You might be wondering if cover letters are really necessary in today’s job market. The truth is, they absolutely are! A cover letter is a key part of your job application because it allows you to showcase your personality, skills, and experience in a way that a resume simply cannot. While many applicants skip this step, you can stand out from the crowd by including a cover letter. In fact, according to a 2022 ResumeLab survey, 77% of recruiters favor candidates who take the time to write one. Plus, a great cover letter significantly increases your chances of landing an interview. Finally, if you're navigating a career gap or change, a cover letter is the perfect opportunity to explain your circumstances.
There are four main types of cover letters: application letters, informal email letters, career change letters, and letters of interest. Application letters are the standard choice when applying for a specific job. For networking or when a cover letter isn’t required, an informal email letter works best. Career change letters explain how your past experience applies to a new field, while letters of interest showcase enthusiasm for a company without open positions. Regardless of the type, every cover letter should include your contact information, the employer’s details, a warm greeting, an engaging introduction, a section highlighting your qualifications, a strong closing, and a professional sign-off.
When crafting a cover letter, keep it concise and limited to one page. Instead of repeating your resume, use it to provide additional context and details. It’s also important to demonstrate that you’ve done your research by making your cover letter specific to the company and the position.
You should also make sure your letter is ATS-friendly by incorporating relevant keywords from the job description. Remember, your writing skills are also being evaluated, so make sure your cover letter is well-written and free of grammatical errors. Use action verbs and be specific about achievements, using numbers when possible. Use a simple, readable font like 12-point Times New Roman or Arial, and make sure your cover letter matches your resume in overall design.
It’s tempting to use the same cover letter for all job applications, but it’s important to customize your cover letter for each position. This means that you should always make sure to update the contact information and also personalize the first paragraph to show genuine interest in the company and job. You can further tailor your skills to the specific job by using keywords from the job description. To streamline this process, save your original cover letter as a template and make a copy each time you need to write a new letter. Before submitting your cover letter, be sure to proofread carefully.
