Is it Important to Send a Cover Letter?

While many employers require cover letters from prospective jobseekers, some do not specify what their requirements are. This leaves the jobseeker with the classic dilemma, whether or not to send a cover letter.

Writing a good cover letter takes time and effort. A mistake on the cover letter such as a spelling error could prove fatal to the jobseeker's chances. However, in general it is advisable to send one even if the employer doesn't require it.

Most employers are looking for good employees who are interested in doing the tasks provided to them, and who will stay with the company for a while. Even if a resume perfectly matches the job description, a resume says nothing about how the jobseeker feels about that company in particular.

A cover letter is a great tool to help the jobseeker stand out from the crowd and show the employer that he is interested and excited about working there. The employer will know that the jobseeker has taken the time to put together a cover letter, and that implies that he really wants the job and will accept if it is offered.

A cover letter is always a great idea, but caution should be taken in making sure the format is acceptable and the spelling and grammar are correct. There are few better ways to distinguish a qualified jobseeker from the crowd than a fantastic cover letter.

To learn more about cover letters, consider the following articles:

'Cover Letter Guideline'

'Cover Letter Checklist'

'The Power of a Good Cover Letter'

'Cover Letter Tips'

'A Great Cover Letter'

'Ten Cover Letter Tips'


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Cover Letters

Cover Letters

Any time a resume is sent by mail it must be accompanied by a cover letter.
The resume is an impersonal description of your qualifications, much like a product brochure. When presenting the resume to an employer it needs to be personalized and targeted. The cover letter is your opportunity to personalize your resume and target your skills.

Most letter formats can be used for the cover letter; the only absolute is that it conform to accepted standards for business letters.
A cover letter may be sent in response to an advertised job opening, a referral from a networking contact, or direct to an employer.

Cover Letter Formats
Invited Letter - This letter format is used when an employer has solicited the resume for consideration. This is often in response to a want ad or publicized job listing. This style focuses on matching your qualifications to the advertised requirements of the position.

Uninvited or Cold Contact Letter - Use this format to contact employers who have not advertised or published job openings. The focus is on matching your qualifications to the perceived needs of the employer based on labor market research. This strategy requires that a phone or personal contact with the employer either precede or follow the sending of the resume and cover letter.

Referral Letter - Through networking, informational interviews and contact with employers, the effective job seeker will receive referrals to job opportunities. These referrals may be to a specific job opening (advertised or unadvertised), or to an employer who may or may not be hiring now. In a referral letter, mention to the individual who provided the information about the company or job.

Cover Letter Variation
Job Match or "T" Letter -When crafting a cover letter it is always important to match your qualifications to the job and/or employer. Some sources for information include employment advertisements, position descriptions, phone conversations and informational interviews. Generally this is done in the narriative of the letter. The "T" letter format uses bulleted comparisons that target the specific requirements and your corresponding qualifications.


Cover Letter Points to Consider
• Always address the letter to a specific person by name and title. Even if responding to a job that states "no phone calls," consider calling to politely ask the name of the hiring authority. This may not be possible when responding to a "blind ad" where the name of the company is not available. In this case, send the letter to the title of the hiring manager: e.g., "Production Manager," "Maintenance Supervisor," "Office Manager," etc. Never use the term, "To Whom It May Concern".
• Sign the letter in blue ink, it implies that the letter is original. The only other color ink to use is black, never use any other color on the cover letter.
• Structure the letter to reflect your individuality, but avoid appearing too familiar, overbearing, humorous, or cute. Keep sentences short and to the point.
• Keep it brief, usually no more than three to five paragraphs on one page.
• The paper and style of your cover letter should compliment your resume. Use the same paper stock for both your cover letter and resume.

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For more information on Cover Letters:

Cover Letter Tips

Cover Letter Guideline

Cover Letter Checklist

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An Outstanding Cover Letter

There is nothing that can compare to an outstanding cover letter. If you want to get an employer's attention, you will need cover letter that demands their attention.

The cover letter is the first thing that an employer is going to read. It is the precursor to the resume. If the cover letter doesn’t command the attention of the reader right away, then you only have the resume left to do so. Sure, the resume will outline your educational and experiential background, but it doesn't afford the flexibility of a cover letter.

An outstanding cover letter gives you an opportunity to tailor your credentials in a way that the resume does not. You are able to explain situations so that the employer understands why, for instance, you have a 2 year gap in your employment dates. You can expound on a specific skill set. You can outline a situation that shows the employer how accomplished you are. There is so much more that an outstanding cover letter can do.

Do not underestimate the importance of an outstanding cover letter.

Remember that a cover letter is short and to the point. If at all possible, keep the cover letter to one page. Keep it professional, but be sure to sell yourself, too.

Map out the information you want to place in each section, then go back through and fine tune it. Don't try to write brilliantly from the salutation to the signature in the first draft. Revise it each time you go through it.

An outstanding cover letter is also tailored to the employer's needs. If the ad you read states that the employer is looking for someone with three years of managerial experience, then you need to include something in your cover letter that states you have managerial experience. If you do not have that much experience, show the employer how much you have learned and how quickly you learned it. Let the employer know that you are determined to be successful. This is especially important if you are still in school or have recently graduated from school.

Once you think you have everything the way you want it in your cover letter, proofread it. You can say everything an employer wants to hear, but if your cover letter is loaded with spelling and grammar errors, you will not get anywhere. Making sure your cover letter is error-free is definitely one step in the right direction.

An outstanding cover letter requires some time and thought up front, but if it correctly guides the employer to your resume and the employer likes what is there, you stand a great chance of receiving a phone call for an interview.

Brought to you by: Professional-Resume-Example.com

Have a great day!