Traditionally, a cover letter was seen as a critical part of any job application. Much advice has been gathered over the years about how to format and present a cover letter, suggesting that this could be the difference between getting an interview and getting thrown straight in the trash bin.
With the increased prevalence of digital media, the role of the cover letter appears to have diminished. A significant proportion of job applications are now completed online, with no provision for a cover letter. The rules of the job market seem to have changed -- forever.
In fact, many employers are still very interested in cover letters. Some advertisements will mandate that the applicant should send a cover letter along with his or her resume. Some advertisers will not mention the cover letter at all, but it is still a very powerful tool for a number of reasons.
A cover letter can really personalize your application. While there are many rules about how to write and format a resume, pretty much anything goes in the case of a cover letter. That means that you can really sell your skills and experience, and you can demonstrate how effective you are at communicating. A cover letter can highlight key points from your resume that can be linked to the role description, capturing the interest of the advertiser within a few minutes of reading.
Cover letters also demonstrate a high level of professionalism. They are an indication of your commitment to the role and your desire to be successful in the application. While some recruiters are inherently suspicious of very polished resumes, when supported by a strong, intelligent cover letter, the combination of the two largely cements the initial impressions taken from reading the resume.
By sending a cover letter, you can add details that might otherwise have been missing from the resume, or may not have been fully explained in the resume. Such details must relate closely to specific elements of the role advertised, but adding this information is a great way to show the recruiter the breadth and scope of your experience and how it relates directly to the role for which you are applying.
There is also a strong argument that says it is not worth the risk of not sending a cover letter. If not mentioned, you cannot be sure that the advertiser doesn't want to see one. Not including one could be problematic. Including one that is not wanted is unlikely to do any damage. The worst case is that it will simply be discarded.
It would be foolish to write off the cover letter just yet. While perhaps not as crucial as it once might have been, it is still a strong tool in your job application arsenal and may be the thing that differentiates you from countless other candidates.
If you would rather get to the point when writing a cover letter, consider the T-style cover letter format. |
Knowing how to write a cover letter you can send over e-mail can save you time and paper. |
These samples can help you get started preparing cover letters for resumes. |
These tips for great cover letters can help your job application stand out. |
For a successful cover letter, you need to tailor the letter to the needs of your potential employer. |
Writing cover letters well gets you noticed, but they also give you the chance to explain why your resume may differ from the job requirements listed in an ad. |
Spending more time on your cover letters rather than focusing solely on your resume will help to get you that interview. |
Learn all about writing cover letters with our helpful guide giving you tips on proper cover letter formats, creative ways to write the best cover letters, check out sample cover letters and more. |
