Do you submit a cover letter with your resume? When applying for a new position, many job seekers wonder whether a cover letter is necessary.
A cover letter is your first communication with a hiring manager or recruiter and should provide an introduction to your resume. Therefore, a cover letter is critical when applying for a job.
People often ask questions like, “why can’t I just post or email my resume or application form and let it speak for itself?” “Is it necessary to include a cover letter?”
The answer to this last question is YES. You do need a cover letter.
Those in the know say the first impression of someone is made within 4-8 seconds. Even scarier is the prospect that it’s doubtful to change once that first impression is formed. If the selection committee chair opens your resume and discovers that you haven’t bothered to include a cover letter, your application may end up in the recycling bin.
Cover Letter Tips – What to Include and Leave Out
Appearance Counts:
Spelling or grammatical errors are unacceptable in a cover letter for any job application. Make sure you have your letter proofread. Once completed, your message should be printed using a standard font style on white or ivory resume bond or linen paper. You want it to look professional, so keep it neat, simple, and correct format. Ensure that you spell the contact person’s name and company correctly, and include your full name and contact details.
Be Specific:
The first paragraph of your letter should include some essential details. You will want to have the title of the job you’re applying for, the job reference number, if available, and where you heard about the vacancy.
Research Before Writing the Cover Letter:
In your letter of introduction, communicate that you have some background information on the company and the position. A cookie-cutter template won’t get the job done. Checking the company website is an excellent starting point for gathering essential details. Find out as much as you can and make a point of explaining why you are interested in their organization.
Highlight the Value You Can Offer:
Knowing as much as possible about the company can make a difference when matching your skills and abilities to what they seek in a new hire. Write about why your skills and attributes would benefit the company. Explain what kind of contribution you could make. Ensure that what you say is relevant; for example: if you discover that the company is big on online marketing, then mentioning you are great at print advertising is not going to help!
Let Your Personality Shine Through:
The beauty of a cover letter is that it’s personal to you. It’s a chance for the selection committee to get a glimpse of your personality. Don’t be tempted to download a secondhand template and use it. It will be apparent to the reader and come across as lazy and unimaginative.
Injecting personality into your letter doesn’t mean filling it with irrelevant anecdotes. It means putting some thought and creativity into what you write. Try to make a connection with the reader and let the authentic you shine through.
Need additional help? Reach out to Candace for assistance!