You’ve probably heard it before: resumes are dead. But if you’re like most people, you’ve also never heard of a cover letter. This means that we’re living in a world where people write CVs but don’t write cover letters, which is like writing an entire novel without ever mentioning what the book is about.
The point here is that your resume and cover letter go together to make up your application package, and as such, they should be done well.
In this article, I’ll go over why it matters so much that you have both an excellent resume and excellent cover letter, why each one is important on its own merits but together they’re essential for getting hired for any job you want even if it’s just part-time work or something not requiring much experience at all!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A well-written cover letter can make a big difference in the job application process. |
| Starting strong is key when it comes to writing a cover letter. |
| A cover letter is crucial in making a positive impact on potential employers. |
| Understanding how cover letters work can help you stand out from other applicants. |
| A strong cover letter can help you showcase your skills and qualifications. |
| Customizing your cover letter for each job application can demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the job. |
| A one-page cover letter, tailored to the job posting, is ideal. |
| Avoid using generic language, copying and pasting from your resume, and making spelling and grammar errors in your cover letter. |
How Much Do You Trust A Cover Letter?
Now, let’s see how much trust a cover letter can earn you.
When you send a resume to a company, you’re hoping that the person reading it will be impressed with your accomplishments and abilities and not just by what’s written on the page.
Your cover letter is an opportunity to show off who you are as an individual, beyond the words on paper. A well-written cover letter will help convince people that they want to work with you (or at least meet in person).
In fact, according to this study of 200 hiring managers from Bayt’s 2018 Job Seeker Trends Report: “Over half of responding employers said they were more likely to interview candidates who included specialized knowledge or experience in their applications.”
When it comes to cover letters, starting strong is key. Our career advice on how to start writing a cover letter can help you make a great first impression and stand out from other applicants.
Is It Worthwhile To Spend Time On A Cover Letter?
It’s important to remember that a cover letter is not an introduction. It’s an opportunity for you to tell the recruiter why you are the perfect candidate for this job and how you can use your skills, experience, and personality traits to help them achieve their goals.
You should be able to connect what’s in your resume with what’s written in the job description and show specifically how your background and skills make up a perfect match with what they need on their team.
Also keep in mind that while writing a cover letter can be intimidating at first, it just comes down to following some simple guidelines
How much effort Should I Put Into My Cover Letter?
If you’re going to write a cover letter, then it’s worth your time to make sure that it is well-written. If you take the time to put together a great resume, don’t skimp on the cover letter.
You may have the best resume in the world, but if your cover letter looks like something I’d throw away with a form letter from my dentist asking me if I flossed regularly last week, then people will never see how amazing your resume is.
Your cover letter should be an introduction to yourself and why you’re interested in this position (or whatever other topic your job posting indicates). It should be brief and personal—a quick summary of what’s important about yourself for them to know before they get started reading more about who exactly this person is.
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-written cover letter. Our expert advice on the importance of a cover letter when applying for a job explains why a cover letter is crucial in making a positive impact on potential employers.
Should I Use The Same Cover Letter For All My Applications?
If you have a generic cover letter, then you should tailor it to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job at a bank and the position requires excellent customer service skills, your cover letter should highlight that.
If the position is more technical and has less of an emphasis on customer service, then don’t make this point in your cover letter.
Is There A Specific Format For A Cover Letter?
The answer is yes, there is a specific format for a cover letter. The most important thing to remember when writing one is that it needs to be in a letter format.
Your cover letter should also be written formally, but not overly formal or stuffy sounding. It should be easy to read and understand as well; no one wants to spend more time trying to figure out what you’re trying to say than actually reading what you wrote!
In general, here are some tips for creating an effective cover letter:
Use the same font throughout your document (most commonly Calibri or Times New Roman)
Use bolding and italicizing sparingly-these can make text harder for people with dyslexia or other reading disabilities
Do not use symbols such as @ signs in emails-these will not display properly on many devices
Does The Cover Letter Only Have To Do With The Job You’re Applying For?
A cover letter is a written introduction to your resume. It should be tailored to the job you are applying for, the person who will be reading it, and the company or organization you are applying to. The content of your cover letter may vary depending on the type of position.
If you are looking for a job in sales or marketing, for example, your cover letter should highlight how well you can sell products and services from a specific company.
If your goal is to get hired as an assistant manager at a restaurant chain like Applebee’s, then explain how much experience working with customers.
Fast food restaurants have given you valuable skills that would make you an excellent candidate for this position and why they should hire someone like themselves instead of someone else with less experience who might not understand their needs as well!
Understanding how cover letters work can make a big difference in the job application process. Check out our career advice on how cover letters work to learn more about the purpose of a cover letter and how it can help you land your dream job.
Is The Cover Letter More Important Than Your Resume?
Is the cover letter more important than the resume? No, it’s not. A well-written cover letter will serve as the first impression of your CV and help employers that are looking through a lot of applications to quickly understand what kind of candidate you are.
But, just like with any other part of your application, if you don’t put enough effort into it or write it badly there is no point in sending one at all. If an employer cannot get past how poorly written your cover letter is then they’ll most likely discard everything else on your application without reading further.
A well-written cover letter can be the difference between getting an interview or not. Our career advice on the effectiveness of a cover letter provides insights into how to craft a compelling cover letter that will catch the attention of potential employers.
If You Can Only Include One, Which Is More Important, A Well Written Resume Or A Well Written Cover Letter?
A resume is like a history of your career. A cover letter is like a summary of your resume.
A cover letter is like a first date. It should be fun, but not too long or serious (you don’t want to scare them off).
A well-written cover letter shows that you can write clearly and concisely, which can certainly be an asset in the workplace but it doesn’t mean that the person reading the application will automatically ignore the rest of your application materials.
As An Employer, Would You Rather Receive A Well-Written Resume Or a Well-Written Cover Letter, And Why?
A well-written cover letter is like the first impression of your CV. It shows that you have taken the time to research the company and the position and that you are taking it seriously. This is important because it shows that you have taken the time to apply for this particular job and not just any job (which shows laziness).
A cover letter is also a great opportunity to demonstrate some of your personality or interests by mentioning things that interest or inspire you.
A cover letter can make or break your chances of landing a job. Our expert advice on the importance of a cover letter to land a job explains how a strong cover letter can help you showcase your skills and qualifications and stand out from other applicants.
A Well Written Cover Letter Is Like The First Impression Of Your CV.
A well-written Cover Letter is like the first impression of your CV. It’s an opportunity to showcase your personality and skills, as well as to explain why you think this role would be a good fit for you. A poorly written cover letter can mean the difference between getting an interview and not.
Conclusion
A cover letter is your chance to talk about what sets you apart as a candidate. It’s important to remember that every person who applies for a job won’t have the same experience, but they can all highlight their best qualities and experiences in their application materials.
Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt at writing one doesn’t get results even if it doesn’t work out this time around, keep trying!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you write a strong cover letter:
7 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid: This article provides a list of common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter, such as using generic language and not tailoring the letter to the job posting.
When a Strong Cover Letter Makes All the Difference: This article explains the importance of a strong cover letter and provides tips on how to write a compelling one.
The 3 Only Things You Should Include in a Cover Letter: This article provides advice on what to include in a cover letter, such as why you’re interested in the job and how your skills align with the position.
FAQs
How long should a cover letter be?
A cover letter should generally be one page long, with a maximum length of two pages. However, it’s important to prioritize quality over quantity, so focus on including the most relevant information and tailoring your letter to the job posting.
What should I include in a cover letter?
A cover letter should include an introduction, a brief summary of your qualifications and experience, and a closing statement expressing your interest in the job and next steps. It should also be tailored to the job posting and highlight your relevant skills and accomplishments.
Do I need to customize my cover letter for each job application?
Yes, it’s important to customize your cover letter for each job application. This shows that you’ve done your research on the company and the position and demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm for the job.
How do I address my cover letter?
Ideally, you should address your cover letter to a specific person, such as the hiring manager or recruiter. If you’re not sure who to address it to, you can use a generic greeting such as “Dear Hiring Manager” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
What should I avoid in a cover letter?
You should avoid using generic language, copying and pasting from your resume, and making spelling and grammar errors. You should also avoid mentioning salary expectations or negative comments about your current or past employers.
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.