How Important is a Cover Letter

You may be sending out resumes for various positions and find you need to include a cover letter as an addition to your job application.

You may briefly understand the purpose of a cover letter, but when you drill down, you can find out that the letter states you are fit for the position for which you are applying.

All your skills and experience will be in your resume, so why do you need to go through things a second time? Writing a cover letter that stands out is a skill, and it all starts with you understanding the answer to the “how important is a cover letter” question.

Here, you can learn all you need about covering letters and why they are such a big deal for hiring managers.

This is one part of the complete guide to cover letters in Australia. That guide covers why it still matters, structure, examples, and the mistakes that get a letter skipped.

What is a Cover Letter?

The cover letter will be a single-page message accompanying your application and resume. The sole purpose is to deliver information about the position you will be applying to. With this, it will have your qualifications, which relate to the position, and what makes the position and company of interest to you.

Well-written cover letters can make you stand out from other applicants.

What Should Be in a Cover Letter?

Job seekers may find a hiring manager from one company values the addition of a cover letter more than another. Looking at a cover letter vs. a resume is a better way to explain yourself rather than a list of experiences. Here are why there is so much focus on a cover letter.

They tell your story: You can expand before meeting the manager. You can explain why you are a good fit and how your experiences and qualifications make the position ideal. You can also detail any core values you possess.

Build Relationships: No matter how good your resume is, there is little in them that will build up a relationship. In your letter, you will highlight your personality rather than what you can do. You can detail the accomplishments that had the most significant impact on your career.

When Do I Need to Submit a Cover Letter?

You may need to write a cover letter for a handful of different reasons. Here are some cover letter examples of when to include one.

• If the job ad mentions a cover letter, send one even where the wording suggests it is optional.
• Some employers ask for one at the interview stage: if you did not send a letter with your application, have one ready to bring with you.
• If you already know the hiring managers name from your job search. Address it directly to them. Indirect referrals can forward your letter to the right person.
• If a friend, family member, or someone you met referred you: Send the letter to the person you know in the company, and they can forward it to the relevant manager or HR department.

Cover Letter Tips

The two critical pieces of content will be your letter and resume before you get anywhere close to that job offer. Rather than just scribbling away, you need to think about the content of your letter as much as your resume. Here are a few tips for cover letter writing.

• Be Sure to Read the Job Description: it is surprising how many applicants misread a job description. You will find instructions as well as the requirements for the position.
• Make the Most of Your Time: Crafting letters and resumes take time, and a manager can see how much effort you put into it. Make sure you take the time to convey your benefit to the company.
• Have a Portfolio: Depending on your past positions, you may have work you can use to compose a portfolio. It is also worth having a printed copy of your accomplishments during a face-to-face meeting.
• Restrict Social Media: Potential employers can see your social media accounts. They often check to see what you post and whether you are a good fit for their company.

Why Are Cover Letters Important

Here are some reasons career experts say attaching one of these letters with your application is vital.

• They put your professional achievements in front of the reader before anyone turns to the resume.
• They state your career objectives in your own words.
• They explain a career change in a way a list of job titles cannot.
• They can detail reasons for gaps in employment.
• They say why you want to work for that particular company.

How to Send a Cover Letter

It is hard to give career advice on how to send your letter as job application methods change. Applications go by email, through online forms, and occasionally through the post, so follow whichever channel the employer has asked for. It is essential to get your letter right; you need to use as many writing tips and check cover letter templates for ideas, as managers will read your letter before your resume. These letters are vital, and because they are seen before resumes are scoured through, it can be daunting for new job hunters how to go about this. There is little use in using a generic cover letter template, as these are not personal enough to your circumstances. It is better to use them for inspiration without working your way through any privacy policy terms. Using the professionals who do this as part of their resume writing services can be a great idea. They can help you write your letter and help you stand out from all the other candidates.