If you are on a similar path as mine, you know that it can be hard to make the transition from what you have been doing to what you want to do. Employers ideally want a person who has experience doing the job they are hiring for. While some level of ramp up time is expected (finding the printer, coffee and tech help) a hiring manager needs you up and running ASAP. My "funemployed" friends and I were talking about this today amongst the coffeeshop/laptop crowd, chatting about how detailed job descriptions were and the option of using a headhunter and how much a company has to invest when hiring a new employee.
Given the actual cost of hiring a person (which can range depending on the experience level), it is important to think about what the hiring manager needs from their personnel. If your resume does not directly read into your desired role, it is your responsibility as the job seeker to help the hiring manager understand your transferable skills. Don't expect a recruiter or resume screener to read between the lines of your resume and understand your underlying desires. I speak from experience, a recruiter will generally spend no more than 30-45 seconds reviewing a resume. The lesson here....give them a reason to read through it more carefully. This is why I always recommend a cover letter.
You will find a number of websites with examples of cover letters to assist you with whatever role you are applying for. What I recommend is keeping it specific to the position you are applying for and specific to your skills. Take the time to read through all those bullet points in the job description and take the same approach in your cover letter. If they are looking for a strategic thinker, bullet that in your cover letter and give a short sentence where you have demonstrated those skills. Remember, it is your job to sell yourself for this position, the easier you make it for those reviewing your application, the more likely they are to want to learn more.
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