You may be asking yourself, “What’s the point of a cover letter? Why do I need to include one?” I am aware that there are differences of opinion regarding whether or not a cover letter is essential when applying for a job. We’re told that some employers expect one, while others are much more interested in examining your resume.
That being said, personally, I have impressed more than one potential employer in my own past work experience with a well-written cover letter. Plus, when I’ve arrived at the job interview, my cover letter is usually placed front and centre, alongside my resume.
I am definitely on the side of those who believe a cover letter should be included with a resume. If anything it seems that more than 50% of employers expect one. (Oftentimes, too, employers may not state they want you to include one; they assume you know that they do.)
Here are three reasons why I believe it is a good idea:
REASON#1: It personally introduces you to a potential employer.
Yes, you should introduce yourself BEFORE making it to the interview stage. Why? Because quite simply if you don’t, you may not obtain that coveted interview spot. In other words, if you truly take the time to show who you are and what you can do for a company, you will have a better chance of capturing an employer’s attention. Further, it shows you took the time to personally connect with the company: something that a resume can’t do. Remember, first impressions are crucial. Start with your cover letter.
REASON #2: It showcases how you can help the company or organization grow.
I cannot stress this point enough. It is so important that your cover letter focuses on how you can help a company (or a company department) in some way. Whereas a resume lists your work experiences/accomplishments, education, and skills, your cover letter presents those bulleted points in such a way to show how you can be an asset for said company. Also, keep in mind that your cover letter is NOT a repeat of your resume. Too many job seekers simply rehash what they already wrote for their resumes. Then there is hardly any point to a cover letter. Instead, make it worth reading.
REASON #3: It gives you the opportunity to highlight a couple of examples of what you’ve accomplished in the workplace.
You may have a few stand-out moments while working on the job. A well-written cover letter often includes one or two specific scenarios of how you accomplished your work or went above and beyond what was expected of you. This can truly pique a potential HR manager’s interest. Of course, the more these examples relate to the job you are applying for, the more likelihood you have of landing that desired interview. Also, keep in mind that a cover letter doesn’t have to be super long: one page is the standard. More than that is too much. Your ultimate goal is to attain an interview spot; including your life’s story in your cover letter is unnecessary.
You may be wondering, “Is there a time when I shouldn’t include a cover letter?” Yes, but rarely. Obviously, if an employer states explicitly that they require only a resume, then you shouldn’t include a cover letter. However, that does not happen often. Moreover, introducing yourself through an email message or follow-up email is becoming more common, which contains many of the same elements of a cover letter. So a cover letter is still very much desired and may push you to the top of the list of potential interview candidates.
Your overall goal should always be to stay true to yourself, your skillset, and how you can help a company grow. If you can manage to portray that for both your cover letter and resume, you will have a much greater chance of obtaining that dream job you’ve always wanted or moving onwards and upwards in your career!
One of my favourite parts of my business is to help clients write a stellar cover letter and resume that will catch a potential employer’s eye! Contact me for further details regarding what I can do for you. I offer resume/cover letter packages to assist you in landing your dream job or just a job period.