When do you need and when don’t you need a cover letter to apply for a job?
Why write a cover letter?
If you are serious about getting the job, a good cover letter gives you the opportunity to sell yourself to the employer in a narrative format, explaining why you are the ideal candidate. Taking the time to match your qualifications to the position can help you secure an interview opportunity. All your efforts in the cover letter will assist hiring managers in their duties of screening applicants and may make your resume receive more attention.
Reasons to include a cover letter
To share additional information: A cover letter gives you the chance to include details that are not in your resume. For example, if you are applying from a distance, the cover letter allows you to provide a justification for relocation and mention that you will be in the area soon for a potential interview.
To explain an employment gap: Employment gaps that have reasonable explanations can also be addressed in your letter. Additionally, the cover letter is the perfect place to provide specific examples that demonstrate you have the skills and experiences listed in your resume.
The employer may expect it: Some employers expect to receive cover letters even if they do not specify it as a requirement in their job postings.
Reasons not to include a cover letter
Some jobs will not require a cover letter to apply. Some employers do not accept cover letters as part of the application process. There may not be a way to submit one for some positions. If the cover letter is optional, it’s better to skip it if you do not have time to write a good one.
When the employer doesn’t want it: If the job application instructs you not to include a cover letter, it’s best to follow the directions to avoid annoying the potential employer.
When you don’t have the time: There is no letter worse than a bad letter. A well-written cover letter serves as a sample of your writing ability, but the opposite is also true. If you do not have the time to write a well-crafted letter that promotes your skills and qualifies you for the job, skip the effort.
When there is no way to submit it: If the company asks you to submit your application through an online platform and there is no place to submit a cover letter, do not worry about it.
Tips for writing an impressive cover letter
When you decide to include a cover letter with your resume, it’s important to make it good. Here are some tips for writing an impressive cover letter that adds value to your application.
Make it targeted: Ensure that you write a targeted letter with the advertised job in mind. Focus on the skills and abilities you possess that make you a strong candidate for the specific position.
Keep it concise: Make sure your letter is concise (no more than one page containing five paragraphs) and that each statement conveys something important about your qualifications for the role.
Don’t just repeat your resume: Avoid simply reiterating your resume. Provide examples not included in your resume and expand on matters mentioned briefly in your resume. Your cover letter should serve as a distinct purpose regarding your application.
Edit and proofread: Errors in the cover letter can negatively impact your chances of getting an interview. Mistakes can make you seem unpolished or worse, uneducated. Make sure to read your letter carefully before submitting it. Ask a friend or colleague to read it as well to check for spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, or confusing language.
The value of writing a cover letter lies in making the hiring manager’s job easier by highlighting the precise reasons that make you the right candidate for the role. This gives your application an edge. Even if the company does not specifically request a cover letter, it’s a good idea to write one if you are interested in the available role. Skip the cover letter if the employer states not to write one, or if there is no place to include it in the online application form.
Source:
https://www.thebalancemoney.com/should-you-include-a-cover-letter-if-it-s-not-required-2060291
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