How to write a cover letter when changing career

How to write a cover letter when changing careerHow to write a cover letter when changing careerWriting a cover letter is challenging at the best of times, and even mora so if youre in the process of making a big career change. Although you know why you want to make this change, persuading the HR team to give you a perspektive is something else. You will really need to pull out all the stops in your cover letter, but if its something you want, then it will definitely be worth it. Were behind you, every step of the way, and weve got some tips for creating the perfect cover letter to help you make that all important career change.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreThe cover letterWriting a convincing cover letter takes a lot of time, energy and soul-searching. When it comes to making a career change, you need it as your one big chance to present yourself and the reasons why you want to switch up your career. The better you explain your reasoning, the more likely it is that the HR team will offer you a chance. There are a couple of ways to do this, starting with the opening lines.Start your letter with a bangYou need to start with a bang Instead of opening your cover letter in a generic way, by saying that youre undoubtedly the best person for the job because of xyz reasons, think of a more explosive/fun way to grab the HR managers attention.Put yourself in the HR teams shoes. What would you like to know about a surprise applicant and what would make you stop and take the time to read their cover letter? Maybe you have a story about the moment you realized that you wanted to pursue this new career, or you have a quote that sums up you or your decision-making? This is your chance to impress, so go for itTake center stageAfter youve made a great first impression with your opening lines, its time for you to take center stage and make the next part all about you (ju st make it short and sweet). This is your chance to introduce yourself, your motivations and your ambitions for this new role. Take a look at our article aboutgiving yourself an edgeto help you with this.Focus on the skills you already haveWhats your superpower? Are you super organized, a great motivator or an experienced salesperson? Here, you want to emphasize the skills and/or experience you already have that you will bring to your new role. Also, think outside the box. If you think youve learnt specific and important lessons or skills in your former job that dont immediately translate into the new one, tell the HR manager why you think these are important and how they make you an attractive candidate for this job.Be honestNows your chance to share the story behind the career change. Was there a moment when you suddenly realized you were in the wrong job? Were you encouraged to make the move by a friend or family member? Did you always dream of this career but never felt confiden t enough to take the plunge? Have your priorities changed now that you have a family? Whatever your story is, you can bet that the HR team will want to know. Just write this part from the heart.Focus on the positivesSince youre making a career change, theres likely to be a few skills you dont have yet. Whatever you do, make sure that you dont apologize for this. Turn it into a positive as much as possible by telling the HR team how eager and excited you are to learn new skills. Find out more about how to do this,here.Make a big closing argumentTo wrap your letter up, use the last couple of sentences to state your closing arguments. Quickly summarize what youve said so far and give the HR manager 2-3 big reasons why they should hire you or at least offer you an interview.This article first appeared on Kununu.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from jngst e Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people(