EXPERT ANSWER
Jul 02, 2019 - 05:34 PM
To write a basic/general job cover letter (in other words, for a job other than what you have experience in), start by identifying the key pieces of information you want to include. The first thing you should remember is that it's possible the hiring manager will not look at your resume. So, your cover letter needs to contain enough information to stand on its own. It should be approximately one page in length – not too much longer or too much shorter.
The key pieces of information to include are: your current job and responsibilities, your educational background, any certifications that may be relevant, your transferrable skills, and any other information that may be helpful. It is also very important to include the title of the job you are applying to and the company name.
If you aren't sure which transferrable skills to include, read the job description closely. I recommend you print it out onto paper and highlight the things listed in the job description that you know how to do. These are skills you may want to highlight in your cover letter.
Then, think about whether or not you have any exposure to this new field. If you do, include it. For example, I once helped a job seeker switch from higher education (a university) to a major hotel chain/franchise. He had never worked at a for profit company full time and he had not worked in the travel industry. But, he did have experience investing in real estate on the side – and he had helped a friend to manage a gym franchise. Including this relevant information in his cover letter helped him to land a job in a new field.
The key pieces of information to include are: your current job and responsibilities, your educational background, any certifications that may be relevant, your transferrable skills, and any other information that may be helpful. It is also very important to include the title of the job you are applying to and the company name.
If you aren't sure which transferrable skills to include, read the job description closely. I recommend you print it out onto paper and highlight the things listed in the job description that you know how to do. These are skills you may want to highlight in your cover letter.
Then, think about whether or not you have any exposure to this new field. If you do, include it. For example, I once helped a job seeker switch from higher education (a university) to a major hotel chain/franchise. He had never worked at a for profit company full time and he had not worked in the travel industry. But, he did have experience investing in real estate on the side – and he had helped a friend to manage a gym franchise. Including this relevant information in his cover letter helped him to land a job in a new field.
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