Full Careers

Cover letters for job with no experience?

I've been a program and volunteer coordinator for the past 6 years and have a communication degree. I'm getting tired of the work and am ready for a career change. I left my job and am looking for something new. I'm really interested in becoming a vet tech. In order to get experience and see if this is something I really want to do, I'd like to get a job as a vet assistant. These job don't necessarily require experience (according to the postings I'm finding). How do I write my cover letter to compete with applicants who may have some experience? Links to cover letter examples when you're changing careers would also be appreciated, but any tips or advice are also great. I have no idea where to start and my other cover letters are tailored towards jobs that I have years of experience in. Any help would be really appreciated. Thank you!

Public Comments

1. Your cover letter should point out attributes that make you a good candidate for the job, even if it is soft skills. keep it brief and pointed.
2. 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.