A Cover Letter is NOT Optional! Here Are Some Valid Reasons

What’s the value of writing a cover letter? Why do you need that if you are going to submit your resume? Does that not tell the entire story? NO WAY. Simply sending a resume is not enough. A cover letter is important. No cover letter with your resume is like leaving your house with a shirt and no pants. You wouldn’t do that, would you?

If you’re currently in the process of applying for jobs, you’ve probably come across the debate on whether or not a cover letter is necessary. Some people argue that a well-crafted resume is enough to showcase your qualifications, while others believe that a cover letter is a crucial component of a job application.

A good cover letter can prove in a few sentences that:

1. You understand the company’s opportunities and challenges

2. You are directly tied to the solution they need

3. You’ve experienced their situation before

4. You’ve delivered the kind of value they are looking for before

5. You are the right fit for the company.

A cover letter is a crucial part of any job application as it provides a platform to include every necessary detail that might not be covered in a resume. It allows you to personalize your application, showcase your personality, and explain why you are the perfect fit for the position.

A well-written cover letter highlights your key achievements, skills, and experiences that make you stand out from other candidates. It also demonstrates your interest in the company and the specific role you are applying for. Employers often use cover letters to gauge your communication skills, professionalism, and attention to detail.

Just a few sentences and bullet points to pique their interest and deliver your value message. That’s the value of a cover letter. Resumes today get about 10 seconds to impress. If your cover letter piques interest before the hiring manager turns to your resume, you just might earn some more of his or her valuable time. Therefore, taking the time to craft a strong cover letter can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview and landing the job.

Your cover letter is part of the resume package. The ‘package’ is not complete without the cover. Will everyone read the cover? Probably not. While I haven’t done a full study of how many HR consultants read them vs. those that don’t, I can tell you this: when I worked in human resources, I ALWAYS read them. I gained a better understanding of the candidate, what underlying skills he possessed and how he might contribute to the organization I represented.

Here are some valid reasons why a cover letter is a very important complement to your resume:

[icon name=”check” prefix=”fas”] Your introduction:

Your cover letter serves as your introduction. You don’t expect to walk into someone’s house through their kitchen, right? The cover is your entranceway. Here, you can enter with grace, set the tone of what the reader should expect to see on the resume.

[icon name=”check” prefix=”fas”] Add value to your role:

Your cover letter demonstrates your ability to put together a cogent sentence, or in this case many sentences about what you offer in a new position and how you can add value for a potential employer.

[icon name=”check” prefix=”fas”] Showcasing your communication skills:

Another important reason to include a cover letter with your job application is to demonstrate your communication skills. A well-written cover letter shows that you can articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely, which is a valuable skill in any workplace. Additionally, it allows you to showcase your writing style and attention to detail, which can give the hiring manager insight into how you would communicate with colleagues and clients if hired.

[icon name=”check” prefix=”fas”] Highlight your skills and experiences:

A cover letter is also a great opportunity to explain why you are a good fit for the role and the company. You can use the cover letter to expand on specific experiences or accomplishments that are relevant to the job, and to explain how your skills and work experience make you the ideal candidate. Your cover letter is an opportunity for you to highlight certain things that you might not have been able to include in the resume. For example, perhaps you have been designing model houses since childhood, but have worked in another industry and now want to enter architecture. A cover letter would be the optimal place to discuss such information and provide specific examples of what you have designed.

[icon name=”check” prefix=”fas”] Addressing potential red flags:

If there are any potential red flags in your resume, such as employment gaps or a career change, a cover letter can provide context and explanations. This allows you to proactively address any concerns the hiring manager may have and to position yourself in the best possible light. By addressing these issues head-on in your cover letter, you can reassure the employer that you are the right candidate for the job despite any perceived shortcomings.

[icon name=”check” prefix=”fas”] Standing out in a competitive job market:

A well-crafted cover letter with your application can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates and make a strong impression on the hiring manager. A compelling cover letter that showcases your personality, passion, and qualifications can give you a competitive edge and increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.

[icon name=”check” prefix=”fas”] Keep your letter short and to the point:

Keeping your cover letter short ensures that you deliver impactful and relevant information efficiently, capturing the attention of busy hiring managers while respecting their time. Don’t drift off topic or try to explain things away. Just show that you understand the challenges and can deliver immediate value.

Here’s a good tip:

If you want to increase the chances that your cover letter will be read by a potential hiring manager, include it in the body of your email and attach the resume. By doing this, the hiring manager will only have to open one attachment and can quickly read the cover letter when opening your email.

So, the next time you’re applying for a job, be sure to include a cover letter to make a lasting impression on employers and boost your chances of securing your dream job! Here’s to your career success!