Raul Said:

Tips on switching career? Resume and cover letter help!?

We Answered:

What you need to do it to create a skills based resume rather than one that just lists the work you have done.

This is what you do. First make a list of all the skills you have gained from the jobs you have done, from things you do outside work, from courses you have studied etc. Try and get as detailed a list as possible. Then take a close look at the jobs you are now applying for and identify what skills are important in that field. Look for the matches between what you have got and what they want.

Then write a resume that has a section near the beginning that is called something like Skills Profile or Professional Skills. You might include things like customer care, project management, team work, attention to detail, problem solving, working under pressure etc etc. Pick 4-5 that are relevant to your new job. Under each one, give a short example of a situation that demonstrates that you have used this skill already to good effect.

This means that your potential employer immediately sees evidence of what you can do that is relevant to their needs.

But apart from tweaking your resume, network, network, network! Talk to people who are in your new line of work. Ask if you can have 20 minutes of their time so you can pick their brains and ask for advice. Then ask them to recommend another useful contact for you. It is often this kind of informal networking that leads to a job in a new area.

Best of luck!

Louise Said:

What should my cover letter say when I want a position in the dental office?

We Answered:

What position at the dentist office do you want? Unless it is an administrative job (like receptionist) you will most likely need to take additional training. Sorry, can't be any more specific without knowing what position you are interested in.

Jacob Said:

When changing careers to a field with no experience, what's the best approach to take on my cover letter?

We Answered:

It is all about transferrable skills. Here you have a career change cover letter, specially tailored for this.
http://www.cvtips.com/changing_jobs_lett…
Good luck!

Darrell Said:

I'm thinking of a career change, and I don't have experience?

We Answered:

Before writing a cover letter, I suggest giving this some thought. Do you have any experience, paid or not related to the work you want to do, that you could write about? Think hard about this-I bet you can find something even if it is just reading about it or knowing someone who is in the field. Is there any volunteer work you could do in the field? If you have no experience, I would write in the cover letter that you would like to change careers and why you are passionate about the field. Show your enthusiasm and willingness to learn. You could say you are willing to receive training and put time in learning the field. Good luck!

Jorge Said:

Cover Letter 4 a Person who has had only Clerical Experience changing careers to Traffic Enforcement Agent.?

We Answered:

Name (your name, add, tel, etc starts at
Address center of document)
Telephone
e-mail
(space)
date (date at center of document)
(space)
Name of agency (left margin)
address
(space)
ATTN: (name of recruiter, if known..if not, "to whom it may concern")

Please accept this letter as notification of my interest in the position of Traffic Enforcement Agent, as advertised in (wherever you saw it.)

I have long held the desire to work in a field, where I am able to positively influence the welfare and safety of those around me, and I believe that my personality and professional demeanor will allow me to do so successfully, in this role.

I am mission-oriented, and experienced in clerical, reception, and sales occupations. I value neatness and organization, and am very attentive to detail. I also possess the ability to converse with clients easily and cordially, a combination which I feel will serve me well in Traffic Enforcement.

It is my hope that you will offer me the opportunity to prove myself an asset to your (organization/agency/department). Please do not hesitate to contact me, should you have any questions or require additional information.

Sincerely,

(four spaces) (Sincerely / name start at center of document)

Name

c: file (left margin)

Andy Said:

Cover letters for job with no experience?

We Answered:

Below is a sample of a cover letter I have used. I have a friend that is an HR Director for a major company and she passed it on to me. She likes it because it is easy to read through and she can tell immediately if the person meets the job qualifications. See below:

First para. - State the position you are applying for, the reason you feel that you are the qualified candidate, and the reason(s) you want to work for this organization. (eg. Please consider me for the Vet. Tech position. I have the full range of experience and knowledge you require for the position, and have detailed some of that experience below. I envision myself working for NAME CO. because I believe that it will...)

2nd para. - I create a 2 column table the first heading YOU REQUIRE the second heading I HAVE list in the table below the heading the job requirement they want (eg. high school diploma/GED, customer service experience, etc) in the cooresponding column I have you will type what you have (eg. Bachelor degree, 6 yrs. customer service experience, etc.).

3rd para. - short summary of why they need to hire you. You ARE the ONE for THIS job.! (eg. In the past 6 years, I have built strong relationships with the individuals in the West TX region. As a Vet. tech. I would be proud to continue to serve.....)

4th para. - Let them know how to get a hold of you - (eg. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications with you further. I can be reached at YOUR # and/or email. Thank you for your time and consideration.)

Sign off but do not forget to add Enclosure: resume after your typed name.

email me if you have any questions and I will send you the sample my friend sent me.