Why a cover letter is important
When recruiters put out an ad for a job, they either ask that you attach a cover letter to your resume when you are sending it in, or they don't. However, you are supposed to add a cover letter whether you were asked to or not.
A cover letter is a simple introduction of yourself and your professional qualifications. It is usually sent in the body of the mail that has the resume attached to it.
Over time, the argument of the importance of the cover letter has been had across corporate sectors. People assume that since the resume carries all the personal and professional details needed by the recruiter, there is no need to write a cover letter with some of that information again. That that is wrong!
Here are a few reasons why a cover letter is important,
First impression matters
Of course, the recruiter will have to go through your resume eventually. However, you can speed up that process by making a good first impression with your cover letter. When your recruiter opens your application or email, they should not have to just download the resume and keep it for when they have to look at it. You can make them open your resume immediately by attaching an impressive cover letter to your resume. That is how you make a good first impression.
It helps the recruiter know you on a more personal basis
Your resume is mostly facts and figures; it carries information about your qualifications and all the reasons you are great for the job. You are not the only one with these qualifications, so you could easily be passed for someone with the same qualifications. Your cover letter on the other hand contains personal bits about yourself, which are relevant to the job. It also contains reasons your prospective employer should even give you a chance above those with similar qualifications. Of course, you would not write ‘reasons why you should employ me’; what it would contain is a compelling story that gives you an edge.
It shows that you want the job
When your cover letter is written well, it should contain bits about the company, the role you are applying for, and why you want that role, intertwined with your story. This shows the recruiter that you have done your research on the company and the role, and that you can, and will do a good job if given the chance. Employers do not just want to employ people who are qualified for the job, they want to employ qualified people who are enthusiastic about wanting to work with the company. Your cover letter shows that you are enthusiastic.
It shows your value proposition
Your resume leaves the recruiter to figure out what value you can add to the company. Your cover letter has you telling them what value you can add. The latter is very helpful because it shows an understanding of the role and interest in the growth of the company. Both of the aforementioned things are what an employer would look out for when they are hiring.
If you were referred, this is when to use it
Referrals go a long way in creating a shot for someone in a company. At the risk of sounding like a nepotist, referrals are like a nudge up the ladder when they are used at the right time. If you wait for your interview to use your referral link, it would seem as though you are looking to be favored, not for your merits, but because you were referred. However, when you mention your referral in your cover letter, along with your story, and how good a fit you will be for the company, it helps put you forward. Whoever reads the cover letter, now wants to see what the person who referred you saw in you that made them think you’d be a good fit. A cover letter with referral information creates curiosity in the mind of the recruiter.
It shows you are best suited for the role
Your cover letter should contain what you think about the role, and why you are suited for the role. It says that you have done something like this before and that you can do better here. Employers love to hear that, it saves them time in research.
The reasons why a cover letter is important are numerous, but these are just a few. Your cover letter contains important and persuasive details about yourself, and should always be attached to your resume. Submitting your resume without a cover letter seems like you are expecting the recruiter to figure out all that is important about you and your value to the company. Alternatively, writing it in your cover letter is showing them, you should always do the latter.
As always, if you need help with this, feel free to book a free discovery call with me! Take care!