If you’re like me, then you’ve probably spent hours applying for jobs online. I know that’s not fun at all. But don’t worry: It gets easier! There are a few things that can help streamline the process and make it faster for both you and the hiring manager.
One of these is writing cover letters but do they matter if companies are looking at your resume first? And what should go into them anyway? These questions have been on my mind lately as I’ve been job hunting myself, so today we’re going to dig in deep on everything you need to know about cover letters.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A well-crafted cover letter can help set you apart from other candidates in the job application process. |
| While not all job postings require a cover letter, submitting one can increase your chances of landing an interview. |
| Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and company you are applying to, highlighting your relevant experience and qualifications. |
| A strong cover letter can compensate for a weak resume, but it’s still important to have a well-crafted resume that showcases your skills and experience. |
| It’s important to read the job posting carefully and follow the instructions provided regarding cover letter submission. |
What Is A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a short document that’s sent along with your resume when applying for a job. It’s an introduction to the employer and an explanation of why you’re a good fit for the position.
Cover letters allow you to highlight relevant skills and experience not included in your résumé, as well as any skills or achievements that might be relevant but aren’t immediately obvious from reading your resume.
The most important part of writing a good cover letter is making sure it reflects who you are and what kind of person you’ll be once employed by this company (and what problems you can solve).
A lot of employers expect applicants’ cover letters to explain how they’ll benefit their business, so think about how your personality would impact an office environment before writing yours!
As one of the most crucial aspects of a job application, a cover letter can make or break your chances of landing an interview. Our article on the importance of cover letters provides insights and tips on crafting a winning cover letter that can help you stand out from the competition.
How Important Is The Cover Letter?
A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your skills in a way that your résumé can’t. If you want to stand out from the crowd, a good cover letter will be critical for getting your foot in the door.
It’s important to remember that a cover letter is not just about summarizing what’s written on your résumé; it’s also about showing who you are as a person. Your writing should be friendly, but not overly casual or chatty (unless this is appropriate for the industry).
You need to show that you have done some research and know what type of person they are looking for and then explain why you’re perfect for this opportunity!
Does A Cover Letter Matter?
Think of a cover letter as your first impression. It’s an opportunity to show employers that you’re the right candidate for the job by showing off your personality, writing skills, attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions.
Let’s break it down:
Showing your personality – Your cover letter should be more than just an objective statement or a list of accomplishments; it should give readers insight into who you are as a person (and how that aligns with what they’re looking for). Think about what makes you unique and share those qualities if nothing else, it’ll help prove that you’re not another cookie-cutter applicant.
Demonstrating writing skills-This means proofreading carefully before sending in any correspondence. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that spellcheck will catch everything!
Make sure each sentence is clear and concise, avoid run-on sentences (they’re hard on the eyes), use active rather than passive voice when possible, and read through your letter several times before submitting it in order to catch any stray typos or errors in grammar/ spelling/ punctuation, etc
Do You Need To Send A Cover Letter?
If you’re applying for a job, the answer is yes. Employers use cover letters primarily as a way to screen candidates and determine who they want to interview.
If you’re applying without one and get chosen for an interview, it’s still possible that the interviewer will ask why you didn’t submit one. And then what are you going to say? “Well, I tried not sending one because some articles on the internet said it wasn’t necessary…” That sounds bad!
If this is your first time writing a cover letter (and if it is, congratulations you’ve already made some progress!), don’t worry about getting everything perfect right off the bat. But do think about your audience and how much information they need from your letter to make their decision about whether or not they should interview you.
Are Cover Letters Necessary?
A cover letter can be an important part of getting your resume read and helping you land an interview. When it comes to submitting resumes, many hiring managers get hundreds or even thousands of responses in a week. If you want yours to stand out, you need to make sure that it stands out from the rest by being personalized and well-written.
An effective cover letter will help clarify your qualifications and provide extra context for why you would be interested in working for that company specifically.
A good cover letter should explain why you’re interested in the position or company as well as convey how qualified you are for it. It’s also helpful if they show off any experience or skills that aren’t listed on your resume this is what makes them so appealing! For example:
Are cover letters still relevant in today’s job market? The answer is a resounding yes. Check out our expert advice on why cover letters are still good and how they can help you impress recruiters and hiring managers.
“I’m Excited About The Prospect Of Working At Abc Company Because”
“I’ve worked with several startups before and have found them to be very collaborative environments.”
“I’m looking forward to applying my experience working with small businesses like ABC Company.”
Is A Cover Letter Required If I Already Have My Resume?
The cover letter should be a companion piece to your resume, not a replacement. It’s a way to introduce yourself to an employer and say why you want to work there, not just what you have done in the past.
A cover letter is also an opportunity for you to show your personality and voice something hard to convey on paper alone. And finally, it’s a chance for you to show off some writing chops! Writing concisely demonstrates that you will be able to write effectively once hired (and make it easier on everyone else).
Do You Need A Cover Letter For Every Job Application?
Not every job application needs a cover letter. If you’re applying for an entry-level position or one that doesn’t require much in the way of specialized skills, you can probably get away with just submitting your resume.
A cover letter should also be used sparingly if you’re applying for different positions with the same company the employer will see it as redundant if there are multiple openings and similar qualifications required for each.
But if the job posting is more selective or delves into specifics about what they’re looking for (for example:
We want someone who has five years of experience in digital marketing and has managed at least five million dollars worth of advertising campaigns”), then sending in a cover letter can help your chances. It’s another opportunity to show why you’re perfect for this position and also give them some insight into who they’ll get along with in person once hired on!
While some job postings may not explicitly require a cover letter, submitting one can give you a significant advantage over other applicants. Learn why cover letters are often mandatory for job applications and how you can make the most out of this essential document.
Do All Job Applications Require A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a letter of introduction for your resume. It should be tailored to the job you are applying for, and it’s another way to show the employer that you have researched the company and position.
Generally speaking, if an application process doesn’t require a cover letter, then it’s probably not worth your time. That said, as with most things in life, there are exceptions:
Should you always send a cover letter with your resume?
You may be wondering if you should always send a cover letter with your resume. The short answer is no. You should only send a cover letter when it’s called for by the job listing or by the company’s request. If there is no mention of it, don’t include one.
A cover letter shares information that isn’t included in your resume (like why you’re interested in the position) but doesn’t repeat the same content as your resume does. A cover letter is an opportunity to explain why you are the best candidate for this job but keep it brief!
Keep in mind that many recruiters receive dozens or even hundreds of applicants via email each day; they don’t have time to read long-winded paragraphs about how great you are at everything under the sun.
Instead, use bullet points and lists to highlight key skills and experiences related directly to this particular role at this particular company (and leave out anything else).
How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?
It depends on who you’re sending it to and what kind of job you want. As a rule of thumb, 1 page is the minimum, and 2 pages are the maximum. We recommend keeping it under 1 page if possible, but if your background warrants a longer cover letter (you have 20 years of experience in an industry that requires specialized knowledge), then do not exceed 2 pages!
Do You Put Your Address On A Cover Letter?
If you’re sending a physical copy of your cover letter, yes. If you’re sending an email, no.
If you’re sending an email, there’s no reason to put your address on it unless the employer specifically requests that you do so. Instead, put it at the top of your signature block (if they ask for one) or in the body of the email itself if they don’t ask for one (and if their website doesn’t provide instructions).
Should You Address Your Employer By Name In The Greeting Of Your Cover Letter?
Did you know that when addressing your employer, there are a few options? You can either:
Use the company name (e.g., “Dear XYZ Company”)
Write “to whom it may concern” and then start with the salutation (e.g., “To Whom It May Concern:”)
Or write “To [your name].”
Simply, the choice is up to you! If you want to be professional, use the company name in your greeting and follow up with an informal salutation.
If you want to take an informal route, address yourself directly in the greeting of your cover letter while still maintaining some professionalism by ending with a formal closing statement like “Kind regards,” “Best wishes,” or “Sincerely.”
When applying for jobs, it’s important to pay attention to whether the employer specifically requests a cover letter. Our career advice article on when cover letters are required outlines the situations in which cover letters are necessary and how you can use them to showcase your qualifications and experience.
Should I Address The Hiring Manager By Name In My Cover Letter?
It’s a good idea to address the hiring manager by name. It makes you seem more interested and engaged in the job than someone who just addresses their cover letter as “Dear Hiring Manager.”
If you don’t have access to this information, you can use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern”.
If you’re applying for a job with an organization that doesn’t have an individualized approach (like Walmart), then address your cover letter to “Human Resources.”
When Applying Online, Should I Upload My Resume As A Pdf Or Word Document?
When applying online, should I upload my resume as a PDF or Word document?
If you want to be able to edit your resume later and keep track of changes made to it, use a Word document. If you don’t want that much flexibility but worry about losing formatting if using a PDF file, go with the latter option.
Keep in mind that if you use the same version of your resume on every application (as opposed to revising it for each job), it’s more likely people will read through all of them.
What Font Size Should I Use In My Resume And Cover Letter?
When it comes to font size, there’s a bit of a debate. Some experts recommend sticking with a standard 10 or 12-point font for resumes and cover letters. Others say to use as big as you can without making the text hard to read (which varies depending on your font).
I think this depends on how much time you have and how much effort the company is willing to put in. If the company is looking at hundreds of applications, they probably don’t have time to read every word on every resume very closely so they may not notice if you switch up your formatting but if they do notice, it could hurt your chances of getting an interview.
If you are sending out as many applications as possible and have limited resources (time), then making sure everything fits nicely into one page without having too small or too large text will help keep things consistent throughout your application process.
Can I just copy and paste the same content into each new application, or do I need to tailor each application to the specific role and company?
If you’re applying to multiple jobs at the same time, then yes you can use the same content, but you should tailor it to the specific company. If you’re only applying once or twice a year and have plenty of time, then not just create one cover letter and use it for all your applications!
When developing your cover letters and personal statements, focus on tailoring them to each role and company.
Do cover letters really matter in today’s fast-paced job market? The short answer is yes, and failing to include one in your application can cost you the opportunity to land your dream job. Our career advice article on why cover letters are necessary explains the importance of this document and how you can make it work for you.
Conclusion
If you’re not sure about the answer to any of these questions, then it’s time for you to do some research. You can start by checking out our article on how important cover letters are, and then look at some examples of great ones from different companies and industries.
Further Reading
Are Cover Letters Necessary? Here’s What the Data Says: This article provides a detailed analysis of the value of cover letters in the job application process, using data and research to support its claims.
Do Employers Care About Cover Letters? Here’s What They Say: This article offers insights from hiring managers and recruiters on the role of cover letters in job applications, and provides tips on how to make your cover letter stand out.
Most workers say cover letters are unnecessary—here’s when to write one: This CNBC article discusses the opinions of workers on the importance of cover letters, and provides advice on when to include one in your job application.
FAQs
Do all job postings require a cover letter?
No, not all job postings require a cover letter. Some employers may specifically request one, while others may not mention it at all. It’s important to read the job posting carefully and follow the instructions provided.
How important are cover letters in the job application process?
Cover letters can be an important tool for job seekers to showcase their skills and qualifications. While some employers may not require one, submitting a well-crafted cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview.
What should I include in my cover letter?
Your cover letter should highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements, and explain why you are a good fit for the position. It should also be personalized to the job and company you are applying to.
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should generally be no more than one page in length. It should be concise and to the point, highlighting your most important qualifications and experience.
Can a cover letter make up for a weak resume?
While a strong cover letter can help compensate for a weak resume, it’s still important to have a well-crafted resume that highlights your skills and experience. A cover letter should complement your resume and provide additional information that is not included in your resume.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.
