The cover letter has not died and gone away. Most employers still expect a well-written cover letter to accompany an excellently detailed resume. The hiring manager likes to quickly scan it to see if you should be considered further for the position before he or she reviews the resume. It is a big-time saver, and sometimes applicants will not be considered for the job without an attached cover letter.

Many career changers would rather not write a career change cover letter. They may not be sure how to explain the reasons why they want to switch to a new career in an appropriate manner.

The truth is that a career change cover letter is important to explain why you are switching careers so that the employer doesn't wonder why you are doing it. Let them know the facts and don't keep them guessing.

Review our cover letter sample for a career change below and the tips that follow to create your own cover letter that will win them over, career change and all.

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Cover Letter Sample for a Career Change

Dear Mrs. Davis,

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a star college and NFL football player. I knew it was difficult because I met a lot of people that never made it that far. I didn't want that to happen to me, so I worked a little too hard at it for fear of failure.

I became a successful football player and received a scholarship to play for the L.S.U. Tigers. I made the All-American College Team. I even got drafted in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys. I loved the sport, loved my college, and loved the Cowboys - until that fateful day last year when I broke my neck. Now I am in a wheelchair for life. This happened because I tried to high jump to get an extra yard or two for the team.

But life had to go on, so I searched for a future career that would not be hindered by me being paralyzed below the waist. I know many football players who have helped charitable organizations.

When I viewed the opening looking for help fund raising, it caught my attention. I figured that since I am well known, I could help people by attending your fundraising events, appearing in your ads and commercials, and signing autographs for donators to get you those much-needed dollars.

The wheelchair can't keep me from being useful anymore. It would brighten my future and self-worth to help your company with their fundraising efforts.

If you feel I could be a great face for your charity, then I am ready to start helping you. Give me a call or email to discuss the opportunity further. I look forward to hearing from you.


Sincerely yours,


Phil Stewart