What's the point?

When I was younger, I fell into university and studied for 4 years towards an environmental science degree and passed.? I then went onto working in environmental park management, both here in Victoria and along the west coast of Canada.? Whilst in a park management corporate strategy role, looking for ways to reduce corporate costs in government purse, a manager once said that from his research, if we start to print less and in fact even not use times new roman font, we will also save on ink! ?

Not sure how serious he was, but I remember the conversation well. That’s why we love stories, as they help us understand and we remember things 22% more when told via a story.

So, what is that all about? ?Well, the moral of that story is, the role of a cover letter in your next application for a job is NOT a waste of ink. Get onto it and write some that evokes curiosity and awareness of the role, the market and how you match those gaps they are seeking.?

Three clients have asked me this week (and it’s only Thursday), do I need a cover letter?

In fact, from my experience and research, the cover letter shows that you have put in the extra effort. ?Even if the recruiters don't read them, they will hopefully see and better understand that you are genuinely interested in the job and that you are committed to taking all necessary steps to show you're amazing value proposition, your research and you are worth a conversation to the next round. ?

A cover letter can be that one thing that could set you apart from the other maybe candidates.

Your letter really can make a difference in how your candidacy will be perceived. Your cover letter is uniquely you and reflects the level of interest and attention that you are paying. Writing a strong letter is an ideal and relatively easy way to differentiate your job application.

Good and compelling or curiosity developing storytelling, makes your cover letter come alive, builds trust with the employer, and scaffolds your professional brand.

Instead of the standard predictable opening line,?lead with a compelling personal story. If the anecdote relates to the job description, and the skills or competencies it requires, you then have a much greater chance the employer and the reader will be impressed with your researched and dedicated application. ?In other words and to spell it out: A stronger cover letter might land you the job.

History of the cover letters. In the early 1930s, banks would attach cover letters to dense investor reports to provide context and clarity. ?As time went by and in the 1950s, cover letter requirements started appearing in job advertisements, cementing their role in introducing the applicant to potential employers. As we crept into the 1990s, this saw the cover letter reach almost celebrity status.

With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, candidates were encouraged to write personalised cover letters to stand out from the crowd. Books and workshops on crafting the perfect cover letter became popular, as job seekers strived to make the best impression.

According to a?2020 report, candidates who submit a tailored cover letter along with their resume are 53% more likely to secure an interview than those who do not. This shows just how important a well-crafted cover letter is, even in the digital age.

5 known benefits of a Cover Letter:

1) The recruiter will see who put the work in.

2) The resume is factual, your cover letter is personal.

3) It demonstrates your interest.

4) It shows you've done some valuable research.

5) It creates curiosity and gives further insight into who you are.

As we start to overlap the line between tradition and innovation, the best advice for job seekers is to work smarter, not harder. ?We may even start to utilise various AI tools to streamline the writing process, including explore new mediums like video clips, and above all ensure you still communicate your unique qualifications and enthusiasm for the role. ?After all, even in the digital world, a personal touch and a story to capture the attention of the reader can go a long way.

In summary, do I bother with a cover letter?? Yes or no?? Answer, yes, as submitting your job application without one, is a little like writing an assignment without including a list of references.

Happy to chat further about your ideas. Maybe even put it in a letter to me with a story!

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