Resumes are unavoidable, but what about cover letters? There is a lot of debate regarding whether a cover letter is worth the effort it takes to write. When you need to create a cover letter, you undoubtedly search for tips to write cover letters online, become overwhelmed, and wonder, “Do recruiters actually read these?” Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just let your resume do the talking? No, letting the resume talk only doesn’t work everywhere sometimes elaborating is necessary.
Reasons You Must Write a Cover Letter
Without a cover letter, you’re depending only on your resume to create an impression on the hiring manager and get you an interview. That’s a lot to ask.
A cover letter may boost your candidacy and increase your chances of securing an interview by displaying your communication abilities and keeping the follow-up ball in your court. Here are a few compelling reasons why a cover letter is essential:
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Inform employers about why they should hire you
Yes, your resume’s objective or professional summary achieves this as well, but only in so many words. You have space in the body of the letter to expound on your experiences and interest in the role.
It can come from talking a bit about the company itself or how you can contribute to company growth. If you can’t do so, make sure your work experience and skills align with the requirements in the job description.
2. It demonstrates your writing abilities
Resumes follow rigorous guidelines, including bullet points and short, choppy phrases. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to write more smoothly. Because employers want to see that you can communicate effectively on paper, a well-written cover letter gets you off to a good start.
3. It demonstrates that you are serious about the opportunity
When recruiters and managers are actively seeking a new job, one of the most common concerns is that candidates forget to include a cover letter. When you apply for a job by just submitting your CV, the hiring manager may take this as a careless move on your behalf.
Do you want to be the one who wrote a letter if two equally competent individuals apply or the one who didn’t?
4. It allows you to emphasize your strongest points
In your most recent employment, your resume describes the responsibilities you performed and the key successes you achieved. However, if you’re limited to one page, you may have to compromise certain specifics for length.
You can clarify and highlight a few outstanding experiences from your resume in your cover letter. You can include a fair bit of your personality, which is frequently equally significant as your qualifications.
5. It lays the groundwork for a follow-up
Rather than leaving the next step up to the employer, utilize your cover letter to take charge of the follow-up process. In the final paragraph, include a CTA that informs them that you will be available for an interview or a phone call to discuss further.
The follow-up in your cover letter avoids the waiting game, allowing you to proceed to an interview or another job vacancy.
Key Takeaways
A cover letter may make or break a job application, but it can be difficult to know where to begin. Writing a strong letter might boost your chances of getting an interview with the hiring manager. Here are a few pointers for you to consider before you leave:
- Drafting a cover letter gives you a chance to take charge of a follow-up email letting you proceed to the next step of the interview process.
- You can brief your strong abilities relevant to the position you are applying for.
- Writing a letter makes you make a little extra effort which will stand out for the recruiter as it will make you look serious for the opening position.
- It also demonstrates your written communication skills.
