Are Cover Letters Really Necessary?
Are Cover Letters Really Necessary?
Cover letters can seem like an unnecessary waste of time, especially when it’s fairly common knowledge that many recruiters and hiring managers don’t even read them. However, a strong cover letter can set your application apart from other candidates and help show potential employers that you are a great fit for the job. This article will cover three reasons that cover letters are necessary, as well as when it’s acceptable not to submit one. If you aren’t sure how to begin writing your cover letter, check out some cover letter examples for inspiration.
- It Shows You Put in Effort
If a job posting asks for a cover letter, submitting one will show that you took the time to read and follow all instructions, and that you respect the job application process. Writing a cover letter shows that you are committed to demonstrating your experience and qualifications and that you want to do everything you can to get the job. If you don’t submit a cover letter when the job posting specifically asks for one, that can be a big red flag to a potential employer, and your application might be automatically rejected.
- It Can Set You Apart From Other Candidates
Your cover letter is a major way to set yourself apart from other applicants. While you can absolutely use a template to help you organize and frame your cover letter, avoid copying and pasting your whole cover letter from a template. It will be obvious to a hiring manager, and it’s likely that your generic cover letter won’t contain much useful information.
Instead, use your cover letter to showcase your personality and drive home exactly why you are so qualified for the position. Take the time to tailor your cover letter (as well as your resume) to each job that you apply for. Mention the company and the position by name, and do some basic research to learn about the company’s culture, mission, and goals. Then align your skills and experience to the goals of the company and show just how valuable you can be.
Be sure to read the job posting carefully and identify the keywords that the employer uses to describe what they are looking for in a candidate. Then use the same language in your cover letter to outline your qualifications.
- It’s an Opportunity to Share Important Information
Finally, your cover letter is an excellent opportunity to share important information that may not be obvious from your resume. For example, you could share that you are relocating, that you are making a career change, or that the gap in your resume work history was due to raising your family or traveling the world.
When Not to Submit a Cover Letter
There are a few cases where you do not need to submit a cover letter. Obviously, if the job posting says specifically that no cover letter is necessary, do not submit one. Doing so anyway will make it clear that you can’t read or follow instructions. If you are submitting an application online and there is no cover letter field or way to attach one, you can assume that the employer does not require a cover letter.
