Should You Send A Cover Letter Along With Your Resume?
Questioning whether or not to write and send a cover letter with your resume when you apply to a new job, read this to find out if and when you should send a cover letter.
Do you need to send a cover letter when you send out your resume? Do recruiters and hiring managers still read them? Do you want to know how to get a response from your cover letter?
Each time I ask a recruiter if they like applicants to send in a cover letter, the answer is usually yes, but when I ask them if they read the cover letter, the answer varies. They also vary on what they think should be included in a cover letter.
So, what does this mean for you? Good news, I’ve worked with thousands of job seekers and recruiters, I’ve asked the questions, and I’ve done the research so that you don’t have to! Unfortunately, there still is no clear-cut answer, but there are best practices that I’m going to share with you here so that you and your amazingness can shine through in your job search process and you get your dream job.
4 Reasons to Include Your Cover Letter
The posting asks for it.
Well, I know this seems obvious, but I’ve actually worked with quite a few job seekers who left out a cover letter when the posting specifically requested it because they didn’t know what to write or they didn’t give themselves the time to write one. I totally understand that writing cover letters may seem redundant or daunting or just a waste of time. But, I ask you to think of it this way- if you were a student and your teacher or professor asked you to submit an assignment and you didn’t, how do you think you would do in that course?
In case you were curious, you probably wouldn’t be at the top of the class in terms of your grade. The same principle applies to job seeking. If an employer asks you for a document, it's a good bet that you won’t be fully considered if you don’t include it in your application package.
Showcase what sets you apart from others.
Sending your cover letter gives you a great opportunity to highlight what makes you different, what makes you a better fit for the position, and what makes you amazing.
Job postings can get hundreds of applicants, so standing out and highlighting your skills and what sets you apart is key! This shows them why they should interview you over other candidates. This, by itself, should motivate you to show your amazingness through your cover letter.
Important Note: Use your cover letter to highlight what makes you different and unique. Avoid repeating what is already on your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Highlight your communication skills.
Your cover letter is really your first opportunity to demonstrate your ability to write and communicate effectively. Your resume shows your experiences and accomplishments, but your cover letter allows you to communicate a powerful message in a professional setting.
Additionally, this gives you the chance to show them your writing skills and your persuasion skills through writing. Remember: your cover letter should do more than just summarize your resume.
Describe a key skill.
Your cover letter is a key addition to your resume to showcase a skill that is essential to the position you are applying to. As key skills are unique to each career field, it is important to identify which skill you need to highlight.
Use your cover letter to not only identify that skill, but also be sure to include examples of how you incorporate this skill and the results you’ve gotten.
3 Reasons Not to Include Your Cover Letter
Typically, submitting a cover letter with your resume is best practice. However, there may be a few situations where submitting a cover letter could work against you.
The job posting directs you not to submit a cover letter.
Yes, on occasion, this does happen. Above all, you should follow the requirements or requests of the job posting, so if you come across a posting that asks you not to submit a cover letter, it’s best to forgo it.
You have poor communication skills.
While sending in a cover letter can allow you to highlight your communication skills, it can also showcase your poor communication skills, which is something that we don’t want. If you fall into that category, it may be best to forgo sending a poorly written cover letter.
If you struggle with writing and written communication, think about asking for help. A career coach can help you craft an effective cover letter that highlights how amazing you are!
You have limited time for a job search.
The job search process can take a lot of time, especially when you factor in customizing your resume and writing specific cover letters for each position, so it may not be feasible for you to write a strong cover letter if you are working a full-time job and have limited hours for your job search.
While you can go the route of not sending a cover letter, another great option is to use a cover letter template that you’ve drafted, either by yourself or with a career coach, and alter it for each position that you apply to. I recommend that my clients set a timer of no more than 15 minutes to customize their cover letter.
Final Note: Job search and cover letter best practices and requirements will vary by industry and experience level. Use your best judgment when completing your job applications, and remember, you are worth it!
I hope you’ve found this helpful and I wish you the best of luck in your writing process. If you are looking for more information, please visit my website- Higher & Hire. If I can be of assistance to you, please reach out to me here.
Many Thanks!
Valerie Palmer
