Do I need to write a cover letter? (Hint: it’s a yes!)
Why it’s important and what to include
During job search mode, I’m sure you have wondered if you need to include a cover letter when sending a job application. Ask this question to anyone you know (or do a quick Google search) and you’ll often get a divided response.
Do you really need to write one, especially if it is not mandatory or even mentioned? Does anyone even read it?
It can be tempting not to write one. After all, it’s not easy. It takes time and effort to write an effective cover letter; it can be difficult to know what to write, what not to write and how to make it stand out.
But quite simply - it’s a yes from me!
I think you should almost always include a cover letter with your resume (even if it’s not asked for), and here’s why I think it’s important…
Why write a cover letter?
Creating a standout resume and cover letter is essential – it’s the first step in the process that enables you to progress from application to interview stage, so it’s worth investing the time to get them right.
It shows that you’ve put in the effort and that you have a strong interest in the role and organisation. Don’t underestimate how important this is. Hiring managers really want to see that you care and that you are interested in the organisation. You’d be surprised how many times candidates don’t progress to the next stage of the interview process if their interest isn’t clear. There are candidates who have all the experience on paper, but don’t progress past the first interview because clients say things like ‘they didn’t really seem to want it’ or ‘I’m not sure they are that interested in us… they just wanted a job, not this job’.
It can set you apart from other candidates. In a competitive market, you’ll want every advantage you can get. Imagine your application is alongside a bunch of other applications from candidates with similar and equally impressive backgrounds and resumes as yours. Your application, however, has a well-written, tailored cover letter that shows your interest in the organisation and highlights your key strengths and experiences, showing why you’d be a great fit for the role. Compare this to other applications that either have no cover letter or a generic one-size-fits-all cover letter (which can often be worse than not including one!) – who do you think is going to get a call first?
It can answer a lot of questions. Sometimes when looking at a resume, it isn’t completely obvious why you are applying for that role. Perhaps it’s a very different type of role and doesn’t align to your past experiences, it seems like a step down or too big of a step up, it’s a different industry or you live in a different state or country. In your mind, it makes sense, and you know exactly why you are applying for this role, but don’t leave the recruiter or hiring manager guessing! If it doesn’t make sense and there is no context, sometimes your resume can be quickly passed by.
Use the cover letter to answer these questions and include all relevant information. If you are planning to relocate, mention it in your cover letter so that the person reviewing your application is aware of your timeline and commitment. If you are changing careers or industries, let the recruiter or hiring manager know your motivation for the change. Highlight your transferable skills and how you will adapt or fill any gaps you may have.
Tips for writing an effective cover letter
Tailor your cover letter to the role you are applying for. Demonstrate that you’ve read the advertisement and/or position description and have an understanding of the job you’re applying for and how your background and experience aligns with the role. Make it clear that you are highly interested in this particular role and organisation.
Do your research. Wherever possible, address your letter to a specific person rather than ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘To Whom it May Concern’.
Keep it short. The cover letter doesn’t need to be pages long, keep it relevant and concise.
Include ALL relevant information. This helps answer any questions the recruiter or hiring manager may have. If you are making a career change, explain the why and use the cover letter as an opportunity to sell your transferable skills.
Don’t just rehash your resume. Use the cover letter to emphasise your value and further expand on brief points in your resume. Look at the key responsibilities in the position description and use specific examples to highlight your capabilities in some of those areas.
Proofread (and proofread again!) Check for grammar or spelling mistakes (it’s my experience that a high percentage of hiring managers DO read cover letters and these mistakes get noticed). It can be useful to get someone else to take a look – another pair of eyes might see small mistakes that you haven’t noticed.
And if you’re still really stuck on where to start… do some research and look at the plethora of examples and templates that you can find online. But remember, do this to get ideas and inspiration, don’t just copy and end up with a generic cover letter – tailor it to the job and make it sound like you!