When applying for any position at a company, no matter the industry, it is commonly expected that the applicant will provide a resume to the potential employer. Often, a cover letter is requested by the company to detail why you are appropriate for the job. Even though a cover letter isn't always "required," it is still always a good idea to have one accompanying any resume you send out into the world.
Depending on the position you are applying for, some companies can value a cover letter more than a resume.
Here are just a few reasons we recommend you automatically include a cover letter when applying for any job:
Introduce Yourself
- Presumably, whoever does the hiring will be reading your cover letter first, so this is the perfect opportunity to paint a picture of who you are in a way that the bullet points on a resume cannot. Here, you can briefly describe your professional hopes and dreams, with personal information to showcase your character. You can expand upon this picture if and when you are interviewed, so there is no need to go into details.
Mention Your Referral
- Did someone recommend you for this job or suggest that you apply? The cover letter is where this should be mentioned-the details of which are who referred you and for what position. By naming a well-respected professional in the same field or company, you are lending your application for employment credibility. Hopefully, this will encourage the letter readers to continue reading through your resume and schedule that interview.
Show Off Your Writing Skills
- Regardless of industry, people want to hire someone who can clearly communicate. Writing professionally, with grammatical spelling correctness in your first communique, is essential to making that first impression. We are living in an age where everything is done electronically, and you must demonstrate that you are up to the task of representing the company that hires you eloquently and professionally.
Present Your Case
This is your opportunity to bring up why you think you should be granted an interview and, ultimately, a job. Maybe it's your lifelong dream to work at a company like XYZ, or you have been following said company in the news and want to be a part of its vision. This is where you lay your cards on the table. While a resume is ideal for pointing out accomplishments, a cover letter is the way you express your sincere desire to meet with employers.
