Cover Letter – Yay or Nay?
This week I saw a post from Daniel Abrahams .
He asked whether job seekers should include a cover letter in their application.
If you have been following the online community, especially LinkedIn, you will notice that this is a hugely debated topic.
It’s probably one of the most contested topics on LinkedIn, and I don’t know why.
While many professionals think it should be sustained, others believe it’s unnecessary and adds more workload for job seekers.
But What Really Is A Cover Letter?
From my perspective, a cover letter is a credential attached to your resume and used to communicate to potential employers why you are fit for a role.
Yes, you might argue that that’s what a resume does. It’s not incorrect; however, a cover letter can move you from zero to hero if used effectively.
Anyway, I responded to the LinkedIn post to share my thoughts, and I would also share it with you.
Here’s What You Should Do
I believe you should attach a cover letter to your job application even though it’s optional if you:
- truly love the role – because you don’t mind going to extra lengths for the job you truly love
- are a student or graduate- because you probably have no or limited experience, and your resume might look unimpressive without a cover letter
- are switching careers – because you need to state why you are changing your career. Your resume might not tell the whole story.
- you have great writing and marketing skills – because you have skills that can give you an edge
Why You Should Consider A Cover Letter
A cover letter can be a secret weapon to landing your dream role if used effectively.
- It helps you tell a story. You can use a tone that connects directly to the hiring manager.
- It gives you an edge over those who did not submit one
- It helps you tell the employer that you are willing to go the extra step to make a case for yourself.
- It provides an indirect opportunity to make a case if you are not a true fit.
I hope my framework will help you decide whether you need a cover letter.
Let me know what you think.
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PhD Student in Materials Engineering || Member @ForbesBLK || Ceramics, Energy & Nuclear Materials Research Enthusiast
2 å¹´I believe more of interviews than writing as it will give the individuals the opportunity to demonstrate their full potentials
Senior Officer at Queensland Health
2 å¹´A cover letter is a chance to show how your skills relate to the selction criteria. If I get 100+ applicant s I need something to show me how your skills and experience relate to the position I'm advertising. A CV is too narrow. I've interviewed and hired people whose CV didn't exactly match the postion but they showed how those skills transferred to the position. It's also a great way to find new skills and talent from areas you normally wouldn't consider.