why is a cover letter important

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Everything you need to know about a cover letter and why it's still important.

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Wondering if you really need to submit a cover letter? Here's the truth about this part of the job ... [+] application process.

Some experts say that the cover letter is dead. Others vehemently disagree. But what both sides of the fence do agree on is that dead or alive, a cover letter is still necessary when applying for a job.

What is a cover letter for a resume?

A cover letter is a snapshot of who you are and what you've done. It gives hiring managers more information about you, your accomplishments, and what you bring to the table– information outside of what your resume shows. But aside from those more obvious things, a cover letter is also a way to showcase your communication skills and personality. A cover letter is vital 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 torn between you, and another candidate.

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 hiring managers expect a cover letter, and 77% will move your resume up a notch if you submit one. In that same poll, 83% of recruiters 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 boost your chances of an interview, especially if that person has some clout. And, of course, include a cover letter if the job posting requires one.

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

What can a cover letter do for you?

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Your cover letter is your personal introduction. It tells the company a little bit about you and why you're a great fit for the company. It's your first chance to make a good impression. The cover letter is also used to set one candidate apart from another in the event of two equally qualified applicants. It shows that you're willing to expend the energy to get the position … it’s worth the extra energy.

One of the better uses of a cover letter is to explain gaps or career changes in your resume. Gaps aren't definitive rejections in the hiring process, but hiring 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 obvious steps following a natural career progression. That being said, topics like resume gaps or career pivots must be addressed clearly and briefly– the longer you focus on them in a cover letter, the more you may generate concern versus comfort for the recruiter. Remember, there’s a fine line between shining a spotlight on an insecurity and simply addressing a weakness or question they may have. Plus, in the wake of the recession and pandemic, full of layoffs and change, recruiters are more forgiving on resume gaps.

What should you include in a cover letter?

Your cover letter complements your resume. It should be no more than two pages, but one page is better because research simply affirms that the second page isn’t as likely to be read... The cover letter needs to show the employer you can meet the job requirements, why you want to work at the company, and who you are. Include an anecdote about your experience that shows how you were a benefit to your previous employers. And always end your cover letter with a subtle request for an interview like, "I look forward to hearing from you" or “I’m excited to learn more about the role,” and include your contact information of course.

Do your homework before writing your cover letter (and your resume). Learn about the company where you're applying to discover whether you’re a fit for them– or they’re a fit for you. This means doing more than a 5 minute google sweep! It means examining their competition, who is in the role you’re seeking and what their linkedin says, if there’s any public announcements on the direction the company is taking, their client roster or results… and more! Analyze the job description to design your cover letter to address key components and leverage keywords. This is necessary to pass automated tracking software (ATS) used to screen applicants. Finally, identify the hard and soft skills you bring to the position so you can highlight those in the cover letter. Every cover letter needs to be tailored to the position.

Just as a good cover letter can set you apart, a bad cover letter can hurt you. Your cover letter needs to show you put in the effort. It should show the recruiter you read the job description, understand the role and how your experience aligns with the job responsibilities, and that you know a little bit about the company. That is what will set you apart from other candidates.

So, whether one is required or not, including a cover letter with your resume remains an essential element of the application packet.

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What is a Cover Letter, and Why is it Important?

In today’s competitive job market, most hiring managers or recruiters expect you to submit a cover letter. A cover letter is a one-page short letter that you attach to your resume when applying for a job. It allows you to tell your career story, develop a bond with the hiring manager, and highlight your soft skills, motivations, and experience. A compelling and well-crafted cover letter can differentiate you from other candidates with the same education and improve your chances of getting interviewed by the hiring manager. Despite its importance, many job seekers either skip the cover letter or don’t write it effectively. This blog post will discuss what a cover letter is, its importance for the job application process, and how to write one that stands out. 

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a very important document that accompanies your CV when you apply for a job. It is your opportunity to make a lasting impression on the hiring manager and help them better understand who you are and what you have done in the past. A cover letter includes your contact information, the job you are applying for, and additional details about your qualifications and interest in the company. 

A cover letter is also a way to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, suitability for the role and company culture. It plays an integral part in your job application. A recent research found that 87% of hiring employers read cover letters, and 65% said a cover letter helps make hiring decisions. 

Importance of Cover Letter:

By now, you know what cover letters are. You might be wondering why they matter in job applications. 

Here are a few reasons why cover letters are important:

First Impression

Cover letter is often the first document a hiring manager reads. Many employers prefer CVs with a cover letter, and a well-crafted cover letter grabs any hiring employer’s attention and makes you stand out from other applicants. A good cover letter enhances your job application. 

Personalization

A tailored cover letter demonstrates your efforts, research, and understanding of the company and role. It is an opportunity to express your personality and genuine interest in the role. Additionally, a tailored cover letter allows you to directly address the employer’s needs, as mentioned in the job description. 

Highlight Your Unique Value Proposition 

A cover letter is an important way to “sell yourself” by highlighting the combination of your relevant skills, work experience, and achievements for the job. This approach allows you to show the value you can bring to the company. 

Communication Skills

The wording of your cover letter shows your written communication skills. It demonstrates your ability to communicate ideas clearly, which helps hiring managers quickly understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. 

Addressing Gaps 

Cover letters can be used to explain employment gaps or career changes in your resume. It is a perfect place to briefly discuss the reasons for the gaps, such as personal growth, further education, layoff, and family responsibilities, that a resume cannot. 

How to Write a Cover Letter

Here are the key steps to write an effective cover letter: 

Include Your Contact Information 

The header includes your name, email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile( optional) in block style at the top left. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to reach you for the applied position. After your header, include the date, name, and contact information of the hiring employer or company. 

Greeting or Salutation 

Next, include a formal greeting to create a positive first impression on the hiring employer. Avoid using casual or outdated greetings like “ Hi” or “Hey,” as these can make your letter unprofessional. By addressing the recipient with the correct name, you can show that you've done your research and are not sending a generic application. You can find the name by checking the job listing, visiting the company website, or calling the office. 

If you are unable to find the recipient name, use a professional greeting like “ Dear Hiring Manager or “ Dear [ Department Name] Team”. 

Create a Captivating Opening 

Start your cover letter by discussing basic details about yourself, the position you're applying for, and the company. Briefly mention the person who recommended you to this position and why you're interested in it. The opening paragraph should immediately capture the reader's interest and express enthusiasm. 

Highlight Your Qualifications 

In the body of your letter, highlight your relevant qualifications and experience. Your body paragraph should convey how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for the job. Moreover, use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and how your background aligns with the job requirements. 

This section reflects your understanding of the company's needs and how you can meet them.

Closing 

Conclude your cover letter with a compelling and concise call to action. First, highlight your enthusiasm about the job opportunity. Next, encourage the employer to contact you for an interview and thank them for their time and considering your application.

Tips For Writing An Effective Cover Letter  

Below are some tips for writing a successful cover letter for maximum impact: 

Use the Right Template and Format

Choose a professional cover letter template that matches your resume. Make sure your cover letter is correctly formatted and easy to read. 

Tailor Cover Letter to the Specific Job

Avoid using the same cover letter for all your job applications. Customize each cover letter for a specific job you are applying for to make it more relevant. 

Keep it Concise 

Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. It should be around 250 - 400 words and not more than one page. Avoid repeating the same information again and again.

Highlight Your Skills and Achievements 

Focus on highlighting your relevant skills and accomplishments that align with the job requirements. Clearly communicate what you can bring to the company. 

Use Professional Tone 

Use clear and professional language to write your cover letter. Avoid jargon, cliches, or flower language. 

Express your Enthusiasm

Your cover letter should express your excitement about the opportunity. Mention specific things about the company or the role that attracts you, which shows you have done your research. 

Proofread for Errors

Always proofread your cover for grammatical errors or spelling mistakes before submitting it. An error-free letter looks professional and makes a good impression. 

Cover Letter Examples 

Example 1: cover letter for marketing role .

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip]

[Your Email]

[Your Phone Number]

[Hiring Manager's Name]

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

Dear [ Hiring Manager ], 

I'm writing to express my interest in the digital marketing specialist position at [Company Name]. With a Bachelor’s in Marketing and over seven years of experience in advertising and digital marketing, I have honed my skills and expertise to make an impact. 

As a digital marketing specialist, I crafted tailored strategies for diverse clients across various sectors. I have successfully managed a range of SEO projects, optimizing web presence and spearheading a talented team of 5-10 individuals. I am a creative and self-motivated individual with a risk-taking attitude to work, and I possess excellent communication skills that enable me to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders. Additionally, I am proficient in SEO, PPC, editing, and social media marketing, which has enabled me to enhance brand visibility and engagement. In my previous role, I led a campaign that increased web traffic by 30% and boosted social media engagement by 50%. 

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss this application in an interview. 

Example 2: Cover Letter for Content Writer Position

I am excited to find the Content Writer position opening at [Company Name]. I am a creative language expert with over 13 years of experience in the digital media space. I specialize in producing SEO-friendly content, corporate storytelling, content marketing, and leadership communication. So far, I have worked with various organizations in B2B sales, B2C sales, real estate, SME Finance, cloud products, and ed-tech. 

Apart from being a dependable writer and content strategies, my strength lies in building a solution oriented, high performance team from the ground up and cultivating a healthy, growth oriented work environment for my team members. I take a keen interest in people centric initiative and pitch in with my skills to help build a friendly, progressive culture across the organization. I am passionate about creating engaging content that connects with the target audience and drives business results.

Thank you for considering my application. I would love to discuss how I can contribute to your team at [Company Name]. I look forward to hearing from you!

Example 3: Cover Letter for Mechanical Engineer Internship 

I am writing to express my interest in the Mechanical Engineer Internship at [Company Name], as advertised on [Job Portal]. I am a dedicated 3rd year mechanical engineering student with an unwavering passion for robotics and automation. My insatiable curiosity drives me to stay at the forefront of industrial advancements, ensuring that I am always well versed in the latest technology and trends. With the keen eye for innovation, I am committed to leveraging my technical acumen to contribute meaningfully to the world of engineering. 

Beyond my engineering pursuits, I possess a unique flair for graphic designing, allowing me to contribute creativity with precision in my projects. I am an advocate for continuous learning and have actively sought opportunities to expand my horizons. Whether it’s delving into intricate robotic projects or crafting visually appealing designs, I am driven by the pursuit of excellence.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to discuss my application further.

Best regards,

A well-crafted cover letter is essential in your job application arsenal. It highlights your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. A cover letter should be polished, professional, and concise to effectively communicate why you are the best fit for the position. You can make a strong impression on the hiring manager and enhance your chance of landing an interview by following the tips for creating a cover letter mentioned in the post. 

Swati Sinha

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