I’m a big fan of cover letters. They give you the opportunity to tell your story in ways that are different than what you can do in a resume, and they have proven themselves time and time again as effective tools for getting interviews.
The problem with cover letters is that they tend to be viewed as an afterthought or something extra we have to do just because we’re supposed to add this one more thing on top of our resumes.
In reality, however, cover letters don’t need to be intimidating: they’re just another way for you to show off what sets you apart from other candidates (and demonstrate why hiring managers should choose you over everyone else). Here are some tips on how best to use them:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Cover letters are not always required in job applications, and their importance varies depending on the employer and job posting. |
| When submitting a cover letter, it should be tailored to the specific job and company, and provide specific examples of how the applicant’s skills and experiences make them a good fit for the job. |
| A cover letter should be concise and to-the-point, typically no more than one page in length. |
| The content of a cover letter should include an introduction, a brief summary of qualifications and experiences, and a conclusion expressing enthusiasm for the job. |
| Additional research and resources can be helpful in determining the importance and requirements of cover letters for specific job applications. |
Do You Need A Cover Letter For Google?
You don’t. It’s up to you whether or not you want to include a cover letter with your application.
You may be thinking, “But it’s always been a part of the hiring process!” And that’s true but not every company still requires them, and many have stopped asking for them altogether.
If you’re applying for an entry-level position at Google (or any other corporation), there are no given guidelines as far as finding out whether or not they’ll need a cover letter from you goes.
In fact, according to career coach Cheryl Palmer: “You should never assume that all companies require one.”
A well-crafted cover letter can be a crucial component of a successful job application. Check out our guide on do I need a cover letter? to understand the importance of cover letters and learn when they are necessary to include in your job application.
Can A Cover Letter Be Two Pages?
A good rule of thumb for length is that your cover letter should be about one page. If you have more to say, send a follow-up email. If you have an extensive career history and/or a lot of experience, you can use two pages instead of one.
But if you are just starting in your career or are a recent graduate, stick with a single page; employers will get the idea without needing extra space to fill in any gaps.
Should Your Cover Letter Be A Template?
Many people use “cover letter templates” to save time on their job search. But a template will do little to make the reader remember you and your work.
Instead, use it as a guide while writing out your unique cover letter that addresses the specific needs of each job and company.
Do You Need A Cover Letter For An Internal Position?
If you are applying for a job at your current company, then you do not need a cover letter. But if you are applying for a job at another company, then yes, definitely send one along with your resume. A lot of people find this confusing because the positions seem similar (you’re both working for Google!) but there are some key differences:
Content: If you’re applying internally, then it’s likely that the hiring manager knows what he/she is looking for in an employee and can read through your CV/resume with ease to see if they think that’s what they want.
Because of this, resumes tend to be shorter than those submitted externally since there is no need to explain why someone might want to work here or what makes them qualified the hiring manager already knows!
Length: Resumes tend to be shorter when applied internally because there isn’t much room needed to get hired; however when applying externally usually requires more detail about one’s skill set as well as providing additional information about where else they’ve worked before (which could help determine whether or not someone would be interested).
This means longer documents which take more time on both sides for example if an applicant needs input from multiple departments within their organization before making decisions about whether or not someone should become part of its workforce again.”
If you’re applying for an internship, you may be wondering whether a cover letter is necessary. Our article on how to write a cover letter for an internship provides helpful tips and advice to make your cover letter stand out and increase your chances of landing the internship of your dreams.
Do Cover Letters Still Matter Anymore?
When it comes to cover letters, there are a few things you need to know.
They aren’t dead: In the past, employers were usually able to find enough information about job candidates through a resume alone. However, with more and more candidates applying for each position these days, recruiters have less time than ever before to look over applications and make decisions on who will move forward in the hiring process.
A great cover letter can help you stand out: Many people think of writing a cover letter as being an afterthought or something only necessary if an employer asks for one.
In reality, by including an impressive and well-written cover letter as part of your application package (even when not explicitly requested), you’re allowing yourself to impress recruiters with your professionalism and understanding of what they need from potential employees
Something that could make them decide between two equally qualified candidates who don’t include such materials with their applications!
Can You Send Someone Your Resume With No Cover Letter?
The short answer: is no
A cover letter is an important part of the application process and can help your resume stand out from the crowd. A good cover letter should be tailored to the job and company, but most importantly it should be a way for you to introduce yourself and explain why you are interested in the job.
A resume with no cover letter will usually not get attention because it doesn’t give enough information about what kind of employee you would be and how your skills match up with the job description.
What Is The Purpose Of The Cover Letter And Resume Exactly?
You might be wondering what the purpose of a cover letter is, and whether or not you need one. The answer? Yes!
The cover letter should be your first introduction to a potential employer. This is where you can make yourself stand out from other applicants by explaining why you would be an asset to the company and highlighting any relevant experience or accomplishments.
Your resume is more detailed than your cover letter; it lists all of your past jobs, education, certifications, and more in detail. Your resume should include things like:
- Dates that you worked at each job (or where applicable dates that classes were taken)
- Title/role held for each job (or class)
- Name(s) of supervisor(s) at each job (or class instructor)
Writing a cover letter can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Our expert guide on how to write a cover letter breaks down the essential components of a successful cover letter and provides helpful tips and examples to make the process easier.
How Long Should Your Cover Letter Be?
Cover letters may vary in length, but generally, a 1-2 page letter is sufficient.
The first paragraph should be the most important and should describe why you are writing to them in particular, as well as your relationship with the position or field.
The second paragraph should expand on your skills, experience, and interest in applying for this job/position/program. The third paragraph could include any other relevant information such as awards or special skills (e.g., fluency in multiple languages).
Each page should have 4 paragraphs-each one describing an aspect of your work experience that will help them understand how you fit their needs.
For example: “I’ve always had an interest in education and mentoring young people” or “I understand patience when working with people who are learning something new” etcetera. You can also use bullet points at the beginning of each paragraph if there isn’t enough space to write all of this out!
How Does A Good Cover Letter Look Like?
A cover letter for Google should be brief, to the point, and written professionally. It should also be written in a conversational tone so that it’s easy to read.
The cover letter doesn’t have to be long; keep it as short as possible. But you must make sure that you cover all the necessary information about yourself, your skills and experience, why you’re interested in working for this company, etc.
Here’s an example of what a good cover letter looks like:
Dear Sir/Madam
My name is John Smith and I am applying for the position of Sales Representative at ABC Company because I truly believe that this is my calling once again thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to apply for this great position!
A strong cover letter can help you stand out in a crowded job market and increase your chances of landing your desired job. Learn more about the benefits of cover letters and how to make yours effective with our article on how a cover letter can help you get your desired job.
Is It Ok To Submit A One-Page Resume When Asked For A Two-Page Resume?
Yes, it’s totally fine to submit a one-page resume when asked for a two-page resume. It all depends on how you format your resume and if you can get all of the relevant information on one page.
If you’re having trouble fitting everything onto one page, then it might be time to do some editing! Make sure that the formatting is clear and easy to read; don’t try to cram too much into very small spaces just because the font size is small. It will make your text hard to read and won’t look as good as it could.
It’s also important that any relevant job experience or educational background shows up in these areas: “Work Experience” (or “Resume”) and “Education.” These are usually found at the top of most resumes; however, make sure they’re labeled correctly so they appear where they should when uploaded online during an application process.
While the importance of cover letters can vary depending on the job and industry, it’s generally a good idea to include one as part of your job application. Our article on does a cover letter matter provides insights and advice to help you determine whether a cover letter is necessary for your particular job application.
Should Two-Page Resumes Be Submitted As Two Separate Docs Or One Doc With Two Pages?
If you choose to send your resume as one document with two pages, it’s recommended that you have your second page formatted so that the text is vertically justified and left-aligned. This will make it easier for the hiring manager to read through your information.
Also, don’t forget to include any attachments related to the job application process, such as references and letters of recommendation!
Conclusion
We hope that this article has given you some insight into what a cover letter looks like and how long it should be. You might also want to check out our other articles on resume templates, formatting tips, and more!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to learn more about cover letters for job applications:
Kelly Main: The Brilliant Reason Google Doesn’t Require Cover Letters – This article explores the reasoning behind Google’s decision not to require cover letters in their job applications.
Cover Letter Examples for Google – This website offers several cover letter examples tailored specifically for job applications at Google.
Applying online for a job at Google and on the application it says that the cover letter is optional and that “we think your time is better spent making sure your resume is up to date.” – This post on Fishbowl, a social networking platform for professionals, discusses the optionality of cover letters in Google job applications.
FAQs
What is a cover letter and why is it important?
A cover letter is a document that accompanies a job application and provides additional information about the applicant, including their skills, experiences, and qualifications. It is important because it allows the applicant to showcase their personality, enthusiasm, and fit for the job in a way that a resume alone cannot.
Do I need to include a cover letter in my job application?
The necessity of a cover letter can vary depending on the job and the employer’s preferences. It’s always a good idea to check the job posting or company website to determine whether a cover letter is required or optional.
What should I include in my cover letter?
A cover letter should include an introduction that explains why you are applying for the job, a brief summary of your qualifications and experiences, and a conclusion that expresses your enthusiasm for the job and interest in further discussing your application.
How long should my cover letter be?
A cover letter should be concise and to-the-point, typically no more than one page in length.
How can I make my cover letter stand out?
To make your cover letter stand out, tailor it to the specific job and company you are applying to, showcase your personality and enthusiasm, and provide specific examples of how your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the job.
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.