You may have been told that cover letters are optional. That’s not true. Even if you’re applying for a job where the employer doesn’t require a cover letter, it’s still a good idea to include one in your application.
A well-written cover letter will make you look like an enthusiastic professional and help your resume get noticed by hiring managers.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A well-written cover letter can significantly increase your chances of landing a job. |
| Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job and employer. |
| Keep your cover letter concise and focused on your most relevant qualifications and experiences. |
| Make sure your cover letter is easy to read and looks professional. |
| Don’t forget to include your contact information in your cover letter. |
It’s Your First Introduction To The Employer
The cover letter is your first opportunity to introduce yourself to the employer. It’s your chance to sell yourself in a way that no resume can, so you should take advantage of it.
If you can write an engaging and well-written cover letter that shows the hiring manager why you’re the perfect candidate for their job opening, it increases your chances of getting an interview.
If you don’t have experience with writing cover letters, there are many resources available online or at your local library that can help guide you through this process.
Crafting an outstanding cover letter can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort to make a great impression. Our article on how a cover letter can help you get your desired job provides tips on how to highlight your unique qualifications and experiences to stand out to potential employers.
The Cover Letter Is Used For Screening
The cover letter is the first thing an employer sees, and it’s what they’re going to use when deciding whether or not they want to interview you. If your cover letter doesn’t demonstrate that you have their best interests in mind, they won’t be interested in meeting with you.
The purpose of a cover letter isn’t simply to say “Hi there!” it’s to show why YOU are the right person for the job.
Cover Letters Show You Can Write
When you’re applying for a job, make sure you’re submitting an application that shows off your best skills. One thing that can help is writing a cover letter. A cover letter is a document that explains why you want the job and how you will add value to the company. It’s like an extended version of the resume, with more space to explain what makes you great!
Cover letters are important because they show employers exactly what type of person they’d be hiring if they gave you an interview.
They also give them insight into how good of a writer and communicator (or not) you are, which will come in handy during face-to-face conversations with potential managers or clients when promotions happen down the line!
Many Companies Require A Cover Letter To Be Submitted With A Resume
If you’re applying for a job, there’s a good chance that the company will ask you to submit a cover letter with your resume. It’s important to understand why this is so.
A cover letter is often used as an opportunity for you to show the employer that you have the skills and experience necessary for doing the job well, but it can also be used as an opportunity for showing off how well-suited you are for working there specifically.
By reading through your cover letter, employers can get a sense of whether or not they believe you would be happy working at their company.
If they don’t think your writing skills are up to par, they might pass over your application altogether!
An effective cover letter can significantly impact your chances of getting hired. In our guide on how an effective cover letter can affect your job search, we offer advice on how to tailor your cover letter to the job and employer to increase your chances of success.
It Puts Your Resume In Context
What your cover letter says is just as important as how you say it. The cover letter should be a reflection of the resume and not just another list of your credentials. It should:
Put your resume in context. Your cover letter is the first thing an employer will see, so think about this step like a book jacket for an author’s novel: it has to be engaging enough for them to read on!
The best way to do this is by explaining why you’re applying for the job at hand and demonstrating that you’ve taken the time to research what they do and what makes them unique.
Show off your personality (in a good way). Employers want someone who will fit well with their team and culture so show them that you’d be a good fit!
If there are any skills or qualifications listed on your resume but not highlighted in your cover letter, add some text describing how they’ll benefit their company specifically; if there are gaps in employment history, explain why those occurred and how they might help steer course corrections moving forward
If there’s anything else particularly relevant (e.g., volunteering), include references or links where possible so employers can get more context on what kind of person they’re getting into business with (it’s helpful).
It Shows You’ve Researched The Company
The most important thing to remember about cover letters is that a good cover letter will show the employer that you’re serious about the position and that you’ve taken the time to research the company.
That’s why it’s essential to do some research on both yourself and the company before writing your cover letter. If you want your application materials to stand out from the rest of those send in with applications, then make sure yours stands out from all those other applicants who didn’t take time beforehand!
A Good Cover Letter Shows Enthusiasm
A good cover letter shows enthusiasm for the job and the company. It shows that you’ve done your research on the company and can identify why it would be a great place to work. It also demonstrates how you are a good fit for the company, as well as for this specific job and team.
The most important thing to do when writing a cover letter is to make sure it reflects who you are as an employee in terms of skills, personality, and communication style.
The formatting and structure of your cover letter can make a big difference in how it is received by potential employers. Learn more about how your cover letter should look by checking out our article, which provides visual examples of a well-formatted cover letter.
It’s Fine To Brag A Little In A Cover Letter, As Long As It’s True Bragging
When you’re writing a cover letter, it’s fine to brag a little. But make sure you’re bragging about something true. You can brag about your education and accomplishments, but don’t try to make yourself sound better than you are by fibbing about them.
For example, if your GPA is 3.2 instead of 3.4, don’t say it’s 3.4 in your cover letter just so the company doesn’t think less of you!
You also shouldn’t lie about things like awards and honors: if someone has won an award for their work, there will be evidence of this somewhere on their website or LinkedIn profile (if they have one). If all else fails, asking them directly is always an option too you never know what information might come in handy later on down the road!
Resumes Are Sort Of Like Internet Dating Profiles
Resumes are sort of like dating profiles. They tell someone else about you, in a way that makes you seem attractive and desirable.
You want your resume to be accurate, honest, and interesting so that it can attract the attention of potential employers. If your resume doesn’t do this, then it won’t get you a job interview much less an actual job offer!
Since resumes are essentially advertisements for yourself (and let’s face it: nobody wants to hire a boring or unqualified candidate), they need to be updated regularly with new information on your education and work experience. If they aren’t kept up-to-date with current data then they become useless because no one will want them anyway!
All Federal Job Applications Require A Cover Letter
All federal job applications require a cover letter. This is the first opportunity to make an impression on your prospective employer and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your cover letter should highlight why you are a good fit for the job, while also offering insight into what makes you unique or different from other applicants.
The cover letter should be no longer than one page; however, if necessary, you can include additional pages with attachments (such as copies of professional certifications). It’s important to use an appropriate font size and spacing so that it’s clear and easy to read!
The Cover Letter allows You To Sell Yourself For An Interview
The cover letter is your opportunity to sell yourself. This doesn’t mean you should use it as an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but it does mean you should highlight the skills that are most relevant for the role.
For example, if you have a specific skill set that would be useful for a job and the company has indicated they need this skill set in their ad, then, by all means, highlight those abilities! The hiring manager will appreciate knowing exactly what they are getting before making an offer.
The same goes with highlighting any relevant experience you have with similar companies or projects or even just what makes your resume unique compared to other applicants’ resumes (if there are many).
If there are any particular aspects of your background that make you stand out from other applicants, now is the time to mention them!
While resumes provide an overview of your skills and experiences, cover letters offer an opportunity to showcase your personality and why you are the best fit for the job. Our guide on the difference between cover letters and resumes explains how these two documents work together to help you secure the job you want.
You Need A Different Cover Letter For Each Company That You Submit A Resume To Or Else It Looks Lazy And Uninterested
The cover letter is one of the most important parts of your resume. It’s the first thing an employer will see and it can make or break your chances of landing an interview. Here are some reasons why you should dedicate time to writing a personalized, customized cover letter:
Cover letters are often used for screening purposes. Employers use them to figure out if they want to spend time reading resumes or if they would rather just throw out applications that don’t have personalization and show interest in their company.
The cover letter shows that you can write coherently and formally (in case you’re applying for a job that requires formal writing). If you can’t prove this with your resume, then it doesn’t matter how good your grades were in English class!
All employers know that everyone starts as a beginner when learning something new so don’t be afraid to admit this fact in interviews; it shows humility and honesty on your part which are attractive qualities in any candidate!
A cover letter is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so it’s essential to make it look professional and polished. Our article on how your cover letter should be structured and formatted offers tips on how to make your cover letter visually appealing and easy to read.
Cover Letters Are Important To Have When Applying For Any Jobs
A cover letter is an important document for anyone applying for a job, no matter what industry or field you’re in. It’s a way to introduce yourself, and show your personality and enthusiasm as well as interest in the role. Think of it as another opportunity to be yourself!
Cover letters are not just something you can use when applying for jobs online either; they should be part of every job application process: face-to-face interviews, phone interviews, and even if someone knows someone who knows someone who might know somebody that works there!
Conclusion
So, if you still don’t believe that cover letters are important, then I hope this article has convinced you otherwise. If you still don’t think so because of all the reasons I’ve given above, then I guess maybe it was just not meant to be. In any case, good luck with your job search!
Further reading
Here are some additional resources to help you improve your cover letter writing skills:
Why Cover Letters are Important: This article emphasizes the importance of a well-written cover letter in securing a job and provides tips on how to make your cover letter stand out.
How to Write a Cover Letter: This guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to write a cover letter, including tips on formatting, tone, and content.
7 Tips for Writing a Winning Cover Letter: This article provides practical advice on how to write a compelling cover letter, including tips on tailoring your letter to the job and employer, and highlighting your unique skills and experiences.
FAQs
What should I include in a cover letter?
Your cover letter should include a brief introduction, information about your qualifications and experience, and a statement of why you are interested in the job and how you would contribute to the company.
How long should my cover letter be?
A cover letter should typically be no longer than one page. Aim to keep it concise and focused on your most relevant qualifications and experiences.
Should I tailor my cover letter to each job I apply for?
Yes, it’s a good idea to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and employer. This shows that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
How important is the formatting of my cover letter?
The formatting of your cover letter is important because it can impact how your letter is received by potential employers. Aim to make your letter look professional and easy to read.
Do I need to include my contact information in my cover letter?
Yes, it’s important to include your contact information in your cover letter so that potential employers can easily reach out to you. Make sure to include your name, email address, and phone number.
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.