Why cover letter is important for job application?

A cover letter is a representation of who you are and what you’ve done. It gives employers more information about you, your achievements, and what you bring to the table– information outside of what your resume shows. But apart from those more obvious things, a cover letter is also a way to showcase your communication skills and personality. A cover letter is important for demonstrating how well you relay information in writing, making it a crucial element for positions requiring verbal and written communication skills. Your cover letter also helps employers make a hiring decision about you when they’re indecisive between you, and another candidate.

In this article, we’re going to deep dive into the topic and by the end will get to know why you really need a cover letter (and why you don’t).

Introduction

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a formal job application document that introduces you to potential recruiters and showcases your significant skills and qualifications.
Your cover letter compliments your resume by providing context and showcasing your motivation and suitability for the role. Your cover letter should accomplish the following:

Introduce yourself to the hiring managers.
• Provide details about your qualifications.
• Tell recruiters why you want to work for them.
• Illustrate why you’re the best match for the job.
• Explain circumstances like job hopping or gaps in employment.

 Do you need a cover letter?

Short answer: Yes. Even in situations where the cover letter is optional, a recent poll found that 72% of recruiters expect a cover letter, and 77% will move your resume up a notch if you submit one. In that same poll, 83% of employers said a cover letter could land an interview even if the resume isn’t good enough.

In short, even if your cover letter isn’t getting read, it’s positively acknowledged.

In certain situations, a cover letter is necessary. When you’re applying to a specific person, use a cover letter to address them individually. Also, write a cover letter if you were referred. Use it to mention the name of the person making the referral to increase your chances of an interview, especially if that person has some influence on you. And, of course, include a cover letter if the job posting requires it.

But keeping aside these specific instances … include a cover letter anyway.

What can a cover letter do for you?

Your cover letter is your way to represent yourself to the employer or the company. It tells the company a little bit about you and why you’re a perfect fit for the company. It’s your first opportunity to make an impression. The cover letter is also used to set one aspirant apart from another in the event of two equally qualified aspirants. It shows that you’re willing to expend the energy to get the position … it’s worth the extra energy.
One of the best uses of a cover letter is to explain gaps or career changes in your resume. Gaps are not definitive denials in the recruiting process, but recruiting managers want to know why there’s a gap, whether that’s because you lost your job or decided to take time off on your own. Cover letters can also be used to explain career changes that are not apparent steps following a natural career progression. That being said, topics like resume gaps or career spins must be addressed clearly and briefly– the more you focus on them in a cover letter, the more you may generate concern versus comfort for the recruiter. Remember, there’s a little difference between shining a spotlight on an insecurity and simply informing a weakness or question they may have. Plus, in the wake of the recession and pandemic, full of layoffs and change, employers are more forgiving on resume gaps.

What to Include in a Cover Letter

The standard cover letter format is the same as the business letter format and should include the following segments:
1. Your contact information: Your full name, address, phone number, and email address. Mention the date you are writing the cover letter.
2. Prospective employer’s contact information: If you have it, include the name, title, company name, and address of the hiring manager or employer.
3.  Greetings: Address the letter to a specific person if possible (e.g., “Dear Mr. Thomas,” “Dear Hiring Manager,” “Dear XYZ Company Team”).
4. Introduction: Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing post. Express your keenness for the role and briefly introduce yourself.
5. Body paragraphs: In the body paragraphs of your cover letter, highlight two to three key qualifications that lines up with the job description, provide specific examples of your impact in the previous roles and summarize your interest in the role and company.
6. Sign-off: Conclude your cover letter with a professional and polite closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your full name.

Assert Your Interest in the Role or Company

• To craft a standout cover letter, begin with a compelling introduction that clearly demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and the company.
• This initial statement should confidently convey why you’re excited about the opportunity and how your skills align with the role.
• Emphasize Your Skills and Experience
• Kick off your cover letter with a strong introduction that highlights your most significant skills and experiences.
Clearly articulate how these qualifications make you a perfect fit for the role, setting the stage for a compelling case. Highlight Measurable Accomplishments showcase your qualifications by mentioning an impressive award, honour or a measurable achievement from a past previous job role.

  Demonstrate Your Research

Highlight your knowledge of the company by mentioning an interested facts, recent news story or key statistic from their website. This shows that you’ve done your homework and demonstrates your genuine interest in and understanding of the organization.

 

Takeaway

As you can see, there is no such answer to “How important is a cover letter?” There are many facts to be considered, including whether a recruiting manager entreats you to write one and the individual understanding reading preferences of reviewers.
All of your cover letters are not likely be read because you might get screened out before reviewers are willing to read them. But your letters will almost certainly be read by the employers who do invite you to interview. That alone is plenty reason to write and submit effective cover letters.