How to Write a Career-Specific Cover Letter

Creating a career-specific cover letter shows potential bosses that you have a career path in mind and would work hard to achieve your goals.

Your cover letter will include references to your career goals, using industry-specific language. You will need to demonstrate an understanding of where your current position, or the job you are applying for, and fits your overall career objectives.

For example, when applying for an apprenticeship as a builder, you can mention your ultimate desire to own your building firm. You will do this to show that even though you are starting at the lowest rank in the company, an apprentice, you plan to achieve more throughout your career. You show dedication to the job, seeing it as a career rather than a job you are not passionate about.

You should ensure that a career-specific cover letter also shows how right you are for the position you are applying for. You do not want to focus on your future career progression or opportunities so much that you neglect to explain why you are applying for the role.

A career-specific cover letter covers all the aspects of the required job application. This includes all the keywords, and how your skills, experience, and abilities that match the job criteria. Your cover letter should include everything you would typically write in any job application cover letter. It should explain your previous experience and how you have developed the skills for the position.

You may allude to where you want to be in a few years and beyond, but remember you are still applying for the current position. Every time an employer hires a new person, it costs money in terms of staff turnover and training. You’ll want your cover letter to imply that you plan on moving on later, as the employer will not want to repay these costs in the short term.

Your career-specific cover letter will show you are passionate about your chosen industry and that you can deliver. Your curiosity about further promotions within the company is important; you’ll need to show them you’re interested in career progression. An employer will be more likely to invest in your training when you demonstrate an interest in a career in the field.