I’ve seen it in the past working with employers. Often times employers have told me to send them as many applicants as possible and to have them include a resume and cover letter. Many times, if candidates did not include a cover letter, the employers didn’t even bother considering the candidate at all.
Close-up image of young professional male manager using laptop at he office, businessman working from home via portable computer
It also gives you the opportunity to highlight the skills that you did not put on your resume or felt was insignificant. The cover letter is your chance to tell them about things that may have happened 15, 20 or 30 years ago. Typically, you want a resume to go back 10 to 15 years max. Here’s 5 more reasons:
- Introduction and Personalization: It introduces you to the hiring manager and allows you to personalize your application for the specific job and company you’re applying to. You can highlight why you’re interested in the position and how your skills align with the company’s values and goals.
- Showcase Your Personality and Writing Skills: A well-written cover letter gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality and communication skills in a way that your resume cannot. It allows you to demonstrate your writing ability and professionalism, which can be important for roles that require strong written communication skills.
- Highlight Relevant Experience and Achievements: You can use the cover letter to expand upon key experiences and achievements listed in your resume. This gives you the chance to provide more context and detail, demonstrating to the employer why you’re a strong candidate for the position.
- Address Potential Concerns or Gaps: If there are any aspects of your resume that may raise questions or concerns for the employer, such as employment gaps or a career change, you can use the cover letter to address these directly and provide explanations or context.
- Express Enthusiasm and Interest: A well-crafted cover letter allows you to express your enthusiasm for the job and company, which can leave a positive impression on the hiring manager. It shows that you’ve taken the time to research the company and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
With all that being said, most employers don’t even read them, they just want to see you put in the effort to make one.