When I started my first job search a couple of years ago, I was surprised to discover that many employers still ask for cover letters even though they’re not legally required.
A cover letter is essentially the same thing as a resume it’s just smaller and more personal. And so, like resumes, you should use them when applying for jobs even though they aren’t strictly necessary.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other job applicants. |
| A cover letter should be tailored to the specific job and company you are applying to. |
| Including a cover letter with your job application is generally a good idea. |
| Your cover letter should highlight your relevant skills and experiences. |
| Be sure to proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it with your application. |
Are Cover Letters Necessary Anymore?
You might not be certain of whether or not you need a cover letter, so let’s take a look at the facts.
It can be tempting to think that today’s modern hiring process is more efficient than it was years ago.
However, this is not necessarily true; in fact, job applications are being received more quickly than ever before.
The average time for employers to receive an application for one position is roughly 30 minutes; during this period, they’re looking at your resume and deciding whether or not they want to interview you!
So what does this mean? It means that while we’ve gotten used to applicants sending their resumes over email (or even through social media), most hiring managers still prefer receiving hard copies via snail mail especially if they don’t know the person well enough yet.
There are plenty of reasons why some companies continue using paper-based methods:
They want something tangible they can hold on to (rather than having everything sent electronically).
They like having physical documents around so they can refer back later if needed–even though these days most information is stored digitally anyway!
If you can’t find the hiring manager’s name, don’t worry! Use a relevant and professional job title instead. Learn more about how to do this in our article on writing a cover letter without the hiring manager’s name.
Do Employers Read Cover Letters?
In short, yes! Employers read cover letters. But it’s not just about the information you include in your letter it’s also about what you don’t say.
A well-written cover letter should show your personality, enthusiasm, and drive by demonstrating that you are a good fit for this specific job.
Here are some tips that will help ensure that when an employer reads your cover letter they think: “Wow, this person is exactly who I’m looking for.”
Should You Say The Same Thing In Your Cover Letter That You Already Say In Your Resume?
A cover letter is a great opportunity to jump-start the conversation between you and your potential employer. It’s also a chance to show off your personality and what makes you unique, which isn’t always possible in other parts of your job search.
So, yes! You should include some of the information from your resume in a cover letter but only if it would be relevant for that specific job opening.
For example, if you’re applying for an entry-level position at a local restaurant and have no prior experience as a server or bartender.
But then mention how much fun you had working at happy hour with friends last week (because who doesn’t love free drinks?) the hiring manager might wonder why they’ve never seen any evidence of this on paper before now (i.e., in previous employment).
That said, if there are other ways for candidates like yourself to demonstrate enthusiasm about working here without being too specific about what exactly those things are yet again like mentioning how excited they’d be about learning more about craft beer pairings or whiskey tastings “it’s still worth doing!” as one expert says.”
How Can You Write A Cover Letter That Convinces A Hiring Manager To Read Your Resume And Call You For An Interview?
You can start by using a personal introduction that is relevant to the job. For example, if you are applying for a position as an office manager and have experience in sales, you might say:
I am writing to apply for the Sales Manager position advertised in the X Times. My experience in both sales and accounting gives me an edge over other candidates.”
Another option would be to write a summary of your career goals, such as: “My goal is an administrative position that will allow me to utilize my skills in organizing and leadership.”
Finally, include a statement that you are interested in learning more about their company: “I am particularly interested in working at your company because of its fine reputation for excellence.”
Is A Cover Letter Necessary If The Job Posting Doesn’t Say So?
When applying for a job, you should always include a cover letter. A cover letter is a way to introduce yourself and your skills to the employer.
It allows you to show that you are passionate about the position and have what it takes to do the job well. Even if the job posting doesn’t specifically ask for one, it’s always best practice to submit one anyway!
When applying for a job, it’s important to explain why you are a good match for the position. Check out our guide on how to write a cover letter explaining why you are a good match for tips and examples.
What If I’m Applying To Companies Where No One Reads Cover Letters?
You can use a cover letter to introduce yourself
You can use a cover letter to explain why you are interested in the job
You can use a cover letter to show that you have done your research about the company
Does A Cover Letter Still Need To Be Written In Formal, Business-Letter Format?
There is a lot of confusion about what a cover letter should look like. Many people assume that it needs to be written in the same format as a formal business letter or resume, but this isn’t necessarily accurate.
The main purpose of your cover letter is to get you an interview, so it’s best if you keep things short and sweet. You don’t want your potential employer getting bored before they even get through all of the information in your application packet!
Here are some tips for writing cover letters
Write in the third person, not the first person (e.g., “I” instead of “me”).
Use active voice whenever possible (e.g., “I interviewed him yesterday” instead of “He was interviewed by me yesterday”). This will make your sentences more direct and easier to understand than passive ones would be.”
Is using a template for writing my cover letter a good idea, or should I try to write mine from scratch?
Template vs. From scratch
When writing your cover letter, it’s tempting to try and write it from scratch. After all, who doesn’t want to be able to tell their story in their way?
But did you know there are templates for cover letters that can help keep your content consistent, professional, and brief?
If we’re being honest with ourselves, most people aren’t going to spend an exorbitant amount of time crafting their cover letter from scratch.
This is because the job market is changing rapidly and companies are receiving more applications than ever before meaning they need a way to quickly sort through them all!
That said, using a template will ensure that you don’t miss any important details or steps when applying for jobs online. When creating a template yourself (or using one provided by someone else), remember these tips:
Focus on what matters most: The main goal with any resume or cover letter is to show off your skillset while demonstrating how those skills relate directly back to the job description listed on each company website’s “Contact Us”
The page includes applying specific technical terms (i.,e., “HTML5″) across multiple platforms such as WordPress sites or even mobile apps created through Appcelerator Titanium Studio IDE).
Should I Use A Simple Greeting Like, ‘hi There!’ Or ‘hello!’ At The Top Of My Cover Letter?
You should use a simple greeting like, ‘Hi there!’ or ‘Hello!’ at the top of your cover letter. You don’t have time to waste on fancy introductions or long-winded greetings that are just going to get cut off when the person reads your name.
Don’t use a greeting like: “Hello, my name is” It sounds fake and can be distracting from what you want them to take away from your cover letter (your skills).
Also, avoid ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ for similar reasons it sounds old-fashioned and makes it seem as if you’re writing with an agenda in mind rather than considering them first.
Are you wondering if cover letters really help your job application stand out? The answer is yes! Find out more in our article on why cover letters matter and how to write an effective one.
Is There Any Reason Why I Should Include My Email Address In My Postal Address When Sending My Resume And Cover Letter Through Regular Mail?
If you want to be contacted, include your email address in your postal address. If you do not want to be contacted and just want the employer to know that you are interested in their job opening, just leave out any contact information on your resume.
Do I Have To Send A Separate Cover Letter For Every Job For Which I Apply?
Do I have to send a separate cover letter for every job for which I apply?
No. However, it is always best practice to write personalized cover letters (that are tailored to the role) when sending your resume in response to specific job postings.
This not only shows that you’ve taken care of your application but also allows you to highlight relevant experience, accomplishments, and skills that might not be included in the online form or on your resume alone.
Additionally, if there is an opportunity for follow-up communication, knowing what interested you about their company will make it much easier for them and give them something interesting to talk about!
Should I Send Both A Word Document And a Pdf Version Of My Resume And Cover Letter To The Employer In An Email Attachment?
The answer is no, you don’t have to send both a Word document and PDF version of your resume and cover letter. But it’s still a good idea to do so.
Why? Because sometimes the employer will ask for a specific format, or may not be able to open the PDF version of your resume because they lack the right software. In these cases, you’ll want them as an alternative option
Since Few Job Seekers Take Advantage Of Them, Should I Even Bother Attaching Cover Letters To Emails When Contacting Employers About Job Openings?
Even though cover letters haven’t been as important to getting a job for years, it’s still a good idea to send one along with your resume when you apply.
For example, I’ve had candidates who have approached me about openings and not included one and it hurts their chances of getting the position.
For example, imagine that you’re applying for a sales position at an insurance company. You’ve sent your resume and cover letter (with no follow-up) but never heard back from them after several weeks go by.
They were hiring someone else because they couldn’t contact you! If only they had contacted you again after two weeks went by without hearing anything…
If you’re unsure whether or not to include a cover letter with your job application, the answer is almost always yes. Check out our article on why you need a cover letter for a job application to learn why cover letters are important and how to write one that will impress employers.
If I Worked On A Team Project But Am Only Submitting One Résumé, How Should I Handle This In My Application Materials?
If you’re applying for a position that requires teamwork as part of your experience, and you’re only submitting one résumé, we recommend mentioning in the cover letter how you contributed to the project.
If your role was a small part of an otherwise larger piece of work and it doesn’t seem necessary to include this information on your résumé or in any other application materials (such as a portfolio), then there’s no need to mention it at all. You can simply start with “I worked on.”
An effective cover letter can make a big difference in your job application. Learn more about how a well-crafted cover letter can increase your chances of landing the job you want in our article on the impact of a good cover letter.
Conclusion
The short answer is yes. A cover letter is still necessary, even if you’re applying to jobs where no one reads them or if no mention of a cover letter appears in the job posting.
We know this because people who do not write a cover letter often get passed over for interviews, and even if they do get called back, their chance of getting hired is much lower than those whose applications included one.
If you don’t have time to write a cover letter from scratch every time you apply for work, then consider using an online template instead; these can help ensure that your application materials look professional without requiring much time or effort on your part.
Just make sure that any information provided when filling out these templates matches the contents of your resume exactly!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you write an effective cover letter:
Do I Need a Cover Letter? – Novoresume discusses the importance of a cover letter, when to use one, and how to write one.
How to Write a Cover Letter: Tips and Examples – Indeed offers tips and examples for writing a cover letter that will impress employers.
Are Cover Letters Necessary? – Zety discusses the pros and cons of including a cover letter with your job application.
FAQs
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It provides a brief overview of your qualifications and experiences, and explains why you are a good fit for the position.
Do I need to include a cover letter with my job application?
While some job postings may not require a cover letter, it’s generally a good idea to include one with your application. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and show the employer why you are the best candidate for the job.
How do I write a cover letter?
To write an effective cover letter, you should tailor it to the specific job and company you are applying to. Your cover letter should highlight your relevant skills and experiences, and explain why you are interested in the position. Be sure to proofread your cover letter carefully before submitting it with your application.
Should I use a cover letter template?
Using a cover letter template can be helpful as a starting point, but be sure to customize the template to fit your specific needs and the requirements of the job you are applying for. Avoid using a generic template that doesn’t reflect your qualifications or the company’s needs.
What should I avoid in my cover letter?
Avoid using a generic or overly formal tone in your cover letter. Instead, try to showcase your personality and enthusiasm for the position. Additionally, be sure to proofread your cover letter carefully and avoid any grammatical errors or typos.
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.