The Importance of a Good Cover Letter

One of the key issues in job application writing is that there is the expectation of a good cover letter or letter of introduction. The question of a cover letter came up recently with one Select Resumes client who wanted to know if why they should write a cover letter (or more to the point have us write them a cover letter) when applying for a position. A well-crafted cover letter is generally vital in applying for any job, unless the application requirements specifically state they do not want a cover letter and just the Resume, but this rarely happens.

Many people write cover letters as though they are a pared-down version of their resume. But all this really achieves is taking the wow-factor out of your actual resume, as the highlights will already have been stated. When you’re faced with a blank sheet of paper, the inclination is to sell, sell, sell. And whilst the whole point actually is to sing your skills, do so in a way that enhances, not mimics.

Instead, use your cover letter to show your personality, and your passion for the field you are applying to work in. Think of it as a virtual handshake. The cover letter is necessary as an outline for employers to get a good enough idea as to who you are. It should make them want to turn the page and read your resume and call you for an interview. That won’t happen if you’ve given them all the most important points without having to read your resume.

Additionally, given that your resume is a tool for gaining interviews in more than one company, use the space on the page of the cover letter to talk a little about the company you are applying to – how your ethos aligns with theirs, and why you want to particularly work at ABC Pty Ltd. A little genuine flattery can go a long way. 

Employers want to understand the applicants in more detail than what is typically provided in a resume. A resume indeed has your qualifications and your skill sets presented. However, the employer needs to know a little bit about your work ethics, your professionalism, and any outstanding achievements which would set you apart from the other individuals who are looking for work.

When addressing your cover letter, consider what argument you would present to a potential employer if you only had a minute in which to do so. Typically, this is equal to the time that it takes to read a cover letter. By presenting your best qualities to the potential employer, the employer gets to ‘know’ you. The more identifiable you present yourself, as well as the more you show how you are the perfect candidate for the applied-for position, the more apt the employer is to read your resume with increased interest. Basically, if you present a great argument in the cover letter, the potential employer will be looking for a reason to hire you when viewing your resume and not a reason to dismiss it.

Also, make sure the reader sees that you have researched the role and the company. What’s most important to hiring managers is how you can help their organisation. Showcase your knowledge of their business by having done your research and by having thoroughly reviewed the job posting. Refer to the company’s challenges, as well as the solutions you’ll bring with your experience.

In short:

The advantages of a good cover letter are: 

• It conveys a very good first impression
• It may stop your application from being binned or deleted
• It demonstrates your intention in a succinct manner
• Its size and quality reflects upon the sender
• It shows that the sender has not applied to dozens of jobs including theirs

Think of a cover letter as a written pitch. You are attempting to entice a buyer for your product and that product is you. Remember to be convincing and compelling and give the employer a reason to be excited about calling you for an interview.