Your cover letter is the first impression your potential employer gets of you. It’s also one of the most important parts of your job application, but many people don’t realize this! In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about cover letters and how they can work for or against you in applying for a job.
| Key Takeaways |
|---|
| A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and provides an introduction to your qualifications, experience, and interest in a job. |
| Including a cover letter with your job application can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your qualifications and interest in the job. |
| A cover letter should follow a professional format and be tailored to the job you are applying for. |
| Your cover letter should include an introduction, body, and closing that highlight your relevant qualifications and experience. |
| While not all employers require a cover letter, it is generally a good idea to include one unless explicitly stated otherwise. |
How Important Is A Cover Letter?
A cover letter is as important as a resume. It can be the deciding factor in getting an interview, so don’t make this easy for your potential employer by sending out applications without one. A cover letter is a way to introduce yourself and show off your personality, so take advantage of it!
The best thing about your cover letter will be that it gives you a chance to sell yourself and emphasize what makes you stand out from other candidates who have applied for the same job. You should also use this format as an opportunity to highlight specific skills or experiences that relate directly back to what’s being asked for in the job posting, such as:
A well-crafted cover letter can be the key to getting your foot in the door for your dream job. As we discussed in our article on the importance of a cover letter when applying for a job, a cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your skills and experience in a way that complements your resume and highlights your value to potential employers.
Should My Cover Letter Be Just One Page?
The length of your cover letter is not as important as what’s written on that page. Don’t try to be a copywriter; just tell the hiring manager who you are and why they should hire you. If it takes more than one page to do that, go ahead and use two pages (or three).
But if it takes more than three pages, then maybe it’s time to rethink your resume instead of trying to cram everything into your cover letter.
One page is fine for most applications, but there are no hard-and-fast rules about how long a cover letter can be so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!
How Should I Address The Hiring Manager In My Cover Letter?
In your cover letter, you should use the name of the person who is hiring. This is true even if you don’t know that person’s name. You can say “Dear Sir or Madam” if you’re not sure who to address it to, but make sure that if there’s a specific person listed in the job posting by their title, then use them.
That being said, if you know that someone else will be reading your cover letter besides just one person at the company (i.e., HR), then also include them in your salutations as well, after all, they are part of making decisions about whether or not they want to hire people!
Do I Need To Use Bullet Points On A Cover Letter?
Bullet points are a good way to separate your ideas and highlight your experience. The key is to make sure that each bullet point aligns with the job description, so you can show how you’re qualified for the position. If it doesn’t align, don’t use it!
A good rule of thumb is that if you have more than three bullets under each heading (i.e., “Skills” or “Experience”), then it’s probably time to break those down into smaller sections–you don’t want the person reading your cover letter getting bored!
The opening lines of your cover letter can make or break your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers. To make a strong first impression, check out our article on how to start writing a cover letter, where we provide tips and examples for crafting a compelling introduction that captures the reader’s attention and sets the tone for the rest of your letter.
Should I Include References On A Cover Letter?
Should you include references in your cover letter? It depends on the job you’re applying for. If a job posting asks for them, then it’s best to list them. But if the job posting doesn’t ask for references, then it may be better to leave them off of your cover letter.
If you have personal contacts who would be willing to act as a reference, such as past co-workers or professors, and they are relevant to the position you’re applying for then they should be listed on your resume and/or cover letter.
How Long Does It Take To Write A Good Cover Letter?
In one sense, it depends on the job and the person. Some employers love to see detailed resumes, while others just want to know what they need to know.
For example, if I were applying for a job at Apple Computer Inc., then I would probably write a very long cover letter because my resume needs all of that extra space (for all my awards).
If however, I were applying for a position at McDonald’s then I would probably write a very short cover letter since no one cares about where I went to school or what awards I have won.
The only way that you can tell how long or short your cover letter should be is by looking at other people’s letters who have been successful in getting jobs similar to yours and seeing how long their letters are.
Your resume and cover letter are essential tools in your job search arsenal. In our article on how do a resume and cover letter help you to get the job, we explore the ways in which these documents work together to showcase your skills and experience and help you stand out to potential employers. From crafting a strong resume to writing a compelling cover letter, this article provides tips and insights to help you create a winning job application.
Do I Need To Send A Cover Letter If The Job Posting Doesn’t Require One (I.E They Don’t Ask For It, And They Don’t Say Not To)?
You don’t need to send a cover letter if the job posting doesn’t specifically require one. And some employers will even tell you not to send one. But that doesn’t mean it won’t help you when applying for jobs!
Your cover letter should be addressed directly to the hiring manager and briefly introduce yourself as well as why you are applying for the position at their organization. You can also mention that you have an interest in working there based on what they do (i.e., being passionate about helping others).
Should I Include Keywords In My Cover Letter?
It’s a common question, so let’s start here: yes, keywords are important. Employers use them to help with the search function, sort resumes by relevance to open vacancies, and prioritize which candidates to interview.
If you want your resume to be seen by recruiters and hiring managers (and who doesn’t?), you need to include those keywords in your cover letter as well.
But don’t overdo it! While keyword stuffing can be tempting for job seekers who are desperate for any kind of response from recruiters or HR departments, doing so is rarely effective or even appropriate when applying through a job board or career portal like LinkedIn or Indeed.
You’ll get better results if you use relevant keywords naturally throughout your cover letter rather than jamming them into sentences where they don’t belong.
Are you struggling to understand how cover letters work and what to include in yours? Our article on how do cover letters work provides a detailed overview of the purpose of a cover letter, the components that make up a strong letter, and how to tailor your letter to fit the needs of the job and the company you are applying to.
Is There Any Formatting Advice I Need To Follow When Writing My Cover Letter?
This is probably the question I get asked most often as a career coach: “Should I use a cover letter with my resume?”
While it’s true that some employers won’t even look at resumes that don’t have a cover letter attached, many others will. So it’s not always necessary but if you want to stand out among other applicants and make yourself more competitive for the job, then yes! It’s worth putting in the time to write one.
The only time it’s not worth doing is if you’re applying for jobs where you don’t think your experience will be relevant or transferable (for example, an entry-level position at a tech company).
In this case, it’s best to just focus on sending them your resume and leave off additional information like references, letters of recommendation, and so forth because these things could work against you by making it seem like there aren’t any other areas where you can add value.
If you’re applying for jobs, chances are you will need to submit a cover letter along with your resume. To make sure you’re putting your best foot forward, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide on all you need to know about cover letters. From formatting to content, this guide covers everything you need to know to create a winning cover letter that lands you the job.
Conclusion
The best advice we can give is to keep it simple. Your cover letter should be a concise and professional introduction to your work experience, skills, and qualifications that makes the reader want to learn more about you.
Don’t spend too much time worrying about format or length instead, focus on what you can do for their company!
Further Reading
The Importance of a Cover Letter: Indeed.com provides insight into the importance of a cover letter, including how it can help you stand out from other candidates and how it can demonstrate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the job.
How Important is a Cover Letter?: Michael Page shares their perspective on the importance of a cover letter, including how it can help you make a strong first impression and showcase your personality and communication skills.
Do I Need a Cover Letter?: Novoresume answers the question of whether or not a cover letter is necessary, providing insights into when and why it may be beneficial to include one with your job application.
FAQs
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and provides an introduction to your qualifications, experience, and interest in a job.
Why is a cover letter important?
A cover letter is important because it allows you to provide additional context and information that may not be included in your resume. It can also demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in the job, and showcase your communication and writing skills.
Should I always include a cover letter with my job application?
It is generally a good idea to include a cover letter with your job application, as it can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your qualifications and interest in the job. However, some employers may not require or even want a cover letter, so be sure to read the job posting carefully to determine if one is necessary.
How should I format my cover letter?
Your cover letter should follow a professional format and be tailored to the job you are applying for. It should include a header with your contact information, an introduction that explains why you are interested in the job, a body that highlights your relevant qualifications and experience, and a closing that thanks the employer for their time and consideration.
What should I include in my cover letter?
Your cover letter should include an introduction that explains why you are interested in the job, a body that highlights your relevant qualifications and experience, and a closing that thanks the employer for their time and consideration. You should also tailor your letter to the job you are applying for and use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and experience.
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.