mid career change cover letter

How to Write the Perfect Mid-Career Change Cover Letter

Ash ayvar de alcaraz.

As a dedicated Career Strategist, Ash’s mission is to empower individuals to discover their strengths, land their ideal roles, and thrive in an inclusive and diverse community.

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In this article

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When navigating the complexities of a career transition, a strategically crafted cover letter can be the linchpin that secures an interview. It's an opportunity to weave your unique story into your professional narrative, demonstrating how your journey has equipped you with essential skills that are relevant to the prospective employer.

For example, even if you don’t have direct experience in a project management role, leveraging your ability to analyze problems and strategically identify solutions can underscore your potential for this new path.

Ultimately, an effective career transition cover letter hinges on translating past experiences into future successes—a delicate balance between humility over what one has yet to learn and confidence in one’s foundational expertise.

The Importance of a Career Change Cover Letter

Crafting a career change cover letter requires an introspective dive into your work history. You’ll need to dissect your previous jobs and extract transferable skills that align with the specific role you're eyeing. This exercise isn't just about matching skills; it's also about storytelling. For instance, how did managing complex client portfolios prepare you to negotiate sales deals? Such parallels make it easier for hiring managers to envision you thriving despite switching career paths.

Understanding the essence of the new role is paramount; this knowledge allows you to tailor your cover letter in ways that resonate with what the employer is seeking. Successful career changers emphasize their enthusiasm and readiness to bridge the gaps in their experience through continuous learning or upskilling existing competencies.

Remember, while crafting a career change cover letter that'll stand out, never underestimate the power of specificity. Whenever possible, ditch generic phrases and provide concrete examples where you've exemplified coveted traits like leadership or innovation. This approach will display your keen understanding of what's required and solidify why you're capable despite lacking certain certifications or years in the industry.

Key Components of an Effective Career Change Cover Letter

As you embark on your career change journey, your cover letter bridges the gap between where you've been and where you aspire to be. 

Align Your Unique Narrative with the Desired Role

Your career change cover letter is your chance to make the hiring manager sit up and take notice. It's here that you chronicle not just your work experience but also demonstrate how each facet of your unique story and brand aligns with the intricate demands of your desired role.

Crafting a cover letter that will capture the attention of potential employers involves more than listing existing skills; it entails a nuanced match between those skills and the precise requirements laid out in the job description. This strategic alignment speaks volumes about your ability to perform well in a new role and indicates foresight—a quality highly valued across numerous industries.

Focus on Your Enthusiasm and Fresh Perspective

When applying for a different role, candidates sometimes forget they have something exciting to bring to their new field—a fresh perspective. When crafting an effective career change cover letter, highlight this by showing enthusiasm for what lies ahead. Don't shy away from discussing how elements from previous jobs have provided the solid groundwork for future success in uncharted territory.

Compellingly Frame Relevant Experience

Contrary to popular belief, having direct experience isn’t always king—relevance trumps all else when framed compellingly. Let’s say you're targeting a specific role generally reserved for individuals with extensive expertise. This is where creativity meets practicality in your cover letter. Convince the hiring manager that someone who has succeeded on one path can reroute their trajectory toward another with equal triumph.

Offer vivid examples where you've had to analyze problems and strategically identify solutions, as this will demonstrate how seamlessly you could transition into the new role.

Career changers' cover letters give prospective employers snapshots—not just of who they are but also of who they can become in an organization that values innovation and adaptability.

Writing Strategies for a Persuasive Career Change Cover Letter

Changing careers is akin to setting out on an uncharted voyage, where the cover letter serves as both a compass and a map, guiding potential employers through the narrative of your professional evolution. 

As you pivot from one industry to another—say, from customer relations into a sales role—you're not just highlighting past achievements but showcasing how these experiences have been a crucible for honing transferable skills that will be invaluable in the new challenges ahead.

Identify Solutions to Industry-Specific Problems

When reviewing job applications, hiring managers are often inundated with generic cover letters that are automatically screened and eliminated from the recruitment process. By contrast, candidates who strategically identify solutions to industry-specific problems within their cover letters tend to stand out. In doing so, they don't merely list competencies but present compelling evidence of their ability to analyze problems and innovate. 

Paint a Picture of How You Would Resonate with the Company Ethos

The unique story each candidate brings transforms a standard job application into an intriguing proposition for prospective employers. This means digging deep into your work experience and extracting those anecdotes that resonate with the ethos of the company you aim to join. Aligning your values with their mission can create a powerful synergy, indicating not only readiness for immediate contributions but also a long-term commitment.

By connecting the dots between the different steps in your career journey, you can paint a vivid picture for the hiring manager, helping them envision you not just filling an employment gap but also enhancing their team with a fresh perspective.

Catch the Employer’s Eye with Clear Examples of Your Skills and Attributes

A well-crafted career change cover letter that will catch an employer's eye must go beyond stating desire; it requires substantiation through clear-cut examples. Suppose we consider someone changing careers from project management to product management—a field demanding precision and innovation. Their cover letter should elucidate specific scenarios where these attributes were successfully applied.

For instance: "At my previous position, I spearheaded a cross-functional team tasked with developing a user-centric software solution, which increased client satisfaction rates by 25%. My keen ability to lead diverse teams aligns seamlessly with your company’s dedication towards excellence in product development." Such narratives are usually more effective than any recitation of traits without context.

Synchronize the Tone and Focus of Your Resume and Cover Letter

Remember that when transitioning careers, every element—from language choice down to format—should reflect intentionality. A mismatch between the skills listed on your resume and those elaborated upon in your cover letter could arouse skepticism rather than interest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Career Change Cover Letter

Pursuing a new career necessitates more than just a generic application; it requires a tailored career change cover letter that becomes the narrative bridge between your past experiences and future aspirations. 

Demonstrate Understanding of the Employer’s Ethos and Culture

An astute applicant understands the importance of thorough research so they can tailor each cover letter to reflect an intimate understanding of the potential employer's challenges and corporate culture . This demonstrates not only familiarity with the company’s trajectory but also how you can augment its direction. 

When discussing transferable skills such as leadership or strategic problem-solving, weave them into narratives that speak directly to the needs mentioned in the job description. One might say, "Your company's drive for innovation aligns perfectly with my experience leading teams through transformative tech initiatives."

Never Undersell Yourself or Apologize for a Lack of Direct Experience

Avoid the common pitfall of underselling yourself. Don’t apologize for lacking direct experience in a new field; instead, leverage this as an opportunity to bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm for growth. As a career changer, you possess rich experiences from which you have cultivated important skills. This can resonate powerfully if articulated thoughtfully within a career transition cover letter.

Professionals must showcase their adaptability and learning agility—traits that are highly prized in today's dynamic job market. Cover letters should not merely focus on past achievements but highlight how these set the stage for rapid learning and adaptation in new scenarios.

Specificity is key to enabling hiring managers to envision you thriving in your new role despite the absence of certain professional benchmarks. By creating customized content for every application and avoiding formulaic phrases or unnecessary jargon, your career change cover letter will stand out as both professional and personal—a true reflection of who you are and what you can bring to any role.

Finalizing Your Cover Letter

For career changers, crafting an effective cover letter is not merely about stitching together past roles; it's an artful process of spotlighting one's ever-evolving narrative in the professional sphere. Follow these tips to ensure that your career change cover letter will stand out. 

Seek Guidance from Mentors or Industry Professionals

Seeking job application feedback from industry professionals adds another layer of polish. When seeking a fresh start in your work life, choose a mentor who can help refine your pitch to resonate more deeply with prospective employers.

Ensure Consistency Between Resume and Cover Letter

Consistency between your resume and cover letter spells professionalism and reinforces your dedication to successfully transitioning. Your genuine interest should radiate through every sentence, aligning not only with the specific role but also with the cultural fabric of the organization you aim to join.

Captivate Your Audience

No matter what role you’re applying for; your cover letter should be meticulously proofread and edited for clarity—a task that goes beyond simple grammar checks. This involves fine-tuning the language to mirror the dynamic energy and determination propelling you toward this new chapter.

To stand out as a valuable asset (despite diverging from a linear career path) requires more than just showcasing transferable skills; it demands that you articulate your story with such vibrance and clarity that potential employers can't help but be captivated.

As stories are told through what’s said and left unsaid—the space between lines—it becomes imperative to balance eloquence with brevity when writing your career change cover letters. This ensures you leave room for curiosity, prompting hiring managers to invite you to an interview , which is typically the next step in the hiring process.

How JobTest.org Can Help with Your Career Change

A career change is undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions you’ll make in your professional life. It will have implications far beyond your career trajectory, impacting everything from earning potential to work-life balance. If you’re seriously considering orchestrating a career change, you want to be confident that you’re heading in the right direction.

One of the best places to start is to take a comprehensive career assessment that analyzes your skills, interests, personality, experiences, and aspirations. JobTest.org is dedicated to helping you find the career path that will truly fit your aptitude and personality and provide you with happiness and fulfillment. We’re confident that in just 20 minutes, you’ll unlock countless avenues to explore in the world of work. 

We’ll continue supporting you after that by providing a detailed analysis of your career test results , relevant information about various industries and their employment prospects, and numerous useful resources, including one-on-one sessions with a career coaching expert .

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re stepping out of your comfort zone by applying for a new role, you want to ensure you have an expertly crafted cover letter. Check out frequently asked questions about writing the perfect cover letter for a career change.

What is the purpose of a career change cover letter?

A career change cover letter is designed to explain the reasons behind your decision to shift careers and highlight skills that are relevant to the new position. It's a tool to make a memorable first impression and increase your chances of landing an interview.

How can a career change cover letter improve my job transition?

A well-crafted career change cover letter can set you apart from other candidates by demonstrating your genuine interest in the new role, articulating your relevant skills, and showing how your unique experiences make you a suitable candidate despite a lack of direct experience in the field.

What are the key components of an effective career change cover letter?

Good cover letter examples include a personal introduction, a clear explanation of why you are changing careers, a demonstration of your enthusiasm for the new role, and a detailed presentation of your skills and competencies that align with the job ad.

What writing strategies can I use to create a persuasive career change cover letter?

To write a persuasive career change cover letter, use storytelling to share your unique journey, include data and specific examples to support your claims, and ensure that your values align with the company's mission. This approach can help you connect with potential employers on a more personal level.

What common mistakes should I avoid when writing a career change cover letter?

When writing a career change cover letter, make sure that you customize your letter for each job application and conduct thorough research about the company and position. Avoid being overly apologetic for lacking industry-specific experience. Instead, focus on confidently presenting your transferable skills and knowledge.

Why is it important to tailor my career change cover letter to each job application?

Tailoring your career change cover letter to each job application is crucial because it shows that you have done your research, understand what the company is looking for, and have taken the time to thoughtfully explain how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the specific role.

How can I ensure my cover letter is error-free and professional?

Ensure your personalized cover letter is error-free and professional by thoroughly proofreading and editing for clarity. Seek feedback from mentors or professionals in your network, and make sure that your cover letter is consistent with your resume writing and accurately reflects your interest in making a career transition.

What should I do after finalizing my career change cover letter?

After finalizing your career change cover letter, you should approach your job search with confidence, apply to positions that align with your skills and interests , and be prepared to discuss your career transition and cover letter in interviews. Remember to use your cover letter as a tool to showcase your strengths and motivation.

About the author:

Ash Ayvar De Alcaraz is a committed Career Strategist, driven by her purpose to serve others. With a diverse background in education and startups, she brings a wealth of experience to her roles at Pathrise and Hired. Ash supports individuals in identifying their strengths and securing their ideal roles. Her commitment to diverse and low-income individuals is unwavering, and she’s deeply passionate about building an inclusive community. Ash’s work is fueled by her curiosity and a desire to be the mentor she once needed, making her a beacon in her field.

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• Cover Letter Tips

How To Write the Best Career Change Cover Letter (+ Examples) 

So, you want to try something completely new? When you’re thinking about a career change, your cover letter is an essential tool. Your resume will tell the hiring manager about your experience, but you’ll use the cover letter to fill in the blanks.

Frankly, when you're changing careers, you have to work just a bit harder than any other applicants with a more intuitive work history. That means showing that the experience you have is an asset and that it can be transferred to this new role. Luckily, you can do all of this (and more!) by writing a well-thought-out career change cover letter. 

A career change cover letter is an opportunity to start a conversation to explain exactly why you're applying for a job outside of your current field. Get this right, and you will convince any hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the job. But how do you get started?

Here at ZipJob, we give you the resources you need to supercharge your job search. In the following guide, we’ll share seven tips from our professional resume writers on how to write the best career change cover letter. We've also got a career change cover letter example for you to check out.

More common than you might think

First, a word of encouragement: In our fast-paced and rapidly changing economy, people are changing careers at rates that would have been unthinkable just a few short generations ago. In fact, recent statistics show that people have an average of 12 jobs in their lifetime. 

That can create problems for many applicants, however, and you may not be sure how you can use your resume to properly convey the right experience needed for your new career. The good news is that you can take care of that concern by using that other vital application tool: the cover letter.

7 tips for your career change cover letter

Ready to put pen to paper? When you're writing a career change cover letter, it's important to stay on task. This isn't the place to write a heart-to-heart that reads more like a journal entry than a professional document. Instead, focus on what makes you a great applicant. 

To help you along the way, we have some expert-backed tips below:

1. Make sure you use the right words

Changing careers is a big deal. While your resume will have covered your skills and experience, you can use this letter to really sell yourself to the hiring manager. What you lack in experience, you may be able to make up for in the willingness to learn.

While you can use your cover letter to explain why you want a new career, it doesn’t start and end there. This is also an opportunity to share why you are ready to switch things up. With that in mind, use words that excite the hiring manager and show your desire to work in your chosen field. The more creative you are with the language you use, the better here.

2. Be honest about your career change

The biggest mistake you could make here is trying to sneak your way into a new sector. The hiring manager already has your resume, so they know that you don’t have experience in this field. You should never try to bamboozle them into interviewing you on the basis of faux experience. Even if you do make it to the interview level, you will soon get found out. 

Instead, you need to be 100% honest about your career change. Direct your cover letter to the hiring manager and be clear about why you are switching industries. For example, you may have reached the highest heights in your current sector and feel it’s time for a change. On the other hand, you may have a real passion for this new field and want to pursue it. 

Whatever your reason is, now is the time to talk about it. You don’t need to write a short memoir. The hiring manager will ask you more in-depth questions at the interview stage. However, it’s smart to outline your reasoning here so that you fill in the blanks. State that you are looking to move sectors and try to give a compelling reason to the reader now.

3. Emphasize your transferable skills

When you’re writing a career change cover letter, this is vital. Transferable skills are your current talents that would help you succeed in a different position. These skills are often soft skills but may also be technical or analytical skills from your previous profession. Identify what your strengths are. How might those help you in another industry?

You can also approach this from the other side by spending some time analyzing the company’s needs. Look at the job description, the company website, and recent media coverage to identify the core skills that this company requires. Once you’ve honed in on those needs, you can determine which of your skills can help to make you a great candidate for the job.

Of course, you should heavily feature your transferable skills on your resume. Once you've noted them, you can offer more of an explanation in your cover letter about how each skill will apply to this new job. 

Emphasize your relevant skills within the body of the career change cover letter too. That means including specific examples of how they have helped you to achieve certain results and goals in the past. Show the hiring manager what you have to bring to the table. You can do this by identifying the overlap between your two fields and highlighting it clearly. Be brief, but be sure to answer why you're applying and why you're worth interviewing.

Key Takeaway

The key to a career change cover letter is to identify and highlight related and transferable skills.

4. Focus on your results

Results matter more than you think. The number one thing that will push you ahead of your competition are fantastic accomplishments on your resume . Your accomplishments are still valid, even when changing careers: awards, honors, and other results that show you're a high-achieving employee will make you look like a winner. 

Your career change cover letter gives you a chance to explain why it's so impressive that you accomplished something. Try to figure out numbers or metrics – these really stand out on resumes and cover letters. Quantifying your results will show the hiring manager that your hard work achieves big things. This fact will surely grab their attention. 

To showcase those results, you need to emphasize the success that you’ve enjoyed in prior jobs, providing details that help to connect those successes to your transferable skills. From there, you only need to complete the picture by explaining how your prior achievements and transferable skills can offer tangible benefits to the new company.

Always use the STAR method

Showcasing your results and quantifying them doesn’t have to be hard. Make your statements stand out by using the STAR method throughout your cover letter. 

5. Demonstrate genuine passion

Let your passion for the company be on full display so that the hiring manager knows you care about getting the position. Mention something new or interesting the company has accomplished, or relate to the company's core values. You can add your personality to your cover letter – as long as it stays relevant!

Take the time to do your homework so that you have a firm understanding of what the company does and how it hopes to achieve its goal. It’s also worth trying to understand the company culture ahead of time. That will enable you to properly convey your passion for the position in the body of your cover letter. In short, figure out what the vibe is and match it.

6. Tailor your resume to reflect your career change goals

If this is your first time creating a career change cover letter, be sure to review your resume when you’re done so that everything is properly coordinated. It all needs to match up. You don’t want any inconsistencies between those two important documents: your cover letter should only talk about experiences that are also mentioned on your resume.

To keep your message clear, make any resume changes that are needed to keep it aligned with the message on your cover letter. Remember, it’s the little things that often make the difference between success and failure. 

If your resume isn't tailored for your career transition goals, check out this article next: How To Tailor Your Resume For Different Positions

7. End with a strong conclusion 

When you’ve done all of the above, it’s time to sign off. The end of your cover letter is a good chance to reaffirm why you want to take this step. You may also want to add that you will help the business in question meet its goals. One of the more critical things you can do with your career change cover letter is insert some type of call to action – encouraging the reader to reach out to you. 

Remember, the hiring manager will naturally slow their reading pace down as they reach the bottom of the page. For that reason, it is vital that you end on a strong and clear note.

Career change cover letter example

This example is to the point and easy to scan through. It has several examples of how the applicant has added value in the past, using numbers that are easy for the reader to translate to a different industry.

Notice also that this letter – like all good cover letters – includes a professional heading and uses a business letter format. It is highly specific, a quick but clear message that you've put some thought into tailoring your cover letter. 

The letter does not use a generic "to whom it may concern" greeting; ideally, you can find the name of the hiring manager. When in doubt, addressing your letter to a "hiring team" is a good alternative.

The heading with your own information was borrowed from the updated resume format we used to share 200+ resume examples written by our professional resume writers. Using the same format for your resume and cover letter is another instance of details that stand out.

Focus on value; win the day 

As you can see, the cover letter for a career change is similar to many others. You still want to focus on the value you can add to the company. By emphasizing your transferable skills, focusing on past achievements, and demonstrating your interest in the new company, you should be able to leverage your existing skill set in a way that sets you apart from the crowd.

Ready to take the leap and start that new career? Use the ZipJob free resume review now to get the insights that you need to perfect your next application and get ahead of the competition. 

Recommended reading: 

9 Cover Letter Mistakes That Cost You Interviews - ZipJob

7 Signs It's Time To Quit Your Job

How to Ask for a Job Referral + 5 Examples

Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer, Charlotte Grainger, Editor & Content Writer

Charlotte Grainger is a freelance writer living and working in Sheffield, UK. She has a passion for career development and loves sharing tips and advice. Follow her on Twitter

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• Career Planning
• Leaving a Job

Tips for a Successful Mid-Career Change

How to Successful Implement a Career Transition

Madeleine Burry writes about careers and job searching for The Balance. She covers topics around career changes, job searching, and returning from maternity leave, and has been writing for The Balance since 2014.

The Best Way to Pivot Your Career

• Why Do You Want to Transition?

Create a Transition Action Plan

• Tactics for Mid-Career Candidates

Have you been feeling bored or frustrated at work lately? Or, do you work in an industry with falling job opportunities or wage stagnation?

Perhaps you've recently been furloughed or laid off, and are considering going in a totally new direction. 

If you're a mid-career worker considering switching careers for whatever reason, here's good news: Transitioning to a new career and industry doesn't mean that you will need to begin from the bottom of the career ladder.

Even if it's not in the same field, your experience still counts and can help you skip over entry-level positions.

If you're considering making a  change to your career path , start by evaluating what you want to be doing, and what job would make you happy . Take a look at this advice on how to know if you should switch jobs—or switch careers.

If you're changing industries, you'll likely want to examine the new industry's prospects, too. Then, see how to create a transition plan to ensure a successful career switch.

Why Do You Want to Transition—And to What?

If you've reached the mid-career level, you've worked for around 10 years, if not longer. It's not unreasonable that you may feel a desire for change. The question is, what's the right change for you?

Here are some of the possibilities to consider:

A New Job in the Same Field

If you fundamentally enjoy your work and are engaged by your industry, you may just want a new job. In this scenario, it may just be your particular job—the co-workers, the hours, the culture, etc.—that isn't a good fit, rather than this type of job or career in general. 

Often, mid-career professional workers are promoted into management positions that are less personally satisfying than when they worked directly on projects. If that's the case for you, you may want to  move down the career ladder  within your field.

A New Career in Different Industry, Using Similar Skills

If your industry is contracting or growing obsolete, or you feel ready for a significant change in focus, a job that utilizes your same skills, but with a twist, might be your best option. For instance, a journalist might want to switch to public relations, still using storytelling and communications skills, but in a different arena.

A Total Pivot

Sometimes, a  complete change is necessary . At mid-career, many people want to reinvent their work-life (and themselves!) entirely. Think of the corporate worker who yearns to leave the city entirely and work on a farm. That's a big transition—but it's doable. 

For a strong, successful transition, you'll need to identify what is currently making you unhappy, and what will make you happy in the future.

Take a look at these tips for evaluating whether your career needs a makeover. Speak with co-workers and friends, and get their take. These conversations may help clarify how big a move you should make.

Consider all the jobs you've ever held, stretching back to after-school and summer jobs as a teen, for more insight into what you do well, and what you enjoy most. If your first job was in retail, for instance, was it helping customers find what they wanted that was most satisfying, or leaving the shelves orderly at the end of the day?

If you're struggling to figure out what you want or are overwhelmed with the possibilities, take a look at some of these  free career quizzes, aptitude tests, and self-assessment tools .

Once you identify your ideal job, your next step is to come up with a plan for how to get it. You'll need to engage with real-world considerations (think: monthly bills, your kids' schools, etc.) to ensure that your dream career is realistic based on your existing responsibilities.

You'll need to evaluate which skills you have, and which skills you'll need to add.

In some cases, you'll be able to  change careers without going back to school .

Identify Your Current Skills:  List out all your skills and abilities. What skills and talents do you possess, and how could they be applied to your new field? 

Remember, as a seasoned worker, you're in luck. Many of  the skills employers seek out the most  are transferable. Unlike an entry-level employee, you're not starting from scratch. If you have worked in television production, for instance, but want to move to human resources, your interpersonal skills, as well as problem-solving abilities, and a knack at juggling tasks and managing personalities, can be tremendously helpful.

Identify the Skills You Need to Have:  Next, look at job postings for the position you want to have. What requirements are listed? Remember, you don't need to have every requirement listed on a job posting to apply—but there are some that are often deal-breakers:

• You may need to take a class or get a degree.
• You may need to take a salary cut and start at a lower-level position than the one you're at currently.
• Or, you may need to think of creative ways to add experience to your resume, such as taking on a volunteer position that allows you to learn new skills.

Use all of this information to create a timeline and to-do list for your transition to new work—this may involve taking classes, volunteer work, informational interviews, or other steps. 

Transition Tactics for Mid-Career Candidates

You've identified the transferable skills that you can bring to your new career, as well as the skills you need to add on. Now, here are a few strategies to make your job search in a new industry a success:

• Update Your Resume:  Lean heavily on the  summary statement  or  objective section  to express your story and show how your current skills and abilities are transferable. Also, check out  tips for what to cut from a mid-career resume , and  how to write a powerful career change resume . Be sure, as well, to  target your cover letters  to the new jobs for which you're applying.
• Use Your Existing Network:  Don't feel like you need to start a whole new network, just because you're switching gears. Inform close friends and trusted confidants that you're considering a move, and share the details on what you're looking for. You never know what jobs will come into people's inboxes. Here's more  information on how to use networking in your job search .
• Look Within Your Current Company:  Who knows you better than your current company? Even if you are making a big switch—from HR to sales, for instance—your current workplace may be willing to work with you to make this transition. Because management knows your skills and accomplishments, they may be more willing to take a risk and try you out in a new position.
• Expand Your Network:  Start going to networking events in the field you want to work at. Prepare an  elevator pitch , and use it while you take classes, socialize with friends, etc. Let everyone know the type of position you want, and how it logically fits with your work history, even if it seems like a bit of a leap.
• Do Informational Interviews:  One easy way to expand your network, and learn the lingo of the new field you want to enter, is to do  informational interviews .
• Prepare for Job Interviews:  When you are changing careers, you'll need to convince the interviewer that you've got the right qualifications for the job. These tips will help you sell your skills and  ace a career change job interview .
• One Last Tip:  Consider going slowly, especially with drastic changes. If you have a marketing position but yearn to do something with hands-on creativity, consider starting an Etsy store, or creating a website selling your wares. Work on this during evenings and weekends, until you have a clear sense if it's financially sustainable and fulfilling. Also, there are strategies you can implement at your current job to  help ensure your next job change will be successful .

At every step of your career transition, think of your years of experience as an advantage, and not an impediment. Your experience is still meaningful and can inform your future career, even if it's a departure from what you were working on previously.