You’ve found a job posting that you feel pretty good about.
It’s just what you’ve been looking for, and now you need to get your resume ready to submit.
Should you include a cover letter? Should you always include a cover letter or should you only include a cover letter some of the time?
Let’s discuss this ongoing debate about cover letters.
Why you should submit a cover letter with your resume
Six main reasons for job seekers to use a resume cover letter,
1. Stand Apart From the Rest with Your Cover Letter
When you opt not to create a cover letter, you opt not to take advantage of a chance to sell yourself.
When you send a cover letter with your resume it helps you build your brand, in the same manner advertising companies promote a particular brand.
When you have created a well defined brand for yourself, it increases the likelihood of you making it to the interview stage, while maximizing your salary potential.
2. Statistics
Want more inputs?
Did you know that those resumes with a cover letter land in the top 2% of candidates who are considered for the job posting at hand?
3. It is a job search tool
Your cover letter is a valuable to that should be included in your job search tools. The cover letter is a critical component in your marketing package. You should always take advantage of any opportunity to brand yourself, build rapport, and reveal your personality to the interviewer.
4. It gives a personal touch to your application
Your resume is based on facts and rather formal, but your cover letter is filled with personality. You can increase the “wow factor” by using a cover letter. The cover letters that will gain the most attentions will be filled with energy and personality, along with summarizing your skills and achievements.
5. Tell your story
Your cover letter tells a story about you.
Take the time to learn about the job posting requirements. Then in your cover letter show why you are the right person for the job. Your cover letter can also be a good place to place information that may not be appropriate for your resume such as a mutual contact’s name.
6. Don’t make that common mistake
Job seekers commonly make the mistake of sending out their resume with no cover letter.
As a result, you miss out on an opportunity to establish a rapport with the interviewer, offering a sense of who you are that extends far beyond your skills and work experience.
So, if you have been considering not attaching a cover letter, don’t!
Take advantage of the power of the cover letter, to show the potential employer that you understand their focus, and remind the interviewer of what you’ve already accomplished.
When You Should Not Send a Cover Letter
After encouraging you to include a cover letter, and telling you all the reasons why you should include a cover letter, there two occasions when you should not send a cover letter.
- If the application instructs you not to include a cover letter, then you should not include a cover letter. When the employer says not to include a cover letter they may be testing your ability to follow direction.
- If it is an online application and there is no place to include a cover letter, then you should not.
You may think a cover letter is too time consuming. However, according to the experts the time it takes to write a cover letter is time that is invested wisely.
Don’t miss the power of the cover letter!