sir or Madam” may raise suspicions that you’re sending this same letter to 50 employers.
• Your goal in a cover letter is to establish a personal connection with someone who has the power to make hiring decisions at the company where you want to work.

If a job listing doesn’t mention the name of the hiring manager, it may be worth calling the company to find out who that individual is.

But there are exceptions to this rule — for example, some hiring managers, for whatever reason, don’t want to put their names out there. If that’s the case, respect their desire for privacy and address your letter to the entire company, the human relations department or whatever your research determines to be most appropriate.

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off on a professional note while personalizing the direct connection you are striving to make with the hiring manager reading your letter.

Cover letter introduction

It’s time to start making your pitch. The cover letter introduction should be one or two sentences that accomplish the following:

• State clearly the type of job you are looking for.
• Preview your experience and qualifications for this job.
• Make your reader want to read on.

If you’re looking to change careers, you probably need to address this right off the bat. Imagine telling your next-door neighbor over the back fence why you want to stop working in sales and become a police officer: “Because in police work, the customer is almost always wrong!”

Your introduction should be an attention-grabbing, well-written paragraph that uses bold and confident language to express your desire to reinvent yourself with a new career path.

Goal of the cover letter introduction: instantly stand out from other job candidates by addressing your key motivations for switching careers and potential assets to this employer.

Dear Ms. Took,

After finishing my marketing degree from San Francisco State University three years ago, my career has been building towards a long-coveted role in technology event management. I honed my people skills as a concierge in the hospitality industry and indulged my passion for technology as a part time tech adviser at the Apple Store Genius Bar.

Cover letter middle section (body)

The central part of your career change cover letter, usually two to three paragraphs, is where you need to make your primary case. Normally it would emphasize your work experience in your field, but if you’re changing careers you’ll need a more creative approach. 

How has your experience in other fields prepared you for work in this one? What are the skills you’ve gained in one line of work that will help you do an excellent job in another?

Here you need to emphasize your relevant work experience, qualifications and skills for the job you’re seeking. Perhaps you have a new college degree, certification or other training. Possibly you’ve realized that your passions and talents are better suited to a new field than the one you were in before. Maybe you always wanted to be a pilot, but you worked as a mechanic until you had the time and money to complete your pilot training. 

You know your personal situation, and you need to present it in a way that emphasizes your fitness to jump from one job category to another.

Goal of the cover letter body: showcase all of the strengths you bring to this position through relevant connections with your background in a different occupation.

For many, that would be a dream job, but my dreams have grown bigger. I now want to spread the word about the cutting edge of technology. In a world of online virtual exploration, there is nothing like demonstrating the latest gizmo to someone who never knew something like that existed.

My hospitality and retail experiences offer the ideal foundation to begin a career in events. The customer service training at the Marriott is legendary and I won seven customer-first awards during my time there. I secured the part-time role at the Peeple Store after the manager commented on my weekly blog. I have learned to talk (and write) about technology in everyday language – something essential for the audience of many events.

The interactions at Marriott and Apple have taught me to be present for every customer, listen carefully to their hidden needs and provide solutions that exceed their expectations. People attending events expect an unrivaled experience – visiting an event often entails sacrificing other pursuits. Great events have to make attendees feel that it was worth it.

As a passionate technophile, I have attended 100+ conferences and product launches and have experienced the best and the worst of the industry. I know that your employee training is fantastic, and I am confident that I have the personal attributes required to succeed - organizational and communication skills aligned with a passion for product.

How to close a career change cover letter (conclusion and sign-off)

The last paragraph of your career change cover letter should include both a summary of what you’ve said before and a call to action, or a polite request for an interview. It should be both a satisfying wrap-up and a next step forward. 

Finally, you can’t go wrong by signing off with a simple “Sincerely,” followed by your typed name. It isn’t necessary to actually sign your name unless you’re submitting a printed cover letter.

Making the transition into the events industry is a logical next step and I hope to be able to outline my application further at an interview.

George Krauss

Goal of the cover letter conclusion: End on a confident note with a value proposition that the recruiter should find difficult to disregard without allowing for a conversation.

The psychology of writing a cover letter

Never forget that your cover letter is addressed to a human being, and that your goal is to establish a personal conversation with a person who has the power to hire you. Put yourself in the chair of the person you’re addressing, and try to imagine how s/he would react to your letter. Pay close attention to your tone of voice, considering the employer you want to work for and your position relative to the company. Study your target, and learn what kind of language it uses to address its clients. 

Consider whether you’re applying for an entry-level position, a creative design role or a senior management post. Each of these would suggest a different approach and a distinct tone. What accomplishments, qualifications or skills should you highlight? How will these be perceived by the person you’re addressing? If you were in that person’s shoes, would this letter be a persuasive pitch?

Be specific about your achievements in past jobs, using facts, figures and anecdotes. Consider the STAR method for highlighting each:

• S ituation: A challenge or problem you faced in a past job.
• T ask: What you needed to do to resolve it.
• A ction: The action you took to address it.
• R esult: The positive result you achieved.

Always remember that the purpose of a cover letter is not to convince anyone that you deserve a job. It’s to convince your correspondent that you can help solve this company’s problems by your unique experience, skill set and drive.

Mistakes to avoid in a career change cover letter

Here are some of the worst mistakes you could make in writing a cover letter seeking a career change:

• Failure to address a disconnect between your past experience and your new job objective. You need to be completely transparent that you are seeking a career change, and you should explain your reasons why.  
• A generic cover letter that you send to everybody. Every cover letter should be individually crafted for a specific company and a specific job.  
• English mistakes and typos. The easiest way to turn off a potential employer in a cover letter is with sloppy errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation. If writing is not your expertise, find an editor to proofread and correct your letter.  
• Clichés, word bloat and fluff. Even if you’re applying for a job as a starting guard in the NBA, you don’t need to say you’re a “team player.” There are certain clichés that have become so hackneyed in cover letters and resumes that they become a detriment to the cause. Use fresh, original language — ideally, write something you’ve never read anywhere before. Keep your language lean and focused and always avoid “fluff” — trivial, repetitive language that doesn’t say anything new or interesting.  
• Formatting errors, strange fonts and bad file types. Life would be easier if everyone used the same type of computer, word processing application and file format, yet this is not the case. You may create a cover letter in your favorite text editor on your old Mac that’s completely unreadable on a modern PC. Or it may open in a totally different application, or an updated version of the same application. This might make your text jump all over the place and turn parts of it into garble. This is why resume.io always recommends using familiar fonts and saving your file as a PDF, which preserves your formatting so that your letter will look the same on any computer.

Use a professional cover letter template

If you want to be a lion trainer, go for it! We at resume.io do not have any experience at sticking our heads into lion’s mouths, yet we are experts at crafting professional cover letters for any occupation.

While you’ve been busy learning how to avoid being mauled by a lion, we’ve been studying fonts, formats and file types that work in a cover letter. As Will Rogers said, “Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.”

Resume.io offers hundreds of field-tested cover letter templates, while our powerful builder tool can help you sidestep any errors in formatting, fonts or file types. We are also leaders in providing expert advice on how to fill out each component of these documents.

The best way to avoid potentially fatal writing or formatting errors in a cover letter or resume is to start with a template that has been proven successful.

Key takeaways for a career change cover letter

• If you’re seeking a career change, you’re not alone, but you’ll need an outstanding cover letter that explains what you’re up to and why.
• Your cover letter should be your personal explanation to another human being about why you’re seeking a job for which your resume may show little or no experience.
• Understand the structure and contents of a cover letter and follow the guidelines for how to write each part of it.
• Avoid common writing and formatting mistakes in writing this letter. The best way to do that is to use field-tested templates and professional guidance from resume.io.

Best of luck in your new adventure!

Free professionally designed templates

How to Change Careers to Teaching OR Transition Out of Education

Do you want to make a job or career transition and enter the field of education? Or leave the education field? Maybe you have thought about a career change to higher education .

If so, we can certainly help you make the process easier, quicker, and with less stress. Transitioning into teaching or education as a second career is quite common. For 16+ years, we have helped many people worldwide make career changes with great success. They find happiness and we truly love assisting them to reach their goals of having a better quality of life.

Any career change to teaching or out of teaching takes time, effort, and an effective job search plan with steps to get results.

Embarking on a second career in teaching or education or changing educational jobs can be overwhelming. With the right tools to land education job interviews in your desired field will lift a heavy burden from your shoulders.

Do you want to enjoy your job or career by going after your goals and professional dreams of teaching?

Do you know there are many career options for teachers? Alternative careers for classroom teachers are increasing; you can review these 10 career trends for teachers .

Do you want to know how to enter this new field from another sector, ensuring that you end up with a great teaching position?

Then let me tell you... we can help you every step of the way.

Tips to make a career transition into the education sector or to transition out of teaching, school administration, or higher education.

We know all the job search steps involved with making a career change to teaching, including resume writing, cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile writing, job search and interview coaching that will get your foot in the door to the school or organization you desire to work for.

Changing careers can be a very difficult task. You are going from the known to the totally unknown of a new job. If you have never taught a class in your life, you may be wondering how you can show prospective schools that you do actually have what it takes. If you look hard enough, you will find that somewhere along your career path, you have in fact taught children or mentored colleagues.

What is holding you back from making the decision to move forward with the career transition?

Is it, that you are concerned you will not like it? Wondering how others will react — will your family and friends think you are crazy? Wondering if you will do well in the position?

PUSH the negative thoughts to the back — move forward and have no regrets — meaning if you don’t do it, you will be in the same position next year as you are now.

When the naysayers tell you that you can't, just turn around and say watch me!

Are you tired of seeing other teachers and career changers land your dream job that you are just as qualified for?

Many professionals reach a point in their careers where they don’t feel fulfilled. They are looking for a job where they can really feel that they are making a difference in the world. This is why so many professionals decide to change their careers to teaching. Teaching allows you the opportunity to affect change in the lives of the students you teach. It’s incredibly rewarding and fulfilling!

So, if you are one of these professionals who have chosen to make the change, congratulations! You are on your way to fulfilling your professional and personal goals. When it comes to landing that perfect teaching job, however, there are many steps you need to complete to have a successful job search.

You need to know where to find teaching opportunities, it is CRITICAL to have an excellent resume and other job search marketing documents, you have to know how to ace the interview, and you need to know how to market yourself properly to schools.

If you slip up on any of these steps...then you are possibly setting yourself up for failure. You won’t be able to effectively show potential schools how you are special and unique...you won’t be able to grab their attention and get yourself to an interview... and you won’t have the ability to land yourself a teaching job.

If you don’t successfully make yourself stand out from the other applicants in a positive way, then you won’t stand a chance in securing the position you so desperately want.

If you've ever considered pursuing a teaching career because your current job is so stressful or unfulfilling... or if you wish to transition out of education we can help.

You could benefit from our services to begin your new teaching career as a career changer... as well as secrets to successfully navigate a teacher job search!

That’s right, we can help you:

Write Your Career Change Resume, Cover Letter, LinkedIn Profile to Overcome Job Search Transition Barriers

• Get started as a teacher or school administrator
• Choose the correct teacher or academic CV curriculum vitae or resume format
• Look for teaching or school administrator jobs
• How to use LinkedIn to connect and secure job opportunities
• Writing an application letter to showcase your passion and value
• Uncover your transferable teaching skills and traits
• Find and showcase your relevant education accomplishments
• Prepare and practice for a teacher job interview or a video job interview
• Coach you on presenting a demo lesson plan during a job interview
• Transition from specific industries into teaching or out of education
• Successfully complete the post-interview follow-up

We want to help you successfully transition into a teaching as a second career , school administration, or any other position you desire!

That's why it's so important that you discover the BEST and most innovative job search tips for career changers available to make you career transition easier and more successful without tons of stress. For example, you can review how applicant tracking system ATS software screens career change CVs curriculum vitas or resumes.

You need to create a rewarding career based on your teaching or other skills, authentic passion and talent, allowing you to be happier in your home-life, more successful in your career, and make a bigger impact in the world!

You deserve to land your dream job and be successful in your new career. Why settle for a job that you’re not satisfied with?

Not only is now a great time to focus on switching jobs or gaining meaningful employment, it is also time to make yourself happy and that makes you more successful!

Your Success is Our Success!

We Work With You Until You Are 100% Satisfied.

Don't you owe it to yourself to be as prepared as possible for your new teaching, administrator or any other career you wish to enter? This could be the opportunity you've been waiting for your whole life. So don't be unprepared and unsure and risk missing out on great career opportunities! Get started with your new teaching career today!

We will show you how to perfect your job search methods for a teaching job hunt, so that you will be able to quickly land a new position as a career changer!

This is your chance to say goodbye to all the unnecessary stress and burnout associated with focusing your energies in the wrong areas.

This is your chance to discover how to successfully make the transition from your current career to teaching.

Don’t procrastinate on making a change – it is action that will make it happen. You’ll be happy you got started to make the career transition you have been wishing to make.

Learn more about Candace, an  academic resume writer  with 16+ years of expertise helping educators and others to move their career forward. Review our  resume and curriculum vitae CV services  and packages.

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Teacher Cover Letter Examples For 2024 (20+ Skills & Templates)

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Looking to land more job offers as a Teacher?

Crafting a strong cover letter is key. This comprehensive guide is packed with everything you need to know in order to write a job-winning Teacher cover letter , complete with effective strategies, essential skills, helpful templates, and real-life examples.

You can trust that all the insights and tips in this guide are based on data from coaching thousands of job seekers, just like you, who have gone on to secure positions at some of the world's most reputable companies.

Whether you're a seasoned Teacher or just starting out, reading this guide from start to finish can help you land your dream role. But if you're short on time and looking for specific information, here's a breakdown of what's included:

• What To Know About Writing A Job-Winning Teacher Cover Letter
• The Best Skills To Include On An Teacher Cover Letter

How To Address A Teacher Cover Letter

• 3 Teacher Cover Letter Examples

The 8 Best Teacher Cover Letter Templates

3 tips for writing a job-winning teacher cover letter.

Here's the step-by-step breakdown:

Teacher Cover Letter Overview: What To Know To Write A Cover Letter That Wins More Job Offers

Wondering what school districts are looking for when they're hiring a teacher?

Districts want knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated teachers that are highly qualified. That means they have the proper education, certifications, and experience along with mastery of their subject, strong classroom management, communication, flexibility, and commitment to student learning.  Professionalism, reliability, and punctuality are also key qualities.

Your resume should show the district that the your experience and personality combined encompass all of these things.

Additionally, there are a few best practices you want to follow to write a job-winning Teacher resume:

• Highlight your education and certifications:  emphasizing any relevant coursework or specialized training.
• Emphasize your teaching experience:  providing specific examples of your accomplishments and contributions to student learning.
• Include keywords from the job description:  ensure your resume is optimized for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Showcase your skills and achievements:  including examples of your ability to manage a classroom, communicate effectively, and use technology.
• Provide references from colleagues:  or supervisors who can speak to your teaching abilities
• Proofread: Make sure to thoroughly proofread your cover letter for any grammatical errors or typos. A well-written, error-free letter can make a strong first impression. I recommend using Hemingway App to do this.

Let's dive deeper into each of these so you have the exact blueprint you need to see success.

The Best Teacher Skills To Include On Your Cover Letter

Keywords are one of the most important factors in your cover letter. They show employers that your skills align with the role and they also help format your cover letter for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

If you're not familiar with ATS systems, they are pieces of software used by employers to manage job applications. They scan cover letters for keywords and qualifications and make it easier for the employers to filter and search for candidates whose qualifications match the role.

If you want to win more Teacher interviews and job offers, you need to have a keyword-optimized cover letter. There are two ways to find the right keywords:

1. Leverage The 20 Best Teacher Keywords

The first way to find the right keywords is to leverage our list of the best keywords and skills for an Teacher cover letter.

These keywords were selected from an analysis of  real Teacher  job descriptions sourced from actual job boards. Here they are:

• Communication
• Collaborative
• Development
• Flexibility
• Performance
• Instruction
• Regulations

2. Use ResyMatch.io To Find The Best Keywords That Are Specific To Your Cover Letter And Target Role

The second method is the one I recommend because it's personalized to your specific cover letter and target job.

This process lets you find the exact keywords that your cover letter is missing when compared to the individual role you're applying for.

Here's how it works:

• Open a copy of your target Teacher job description
• Head over to  ResyMatch.io
• Select the “Job Description Scan” from the scan type selector in the upper right corner of the tool
• Copy and paste the Teacher job description into the field on the left
• Hit scan and review the results

ResyMatch is going to scan the target job description and show you the exact keywords and skills that are relevant for the role and that you should weave into your cover letter.

Here's a video walking through this whole process:

Personalization is what makes a cover letter stand out. That starts from the very first sentence where you greet the person reading your cover letter! There are two ways to do this well:

1. Use The Campus Principal's Name

The first, and best, is by including the campus principal's name. Let's say that you discovered the campus principal's name from a post on LinkedIn or via an informational interview.

This is the jackpot! All you need to do is use their name in the introduction, like this:

2. Use This Formula: To The [Department] Team at [Organization]

If you don't have the campus principal's name, no problem! You can address your cover letter to the team that you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying to for a Product Marketing Manager role at Discovery Education, you might start you cover letter like this:

This shows the reader that this letter has been written specifically for them and the content inside of it will support that.

It's much more relevant and personal than  “To Whom It May Concern!”

For more advice on writing a strong opening to your cover letter, check out this guide.

3 Teacher Cover Letter Examples For 2023

Now let's take a look at all of these best practices in action. Here are three cover letter examples for different situations from people with different backgrounds that are all applying for Teacher roles:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #1: A Traditional Background

Our first example is a cover letter written by a candidate with traditional Teacher experience. Here is what an example of their cover letter might look like:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #2: A Non-Traditional Background

Our second cover letter example comes from a candidate looking to transition from the healthcare industry into a teacher role. This cover letter illustrates how they identify and speak to their transferable skills:

Teacher Cover Letter Example #3: Landing An Elementary Teacher Role Despite Majority Experience in Upper Grade Levels

Our third example highlights a candidate with extensive teaching experience in middle and high school grades, looking to transition to the elementary classroom.

At this point, you know all of the basics you'll need to write a Teacher cover letter that wins you more interviews and offers. The only thing left is to take all of that information and apply it to a template that's going to help you get results.

We made that easy with  our CoverBuild tool . It has 8 proven templates that were created with the help of recruiters and hiring managers at the world's best companies. These templates also bake in thousands of data points we have from the job seekers in our audience who have used them to land job offers.

You're off to a strong start! But I've got a few more tips to help you take your cover letter to the next level:

1. Use ChatGPT To Write Your Cover Letter In <30 Seconds

All of these tips and best practices work, but you still have to implement them. Normally, that'd mean you sitting down and spending hours brainstorming ideas, typing, deleting, and typing again, and then feeling absolutely drained.

Now there's a way to work around all of that so you save your best energy for the writing and edits that matter most. Here's how it works:

• Head to ChatGPT (you'll need to create an account – it's free)
• Ask ChatGPT,  “Please write me a cover letter for an Teacher role. The role I'm applying for is [Job Title] role at [School District]. Here is the job description: [Paste Job Description]. And here is my resume: [Paste Resume].
• Watch ChatGPT write up a pretty darn good cover letter base!

Here's a video of me doing this with a real cover letter if you want to see the steps in action:

Note:  I  do not recommend or advise that you simply copy and paste the content from ChatGPT into your cover letter and submit your application. ChatGPT is great for doing 80% of the baseline work, but you still need to review, revise, and personalize the content yourself.

2. Include Measurable Metrics And Outcomes

Too many job seekers only focus on the actions that they took and not the outcomes that resulted from those actions. As a campus principal, it's impossible to differentiate between a dozen candidates who were all “Responsible For Creating a Safe Learning Environment.” 

If you want to win, your cover letter should speak to the specific outcomes that you drove in previous roles. That could be:

• The percentage by which your students' content mastery increased
• The average reduction in behavioral issues
• The average parent satisfaction rate
• The rate at which your student engagement increased from year to year

These numbers will show hiring teams what you're capable of and make your value crystal clear!

3. Match Your Cover Letter And Resume Design

They're the exact same car, down to the year, make, and model. The only difference is the way the product was presented. Like I said, quality impacts perceived value.

One of the best ways to boost the quality of your cover letter is to make it look clean, professional, and have it match your resume. That's why the resume templates in our resume builder tool match the cover letter templates in our cover letter builder:

If you use both tools to create your cover letter and your resume, your entire application is going to be top notch.

Key Takeaways To Wrap Up Your Job-Winning Cover Letter

You made it! We packed a lot of information into this post so I wanted to distill the key points for you and lay out next steps so you know exactly where to from here.

Here are the 5 steps for writing a job-winning Teacher cover letter:

• Start with a proven cover letter template from CoverBuild.io
• Use  ResyMatch.io to find the right keywords and optimize your cover letter for each Teacher role you apply to
• Start your teacher cover letter with a personalized greeting for the campus principal or Human Resources representative.
• Emphasize the measurable outcomes and value you drove in previous roles (include metrics!)
• Compare the draft of your teacher cover letter to the examples on this page to make sure you're on the right path
• Use a tool like  Hemingway App to proofread your cover letter before you submit it

If you follow those steps, you're going to be well on your way to landing more Teacher interviews and job offers.

Now that your cover letter is taken care of, be sure to check out my guide on how to write a job-winning Teacher resume (with examples!)

Laura Lorta

Laura is an Editor at Cultivated Culture. She transitioned from teaching into the world of content so she's no stranger to career pivots. She also has a bachelors in Entrepreneurship and a Masters in Curriculum & Instruction / Bilingual Education. She currently shares job search advice to help people like you land jobs they love without applying online.

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3 Examples: How to Write a Career Change Cover Letter

By Status.net Editorial Team on August 31, 2023 — 21 minutes to read

• Key Elements of a Career Change Cover Letter Part 1
• How to Highlight Your Transferable Skills Part 2
• Relating Your Career Change to Your New Role Part 3
• Using Accomplishments to Sell Your Skills Part 4
• How to Target Your Cover Letter to the Company Part 5
• How to Format Your Career Change Cover Letter Part 6
• Template of a Career Change Cover Letter Part 7
• Examples of Career Change Cover Letters Part 8
• How to Write an Effective Opening and Closing Paragraph Part 9
• Best Practices Part 10

Part 1 Key Elements of a Career Change Cover Letter

Opening paragraph.

Begin your career change cover letter with a strong opening paragraph to grab the reader’s attention. Clearly state your intention to change careers and specify the job you’re applying for. Mention how you came across the opportunity (e.g., through a job ad or company website). Briefly highlight your passion for the new role and the company.

“As a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience, I am excited to apply for the position of Human Resources Manager. After careful consideration and self-reflection, I have come to the realization that my true passion lies in helping organizations build and develop their most valuable asset: their people. When I saw the job posting for this role, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to pursue my passion for HR.”

“I am writing to express my interest in the position of Junior Software Engineer at ABC Tech. Although my background is in finance and accounting, I have always been fascinated by the world of technology and have been teaching myself to code in my spare time.”

“I am thrilled to apply for the position of Interior Designer at DEF Design. As a former teacher, I have always had a passion for creating inspiring and functional spaces that promote learning and creativity. After years of helping my friends and family with their home decor projects, I have decided to make a career change and pursue my dream of becoming an interior designer. When I saw the job posting for this role, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to take the leap and start a new chapter in my career.”

In the body of your cover letter, focus on showcasing your transferable skills and achievements that make you a strong fit for the new role. Discuss your relevant skills and experience you’ve gained from your current or previous jobs. Emphasize your soft skills and communication skills that can be applied across industries. For example:

• Transferable skills : Outline skills that can be applied to the new role, such as project management, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Achievements : Describe your accomplishments from your current position and how they relate to the new job.
• Relevant experience : Explain any relevant experience or training you’ve had that supports your career change.

Try to connect your skills and experience to the specific job ad, highlighting how you can add value to the company.

“As a marketing professional, I have developed a range of transferable skills that I believe would make me an excellent fit for the Human Resources Manager position at XYZ Company. In my current role, I have honed my project management skills by leading cross-functional teams to execute successful marketing campaigns. I am also skilled at problem-solving, having navigated complex challenges such as budget constraints and shifting market trends. Additionally, my experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders has taught me the importance of clear communication and building strong relationships. I am confident that these skills will translate well to the HR function and allow me to excel in this new role.”

“Although my background is in finance and accounting, I have gained a wealth of relevant experience that would enable me to thrive as a Junior Software Engineer at ABC Tech. In my current position, I have honed my attention to detail and ability to work independently, both of which are crucial in a technical role. I have taken several online coding courses and have completed a coding bootcamp to further develop my technical skills. I am excited to apply these skills to a new industry and to continue learning and growing as a software engineer.”

“As a former teacher, I have developed a range of soft skills that I believe would make me an excellent fit for the Interior Designer position at DEF Design. In my previous role, I honed my creativity and attention to detail by designing lesson plans and classroom materials that engaged and inspired my students. I also developed strong communication and collaboration skills by working closely with colleagues and parents to support student learning. Additionally, I have taken several interior design courses and have completed a certification program to gain the technical skills necessary for this role. I am eager to apply my passion for design and my transferable skills to a new industry and to contribute to the success of DEF Design.”

Closing Statement

The closing statement of your cover letter should reiterate your interest in the job and the company. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and convey your belief in being a great fit for the role. Politely mention your attached resume and request an interview to further discuss how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs.

“Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my transferable skills and passion for HR to your team. I am confident that my experience in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration, combined with my enthusiasm for this new role, make me a strong fit for the position. Please find my attached resume for your review and do not hesitate to contact me to schedule an interview. I look forward to discussing my qualifications in more detail and learning more about the company.”

“I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Junior Software Engineer position at ABC Tech. I am excited about the prospect of applying my financial background and technical skills to a new industry and contributing to the success of your team. I believe that my experience in analytical thinking, attention to detail, and independent work, combined with my passion for software development, make me a great fit for the role. My resume is attached for your review, and I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Thank you for your consideration.”

“Thank you for considering my application for the Interior Designer position at DEF Design. I am thrilled about the opportunity to pursue my passion for design and to contribute to your team’s success. My experience as a teacher has honed my creativity, attention to detail, and communication skills, all of which I believe would be valuable in this role. I am confident that my transferable skills and my technical training in interior design make me a strong candidate. Please find my attached resume for your review, and I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you further in an interview.”

Part 2 Highlighting Your Transferable Skills and Qualifications

• Start by identifying your key transferable skills. Consider the skills you’ve mastered in your current role, such as technical skills like programming or proficiency in tools like R, or interpersonal skills like strong communication and leadership abilities. Think about how these skills can contribute to your success in your desired position.
• Next, provide specific examples of how you’ve used these transferable skills in your work experience. Write about instances when you’ve demonstrated your strengths, focusing on what is most relevant to the new position. For instance, if you’re applying for a role where programming is a vital component, discuss a project where you used R or another programming language to solve a problem or streamline a process.
• Make sure to also mention any relevant qualifications or certifications you’ve achieved to strengthen your case. This could be a professional certification in your skillset, such as a programming bootcamp or a project management course, or even a specific degree that might be advantageous to the new role.

Transferable Skill – Communication

“In my current role as a customer service representative, I have honed my communication skills by handling a wide range of customer inquiries and complaints. I am confident in my ability to effectively communicate with clients and colleagues, both verbally and in writing. I believe this skill will be valuable in a new role where clear communication is essential.”

Transferable Skill – Leadership

“As a team leader in my current role, I have successfully managed a team of 10 employees, delegating tasks and providing guidance as needed. I have also implemented new processes and procedures that have improved team productivity and efficiency. I believe that my leadership skills will be an asset in a new role where I can help guide and motivate a team towards success.”

Relevant Qualification (Specific Degree)

“I hold a degree in marketing and have extensive experience developing and executing marketing campaigns for a variety of clients. I believe that my degree and experience in marketing will be valuable in a new role where I can use my skills to help promote and grow the organization.”

Relevant Qualification (Professional Certification)

“I recently completed a project management course through the Project Management Institute and received my PMP certification. This certification has provided me with a strong foundation in project management principles and best practices.”

Part 3 Relating Your Career Change to Your New Role

When writing a career change cover letter, it’s crucial to connect the dots for the hiring manager between your past experience and the new role you’re pursuing. Your letter should highlight your transferable skills, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the new career path, and provide evidence of your competence.

• First, take the time to thoroughly research the role and learn about the company’s values. This understanding will help you craft a focused cover letter that shows you’re not only aligned with the new job opportunity, but also could bring incredible value to the organization.
• Next, identify your transferable skills from your current and previous positions. These skills may include project management, problem-solving, or interpersonal abilities. Emphasize how these skills will be an asset in your new role. For example, if you’re moving from sales to marketing, your ability to build relationships with clients can be a great advantage in creating strategic marketing campaigns.
• Additionally, showcase how taking on new responsibilities or specific projects in your current job can be directly related to the desired role. This demonstrates that you’re proactive and eager to learn new skills. For example, if you’re transitioning from a graphic design role to a UX design role, mention that you participated in user experience workshops or studied user-centered design on your own.
• Don’t forget to include any relevant volunteer work, online courses, or certifications that align with your new career path. These experiences show your commitment to meaningful work and self-improvement. Make sure to mention any achievements or endorsements from your peers, as this will strengthen your credibility.
• Lastly, express your excitement about the new career opportunity. Let the hiring manager know that you’re dedicated, enthusiastic, and determined in your pursuit of this career change. Convey your passion for contributing to the new industry and explain how your background and values can help achieve the company’s goals.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you.

Part 4 Using Accomplishments to Sell Your Skills

When writing a career change cover letter, it’s essential to highlight your accomplishments to showcase your skills. By doing so, you can demonstrate to the employer that you can bring value to their organization, even if your experience is in a different field.

Start by listing your most relevant achievements. Think about the tangible outcomes you’ve produced in your previous roles. These could be increasing sales numbers, creating efficient processes, or implementing cost-saving measures. Focus on positive results that have had a notable impact on your past employers.

Next, identify the transferable skills you used to achieve these successes. Some common transferable skills include communication, problem-solving, leadership, and project management. In your cover letter, describe how these skills have contributed to your accomplishments and how they will be applicable in the new role.

To make your points clear and concise, consider using bullet points to highlight your past accomplishments and the skills you used to achieve them. For example:

• Increased revenue by 20% through improved customer engagement by leveraging my strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Streamlined project workflows, reducing completion times by 30%, which highlights my excellent problem-solving and organizational capabilities.

Part 5 How to Target Your Cover Letter to the Company

When writing a career change cover letter, try to tailor it to the specific company and job role that you’re applying for. Start by researching the company to understand its mission, values, and culture. This will help you craft a personalized cover letter that speaks directly to the hiring manager and demonstrates your knowledge and enthusiasm for the position.

Don’t just focus on your transferable skills, but also show how your experiences and values align with the company’s mission. For example, if the company is dedicated to promoting environmental awareness, highlight any relevant experience or passion you have in this area.

As you research the company, dig deeper into how it’s involved in the community and any ongoing projects that match your interests or skills. By doing so, you’ll be better equipped to highlight how your expertise can contribute to the company’s goals. It will also help you stand out from other applicants who might not be as familiar with the organization.

When addressing your cover letter, avoid using generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, try to find the name of the hiring manager or human resources representative responsible for reviewing job applications. A personalized greeting shows that you’ve made an effort to learn more about the company and its team members.

Part 6 How to Format Your Career Change Cover Letter

Before starting your career change cover letter, make sure you have researched the company you’re applying to. Having a clear understanding of their mission, values, and products or services will help you tailor your cover letter to their needs.

To begin formatting your career change cover letter, start with the basic structure. Align everything to the left and use a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman with a font size of 11 or 12. Be conscious of your margins and spacing, as you’ll want your letter visually appealing and easy to read.

When addressing the recipient, use their name if you have it and “Dear Hiring Manager” if you don’t.

In the body of your cover letter, aim for three paragraphs. The first paragraph is where you’ll highlight the specific job you’re applying for and briefly mention why you’re interested in the position and the company. Next, use the second paragraph to showcase your transferable skills and relevant experience to the new position. You may refer to your career change resume here. Be sure to provide specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities. The third paragraph is where you express your enthusiasm for the opportunity and show how your skills can benefit the company. It’s also an excellent place to mention any connections you may have within the company or any other commonalities between you and the hiring manager.

As you wrap up your letter, use a closing phrase such as “Sincerely” followed by your full name. Do not forget to proofread your cover letter for any grammar, spelling, or formatting errors.

Feel free to utilize cover letter templates to help with formatting and structure, but remember to inject your personality and make it unique to your situation.

Part 7 Template of a Career Change Cover Letter

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the [Position] role at [Company Name]. Although my professional background has been primarily focused on [Current Industry or Job], I am excited about the opportunity to transition into a new career path and bring my skills and experience to [New Industry or Job].

In my current role as [Current Job Title], I have developed strong skills in [Skill 1], [Skill 2], and [Skill 3]. These skills are transferable and would be valuable in the [New Industry or Job] field. Additionally, I have always been passionate about [New Industry or Job] and have taken steps to gain experience in this field through [Volunteer Work, Courses, or Projects].

I am confident that my skills, experience, and passion make me a strong candidate for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Part 8 Examples of Career Change Cover Letters

When writing a career change cover letter, it’s essential to show your passion for the new industry and emphasize the transferable skills you possess. Here are a few examples for different roles to help you get started.

Example 1: Marketing to Customer Service

Subject: Application for Customer Service Manager position

Dear Hiring Manager,

As a marketing professional with over five years of experience, I’ve honed my communication and problem-solving skills, making me an excellent candidate for the Customer Service Manager position at your company. I am eager to apply my strong organization and time management abilities to the customer service field.

At my current job as a Marketing Coordinator, I am responsible for resolving clients’ concerns and ensuring their satisfaction with our services. My ability to empathize and effectively address client needs will serve me well in serving your valued customers.

I am excited for the opportunity to further develop my skills in customer service and contribute to your organization’s success.

[Your Name]

Example 2: Executive Assistant to Graphic Designer

Subject: Application for Graphic Designer position

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Graphic Designer role at your esteemed company. With over six years of experience as an Executive Assistant, I have acquired strong design skills through the creation of visually appealing presentations, reports, and marketing materials.

My expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, coupled with a keen eye for design, has enabled me to develop innovative graphics for various projects. My work as an Executive Assistant has also enhanced my attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines.

I am excited to make a successful career change and look forward to contributing my creativity and passion for design to your team.

Best regards,

Example 3: Software Engineer to Public Relations

Subject: Application for Public Relations Specialist position

I am writing to apply for the Public Relations Specialist position at your company. As a software engineer with over four years of experience in the tech industry, I have developed exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences.

In addition to my technical background, I have volunteered at local non-profit organizations, helping to promote their missions through social media and email campaigns. I believe my technical expertise and passion for storytelling make me a strong candidate for the Public Relations Specialist role.

I look forward to the opportunity to transition into the public relations field and contribute to the success of your organization.

Kind regards,

Part 9 How to Write an Effective Opening and Closing Paragraph

Writing a persuasive opening paragraph for your career change cover letter is essential. Your goal is to grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the letter. Start by addressing the specific person or company you’re reaching out to. Avoid using generic greetings like “To Whom It May Concern.”

Show enthusiasm for the position right from the start. Use your communication skills to briefly demonstrate why you’re excited about the opportunity and the company’s values. You could also mention a recent achievement or news related to the company to create a connection.

• In your opening paragraph, express your confidence in your ability to excel in the new role. While you may lack direct experience in the field, highlight your relevant transferable skills – there’s often overlap between various professions. For instance, mention your project management, problem-solving, or negotiation skills, as these are valuable in many industries.
• Concisely explain the reason behind your career change, demonstrating your genuine interest in the new field. This is your opportunity to create a compelling narrative about your career journey and show your commitment to this new direction.
• Now, let’s focus on the closing paragraph. You should maintain the confident, knowledgeable tone you established earlier in your cover letter. Reiterate your excitement and interest in the position, summarizing key points from the rest of the letter.
• Don’t forget to include a call to action, where you politely request an opportunity for further discussion, like an interview. This shows a proactive attitude, which is important when making a career change.
• Finally, express gratitude for the reader’s time and consideration. A simple, sincere “Thank you” can leave a lasting impression and set the stage for future interactions.

Part 10 Best Practices

Here are some tips to help you create an effective cover letter that will impress hiring managers and increase your chances of getting the job:

• Research the organization and job description : Start by understanding the company’s values, culture, and specific needs. Tailor your cover letter to align with the job description and highlight your relevant qualifications and skills.
• Highlight your transferable skills : Emphasize the skills you’ve gained from your previous positions that can be applied to the new industry. For example, if you’re transitioning from a sales role to e-commerce, focus on your customer relations, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Show enthusiasm for the new opportunity : Mention the reasons why you’re passionate about transitioning into the new industry and how the job aligns with your long-term career goals. Be genuine and positive.
• Connect your previous experiences : Find ways to link your past positions, training activities, or volunteer work to the job you’re applying for. Demonstrate how your combination of experience and skills make you the perfect candidate for the new role.
• Don’t downplay your accomplishments : Just because you’re changing industries doesn’t mean your previous accomplishments don’t matter. Be confident when discussing your achievements and expertise.
• Proofread and format : Always proofread your cover letter for any grammar or spelling errors. Use appropriate formatting to make it visually appealing, easy to read, and professional-looking.
• Follow up : After sending your cover letter and resume, don’t hesitate to follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter. This expresses your interest in the job and can potentially lead to an interview.

Related: Interview Follow-up Email Examples (1-2-3 weeks)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to include in a career change cover letter.

• A strong opening paragraph that grabs attention and mentions your reason for applying.
• A brief summary of your professional background and relevant experience.
• A detailed explanation of the transferable skills you possess that make you a suitable candidate.
• A customized approach that demonstrates your understanding of the company and position.
• A confident closing that expresses enthusiasm and requests an interview.

How can I highlight transferable skills in my cover letter?

• Identify the most relevant skills required for the new role.
• Provide concrete examples of how you’ve used these skills to achieve success in past positions.
• Explain why these skills will help you succeed in the new role and benefit the company.
• Make sure to mention any additional training or certifications that demonstrate your commitment to learning new skills.

What are some examples of strong career change statements?

• “As a dedicated customer service professional with over 10 years of experience, I believe my skills in relationship-building and problem-solving make me the right fit for the marketing specialist role at X company.”
• “While working as a sales representative, I developed a strong passion for digital marketing and have recently completed a digital marketing certificate. I’m excited to combine my sales and marketing skills to contribute to the success of X organization as a digital marketer.”

How can I tailor my cover letter for a specific job change?

• Research the company and learn about their values, culture, and goals.
• Understand the job requirements and mention how your skills align with them.
• Refer to the company’s specific needs and challenges, and explain how your background can help solve them.
• Use relevant keywords and phrases from the job description in your cover letter text.
• 6 Example Emails: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
• 18 Inspiring Examples: Impactful Teacher Cover Letter
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• 10 Inspiring Examples: How To Write a Cover Letter
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• 5 Smart Answers to "What Are Your Career Goals?"

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• School Leaders

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Free Teacher Resume Template and Tips, Plus 21 Teacher Resume Examples

Make a great first impression!

Whether you’re searching for your first teaching job or you’re ready for a change, you’ll need a solid resume. There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there on how to write a resume that will land you an interview, so it’s worth taking some time to review teacher resume examples first. We’ve rounded up examples for pretty much any kind of educator and assembled tips for how to write a strong modern teacher resume.

Best of all, we’ve got a free, fully customizable teacher resume template to get you started quickly and easily. Fill out the form on this page to grab your template, then use our tips to start building your resume today.

Teacher Resume Tips

Teacher resume examples.

Resumes have changed a lot in recent years, so do your research to find out what the latest trends are. For instance, while an “objectives” section used to be a resume standard, people often drop this section today in favor of more space to highlight their accomplishments. Start with these general resume tips, then get more advice for completing our free teacher resume template, section by section.

General Tips

• Keep it to one or two pages. Hiring managers don’t have time to read overly long resumes. Put the most important information up front, and remove anything that doesn’t truly strengthen your application.
• Be honest. While you want to highlight your strengths and achievements, don’t go overboard. If you exaggerate your experience but are unable to perform certain tasks, you may put your future job at risk before you even get started.
• Skip the gimmicks. Some people will tell you the way to make your resume stand out is to use fun fonts or a “creative” design. The fact is, people who are hiring want an easy-to-read, clear presentation that highlights your achievements and credentials. That’s what will land you an interview.
• Tailor your resume. Keep a standard resume document that you can customize for the specific job you’re applying for. That might mean moving sections around, highlighting specific skills or experiences, or deciding which parts of your career deserve to be placed up front. Take a close look at the job description, and tailor your resume accordingly.
• Don’t try to circumvent the system. Years ago, people would tell you to ignore requests to send your resume and instead show up in person. Our advice: Don’t do it! Application systems are nearly all online these days, and for good reason. This helps hiring committees by organizing information efficiently and ensuring they meet all anti-discrimination laws. So just send your resume and application using the method requested.
• Don’t forget a cover letter. A great cover letter really can help your resume stand out. Learn how to make your teacher cover letter special here.

Contact Information

On today’s resumes, your mailing address is optional. In fact, if you’re looking for a job outside of your current geographical area, it can sometimes be helpful to leave it off. This way, employers won’t worry about whether you’re willing to relocate for the job.

Email addresses are not optional. This is the way most schools will contact you today, so be sure to provide yours. You might want to take a look at your address to make sure it sounds relatively professional too. Ideally, it simply contains a version of your name (e.g., “[email protected]”); don’t forget you can grab a free email address from sites like Gmail if you need to. But other addresses are fine too, as long as there’s nothing questionable. “[email protected]” is fine. “[email protected]” is not.

Professional Objective/Summary

As mentioned earlier, resume objectives are used less and less today. Recent college grads or those transitioning to teaching careers might still decide to include a professional objective statement. Those with more experience have replaced objectives with a summary statement that provides an overview of their career. It’s also OK to delete this section altogether if you’d like more space in the Relevant Work Experience section.

Education and Certifications

Include your undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as any certifications or licensures you hold. Note: It’s up to you whether you include your graduation date. Some people worry it can open them up to age discrimination. You’ll likely be asked for this information if you continue in the hiring process, so they can verify your degrees.

Related Experience

This is the real meat of your teacher resume. You can list jobs chronologically starting with the most recent, or choose to place your most relevant experience first. Either way, include your employer’s name, dates of employment, and the position/s you held. Then, highlight your experience and achievements. Strive to make your statements measurable and quantifiable rather than just a listing of your job duties.

Weak statements:

• Taught fifth grade science and math
• Prepared students for standardized math tests
• Oversaw annual school science fair

Strong statements:

• Instructed 100+ students each year in fifth grade science fundamentals, including human anatomy, electricity and magnetism, and earth and space science
• Improved standardized testing math scores by an average of 8% over a period of five years
• Organized seven annual school science fairs by coordinating 200+ participants, finding qualified judges, and arranging for prizes donated by the community

New college grad? You should definitely include your student teaching or internship experience in this section!

Additional Experience

You can use this section to include jobs you’ve held that aren’t quite as relevant to the one you’re applying for. If you’re new to the working world, it’s OK to include non-teaching jobs here. For those with longer careers, it’s probably not necessary to list every job you’ve ever had. Just highlight any experience that helps support your application or fills any employment gaps.

Professional Honors and Leadership

If you’ve received awards or honors related to teaching, share them here. The same goes for any leadership roles you’ve held in educational professional orgs.

Professional Affiliations

If space allows, you might want to include a short list of respected professional organizations you belong to. You should definitely include them if you play a very active role, have been invited to speak as an education expert at a conference, etc. Otherwise, this section is optional.

Other Teacher Resume Sections

Here are some sections you might consider adding if you have space, and a few to skip altogether.

• Professional skills: Don’t include this section if your skills are simply those expected of any teacher. But if you’ve built up any unusual and relevant teaching skills through experience or professional development, you could include them here. (Fluency in multiple languages, for example.)
• Community involvement or volunteer work: If you’ve been heavily involved in community organizations that work with children or education, consider highlighting those achievements on your resume.
• Publications: Have you published articles in an educational or professional journal, or had your work featured on a trusted, well-known website? Include any relevant articles and links.

Here’s what you don’t need on your resume:

• Hobbies or “unique” unrelated skills (like “juggling” or “Cordon Bleu chef”).
• Any information about religious or political affiliations, or your marital status, gender, race, or age. These could lead to potential bias or discrimination in the hiring process.
• References: Most people leave this section off their resume these days, as job applications or hiring committees will ask you for them separately. Line up your references and gather their contact information, but hang onto them until you’re asked to provide the info. You don’t even need to put “References available upon request,” since hiring managers already assume that.

As you complete your teacher resume template, use these examples for ideas about what to include and how to word it.

1. First-time teacher

This is a great resume for teachers with little to no experience.

2. Another first-time teacher example

Here’s one more example of a great teacher resume for those with limited experience.

3. Experienced elementary teacher

This one allows you to showcase your skills in a compact, visually appealing design.

4. Another experienced elementary teacher

This is one of those teacher resume examples that work best for those with some experience but who are still early in their career. (Note: Click the link above and scroll down to find it.)

5. Summer school teacher

Use this resume to highlight the unique skills of summer school teachers who work with students who are either repeating a course or trying to get ahead for the following school year.

6. Assistant teacher

Applying for an assistant teacher job will be much easier using one of the five fantastic teacher resume examples through this resource.

7. Special education teacher

As a special educator, your responsibilities may change from minute to minute and your skills need to adapt. This template helps you simplify your experience in a one-page resume.

8. School counselor

This resume will help you showcase your excellent mentoring, counseling, and leadership skills.

9. School guidance counselor

As a guidance counselor, your role is to guide students through academic development as well as personal growth. Use this template to show you how to highlight your unique talents.

10. Library media specialist

Showcase your ability to collect and maintain the valuable resources needed to foster a strong learning environment for students.

11. High school English teacher

Use this guide to create a great English teacher resume that will highlight your communication, interpersonal, and planning skills to edge out the competition.

12. Technology teacher

Emphasize your commitment to the ongoing professional development necessary to continue integrating the latest technology into the existing curriculum, and coming up with new lesson plans for today’s classrooms.

13. Music teacher

Share and showcase your love of introducing music to students with this straightforward teacher resume.

14. Drama teacher

This resume example is simple but perfect for drama teachers who want to emphasize their experience as well as their knowledge of acting techniques and production.

15. World language teacher

Establish yourself as the ideal candidate by demonstrating teaching skills, language proficiency, communication, and organizational skills.

16. Sports coach

As a coach, this template will help you demonstrate your ability to manage teams and sports programs as well as encourage academic performance.

17. ESL teacher

This teacher resume example allows you to highlight your classroom management skills, as well as your commitment to empathy, patience, and cultural awareness. (Note: Click the link above and scroll down to find it.)

18. Math teacher

This clean resume template showcases a math teacher’s ability to break down complex math concepts through patient, meaningful engagement with students.

19. Pre-K teacher

It takes a special person to be a great pre-K teacher. Working with young children while creating lesson and activity plans, monitoring progress, and providing quality supervision takes patience and kindness.

20. Business teacher

Put your best foot forward with this business teacher resume that emphasizes teaching methods and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

21. International school teacher

Use this resume to let hiring managers know that you’re not only motivated to help students learn but uniquely qualified. Be sure to highlight any experience living or traveling abroad as well as foreign language skills.

Get Your Free Teacher Resume Template

Just fill out the form on this landing page for instant access to a free Google Doc featuring a fully customizable teacher resume template.

Plus, check out tips for teacher job fairs and the most common teacher interview questions.

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25 Teacher Cover Letters Examples To Help You Get Hired

Your guide to a killer cover letter that will get you that interview. Continue Reading

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Jobscan > Cover Letter Writing Guide

How To Write A Cover Letter in 2024 (Expert Tips and Examples)

Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to write a cover letter that will get you noticed by recruiters.

Trusted by:

A survey revealed that 77% of recruiters prefer candidates who send in a cover letter, even if submitting it is optional. Additionally, 90% of executives consider cover letters invaluable when assessing job candidates.

So, if you think cover letters are no longer important and necessary in 2024, think again.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you write a cover letter that effectively sells your skills and professional experience, increases your chances of getting interviews, and gets your foot in the door.

Table of Contents

What is a cover letter and do you still need one in 2024?

A cover letter is a letter of introduction accompanying your resume that paints why you are the best person for the job, what you bring to the table, and how you can help move the company forward.

Is the cover letter dead? No! In fact, a recent study by ResumeLab revealed that 64% of job vacancies still require that you include a cover letter in your application and 83% of HR pros said that cover letters are important for their hiring decision.

The bottom line is that a cover letter is still a valuable piece of your job search collateral. Nail your cover letter and you could end up getting that dream job.

So what exactly do you need to accomplish in your cover letter?

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

According to 49% of HR managers , your cover letter is the second best way to call attention to your resume and distinguish yourself from other applicants.

So the main purpose of your cover letter is to compel the recruiter to read more about you on your resume and move you to the next part of the hiring process.

Further, according to award-winning resume expert Melanie Denny , your cover letter is your value proposition letter. It proves why you are the best candidate to address the company’s needs with the professional skills and qualifications to succeed in the job.

Here’s an example of a great cover letter:

Now let’s get into the details of what your cover letter needs to include.

Cover Letter Structure Checklist

Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to include in your cover letter.

• Contact Details Name Address (or City, State with zip code) Phone number Email address
• Greeting Whenever possible, address the hiring manager by name.
• Opening Who are you? What are your relevant skills and accomplishments?
• Body (1-2 paragraphs) What do you know about the company? Why are you applying for this job? What value can you bring to the company? Include measurable results when possible.
• Closing Reiterate your interest. Add a Call to Action. Mention any attachments. Use a professional sign-off like “Best” or “Sincerely” before your full name.

Here’s an example for the visual learners out there:

Now that you know the basics of what to include in your cover letter, let’s go through the process from start to finish to see how you can write a cover letter that will make you stand out from the rest of the candidates.

How to write a cover letter in 9 steps

It can be intimidating to try to parse down all your best qualities into a few quick paragraphs for your cover letter.

Here are 9 steps you can take to make sure you’re headed in the right direction:

Step 1. Do your research

Before writing your cover letter, thoroughly read the job description and the requirements for the job.

Melanie Denny , award-winning resume expert, likens the job description to your cover letter cheat sheet. And when checking the job description, she says you need to consider the following:

• What are the company’s priorities?
• What are their goals for the role?
• What outcomes and accomplishments in your previous roles match the goals?
• What are the key phrases and verbiage the company uses?

This will help you customize your cover letter, angle yourself and your narrative to fit the role better, and impress the hiring manager.

Try reaching out to the recruiter, hiring manager, or someone working in the company if you want more in-depth information about the company and the position you are applying for.

Step 2. Customize your cover letter for every job

Make sure your cover letter matches the job you are applying for. Writing a generic cover letter is a missed opportunity as this will not appeal to the recruiter or hiring manager. According to research from ResumeGo , 81% of HR professionals value job-specific cover letters over generic ones. Jobseekers who had tailored cover letters received a 53% higher callback rate compared to those who had no cover letter.

Remember, your cover letter is your chance to prove that you are passionate about working for a given company, so take the time to write a tailored cover letter for each position . You can do this by mentioning your skills and experience that are directly related to what’s mentioned in the job description. If you’re applying for a data analyst role that requires expertise in Microsoft Power BI, cite an example of a Power BI dashboard you built and how it helped the company.

Read our full guide: How to Optimize Your Cover Letter

Step 3. Include all of your contact info

You should make it easy for the hiring manager to reach you. In your cover letter, list these three things:

• Address (including zip code– for ATS purposes )
• Phone number with area code
• Email address
• Name of the Hiring Manager
• Name of the Company
• Address of the Company

Traditionally, your contact information is included in the upper left corner of your cover letter if you’re writing in a document. If you’re writing an email, this can be included beneath your signature at the end of the message.

Cover Letter Header Example:

Jane Jobscan Seattle, WA 98101 (555) 555-5555 • [email protected] linkedin.com/in/jane-jobscan

February 25, 2024

Lavinia Smith Hiring Manager Media Raven, Inc. Plantersville, MS 38862

Step 4. Address your cover letter to a real person

According to Melanie Denny, resume expert and President of Resume-Evolution, addressing your cover letter to a real person and addressing them by their name feels more personal and shows recruiters and hiring managers that you took time and did the research.

You can usually find the hiring manager’s name by searching the company website or LinkedIn profile, or by calling the company and asking which hiring manager is assigned to the particular position.

Once you learn the name, a simple greeting of “John” or “Hello John” is all you need.

If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, you can use any of the following:

• Dear Hiring Manager
• Dear (Department) Team
• To whom it may concern

Read our full guide: How to Address a Cover Letter

Step 5. Write a strong opening statement

Melanie Denny suggests that you start your cover letter with a bang. This will hook the hiring manager’s interest and show them how you can be a valuable addition to the team.

Here are things you can do:

• Open with a thought-provoking question
• Make a big claim about what you can do for the company
• Say something relevant and specific to the company

For example,

“I want to bring the marketing department of Media Raven Inc. to the next level and help the company exceed goals and reach more customers as Marketing Manager.”

Step 6. Prove how your professional background and skills help the company in the body of your cover letter

Take advantage of this real estate and prove to the prospective employer how your background, values, and professional experiences position you as the best fit for what the role requires.

This is especially important if you are switching careers. Highlight your relevant accomplishments in your cover letter, showcase your transferable skills, and explain how you can help the company address its challenges and succeed.

For example:

“As the Director of Marketing at ABC Company since 2018, I directed all phases of both the creative and technical elements of marketing initiatives, including data mining, brand creation, print/web collateral development, lead generation, channel partner cultivation, customer segmentation/profiling, as well as CRM and acquisition strategies.

Perhaps most importantly, I offer a history of proven results, as evidenced by the following marketing accomplishments for my current employer:

• Captured a 28% expansion in customer base since 2018, achieved during a period of overall decline in the retail industry.
• Led national marketing campaign (comprised of trade shows, media, and PR initiatives) for my company’s newly launched technology services division
• Developed and executed SEO strategy that achieved and sustained top 3 rankings on Google (organic, nonpaid results) for key product search terms.
• Oversaw the creation of a new company logo and rebranded 100+ products to cement a cohesive corporate identity and support new company direction.”

Just like when writing a resume, your cover letter should only include the most relevant and positive information about you. To home in on the right skills and qualifications to mention, try scanning your cover letter .

Read our full guide: What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Step 7. Write a strong closing statement and a call to action

Use the closing of your cover letter to:

• Thank the hiring manager for their time
• Mention any attachments (resume, portfolio, samples)
• Invite to schedule an interview
• Let the hiring manager know that you will follow up

Keep the closing professional and try not to sound too eager since that can come off as desperate. You must also keep in mind the tone and personality of the company you’re communicating with.

“Given the opportunity, I’m confident I can achieve similar groundbreaking marketing results for Media Raven, Inc.

Ms. Smith, I would welcome the chance to discuss your marketing objectives and how I can help you attain them. Feel free to call me at (555) 555-5555 or email me at [email protected] to arrange a meeting. I look forward to speaking with you.”

Read our full guide: How to End a Cover Letter With a Call to Action

Step 8. End with a professional closing salutation

To finish out the closing , use a formal signature. You can use “Sincerely,” “Best,” “Regards,” “Yours,” or any other professional signoff.

Use your first and last name as your signature. If you’re sending your cover letter in the body of an email, make sure it’s your personal email account that does not list your current work signature beneath the email. Your other option is to write the cover letter in a word document, save it as a PDF, and attach it to your email.

Step 9. Optimize your cover letter for the ATS

The Applicant Tracking System or the ATS is a software that companies use to screen applications and shrink their pool of applicants. Through the ATS database, a recruiter or hiring manager can just search for specific skills and keywords and the ATS will return a list of the top candidates who match the search criteria.

To optimize your cover letter for ATS, you need to:

• Carefully read the job description
• Take note of skills and resume keywords frequently mentioned
• Incorporate these keywords into your cover letter

Read our full guide: How to Optimize Your Cover Letter to Beat the ATS

Does your cover letter pass the test?

Scan your cover letter to see how well it matches the job you're applying for. Optimize your cover letter and resume with Jobscan to get more interviews.

How to Format Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is a letter, but that doesn’t mean you should just plop everything onto the page in a stream-of-consciousness flow. After all, cover letter formats determine the order in which the hiring manager learns about you, which can significantly influence their first impression. Use the format order below as a guideline for building the structure of your cover letter.

Notice how the topics flow like a conversation? When you first meet someone, you introduce yourself, tell them your name and a little about yourself, and then leave the conversation open for future meetings.

Your cover letter is just a like having a conversation with someone for the first time. Keeping that in mind will help you to keep things simple and focus on the right information.

Below are some examples of how to format your cover letter for different types of applications.

How to format your cover letter for a job

• State your name
• Explain your work history
• Tell them what you can do for their company
• Say goodbye

How to format your cover letter for an internship

• Explain your coursework history and education
• Explain what you can gain professionally

How to format your cover letter with no experience

• Explain your skillset and character qualities that make you well-suited for the role
• Outline entry-level achievements

You can also check out our cover letter templates to help you as you write your own cover letter.

Do you want to save time and receive instant feedback on your cover letter? Check out Jobscan’s cover letter tool .

Read more : How to Write a Resume for Today’s Job Market

Cover Letter Examples

Here are some examples to help you create a cover letter that will make you stand out and give a strong first impression.

1. Internship Cover Letter Example

2. Career Change Cover Letter Example

3. Operations Manager Cover Letter Example

4. Communications Professional Cover Letter Example

5. Software Engineer Cover Letter Example

Cover Letter Do’s and Don’ts

Aside from the basic steps of how to write a cover letter, there are some things you definitely need to make sure you avoid – and things you can’t skip! Follow these do’s and don’ts for writing a cover letter, and you’ll end up with a much better result.

• Use a cover letter unless one was requested.
• Attach a cover letter directly to your resume unless requested to do so.
• Use the same boilerplate cover letter for multiple job applications.
• Over-explain your work history, employment gaps, or qualifications – save it for the interview.
• Badmouth any of your past employers.
• Use the cover letter to complain or tell about your job search journey.
• Use non-standard formatting like tables, columns, or graphics. (ATS can’t read those and your cover letter copy might not be scannable by the system.)
• Use long paragraphs.
• Customize a cover letter for every job application that asks for one.
• Incorporate the top skills or keywords from the job description in your cover letter.
• Include the company name and address, the job title, and point of contact’s name on your cover letter.
• Incorporate relevant and compelling measurable results in your cover letter.
• Explain, briefly, any dramatic shifts in a career (i.e. you are changing industries or job titles).
• Use company information to relate your interest in the job.
• Keep your cover letter concise.
• Convey WHY you are right for the position.

More Cover Letter Tips

• When emailing your cover letter, be strategic with your subject line. Never leave the subject line blank, and double-check for specific instructions in the job posting. If possible, use the email subject line to sell yourself. For example: “Experienced Software Engineer Seeks Senior Level Mobile Position.”
• Keep your cover letter brief and to the point. The hiring manager will be reading many cover letters. By carefully selecting your words and experiences to include, you can stand out from the crowd of applicants.
• Be confident. Let the hiring manager know the reasons why you deserve this position, and make yourself believe them too!
• Your cover letter should not be simply a rephrasing of your resume. Let your personality show and go into further detail about your most valuable skills and experiences.
• Do your research on the company and position before writing the cover letter. It should be customized to that specific company’s values and needs. Hiring managers can spot a generic resume from a mile away.
• Use the job posting as your guide for what topics, skills, and experience to focus on.
• The best cover letters include keywords from the job posting. Applicant tracking systems may scan your cover letter along with your resume and will be using these keywords to sort through the applicants.
• Check for spelling and grammar errors.
• Send your cover letter as a PDF to avoid readability issues and to present the most professional application package.
• Scan Your Cover Letter with Jobscan to make sure you’re checking all the boxes.

Optimize Your Cover Letter with Jobscan’s Cover Letter Scanner

In addition to resume scans, Jobscan Premium users can also scan their cover letters against a job description.

This generates a report of the top hard skills and soft skills found in the job description that should be included in your cover letter, plus additional checks for optimal length, contact information, measurable results, and more.

Here’s how it works:

Key Takeaways

Your cover letter gives recruiters, hiring managers, and prospective employers an overview of your professional qualifications and relevant accomplishments that position you as the best candidate for the job.

So you have to make your cover letter powerful and interesting enough to make the recruiter or hiring manager read your resume and move you to the next step of the hiring process.

Here are key pointers when writing your cover letter.

• Make sure you’ve read the job description and done your research about the company.
• Get to know the name of the recruiter or hiring manager so you can address your cover letter properly.
• Include relevant and measurable accomplishments in the body of your cover letter to prove to the hiring manager that you have what it takes to succeed in the job.
• Keep your cover letter short and concise.
• Your cover letter is not a substitute for your resume so don’t just copy and paste whatever is in your resume into your cover letter.

One last important reminder!

Having a strong cover letter is not enough. You also need to create a killer resume to make sure you stand out and land job interviews.

Learn more about writing a cover letter

How to Address a Cover Letter

10 Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

The Career Change Cover Letter: How to Get it Right

What Do You Put in a Cover Letter?

Is Your Cover Letter Robot-Approved?

How to End a Cover Letter with a Call to Action

Frequently asked questions, what are the different types of cover letters.

There are four types of cover letters.

• Application cover letter An application cover letter is what you send to the recruiter or hiring manager along with your resume.
• Prospecting cover letter You send this when you want to inquire prospective employers about open positions in their company or put yourself top-of-mind when they do decide to hire.
• Networking cover letter You will send this to professionals in your network in hopes of getting referrals, introductions, job search advice, and job opportunities.
• Career change cover letter This is what you send when you are switching careers or industries.

What tense should I use when writing a cover letter?

It can be appropriate to change tenses throughout your cover letter.

For example, you can explain who you are in the present tense and explain important aspects of your work history in the past tense. You can switch to future perfect tense when discussing the ways you would perform if given the position.

Think of it like this, “I am ABC, I did XYZ previously, and I look forward to doing EFG in this position.”

What to include in a cover letter

Our cover letter guidelines above explain how to write a cover letter more deeply, but in summary, you should always include your name, relevant work experience, and reasons why you are right for the job in your cover letter.

When not to include a cover letter

• When the job posting clearly states not to include a cover letter
• When you don’t have the time and energy to customize your cover letter. It’s better not to send a cover letter than to send a half-baked and mediocre one.
• When you are applying online and there is no field to upload your cover letter.
• When your cover letter has a lot of typos and errors.

What should you send first: a cover letter or a resume?

Typically, your cover letter and resume will be sent as a pair, but your cover letter is meant to be an introduction to your resume. If it is an email, use the cover letter in the body and attach your resume, otherwise, attach both.

Pro Tip: Be sure to review all instructions in the job description to follow the hiring manager’s requests.

How long should a cover letter be?

According to 70% of recruiters, a cover letter should not exceed 250 to 300 words.

Although there is no hard and fast rule about this, the ideal cover letter length should be around half a page to one full page in length to keep your message concise, clear, and easy to digest.

Should a cover letter be sent as a file attachment?

If it is not specified in the job posting, a cover letter can be sent either as an attachment (PDF is best) or in the body of an application email with your resume attached.

How to share a cover letter with a potential employer

There are several methods of sharing a cover letter with potential employers, depending on their application process.

Cover letters can be written on a document and turned into a PDF to be uploaded to a job application website or attached to an email along with your resume.

In other cases, your cover letter can simply be written in the email message to a hiring manager, with your resume attached.

How to title and save your cover letter

The key in every aspect of job applications is to make yourself an easy “yes” for your potential employer. That means making it easy for the hiring manager to keep track of your application materials for later review. With this in mind, make sure your full name and the phrase “cover letter” are included in the file label. Other helpful details might include the job title you’re applying for or the year of your application.

Here are a few examples:

• Your Name_Cover Letter_Job Title.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_Job Title.pdf
• Job Title_Your Name_Cover Letter.pdf
• Your Name_Cover Letter_2024.pdf
• Cover Letter_Your Name_2024.pdf

Explore more cover letter resources

Cover Letter Formats

ATS-Optimized Cover Letter

Cover Letter Templates

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