The Importance of Cover Letters

As you start to examine all open jobs in or around your area and you are able to find one or more jobs that meet or exceed your expectations, you will likely start submitting your resume.  Before this point in time comes, you will want to place a focus on cover letters.


Speaking of cover letters, have you already developed your cover letter?  If you have not, this is one of the first things that you will need to do.  Unfortunately, many job seekers do not realize the importance of cover letters and the impact they may have on their application.  For more information on why cover letters are so important, as well as tips on how to make the cover letter work for you, you will want to continue reading on.

As for the importance of resume cover letters, you will find that there are quite a number of different reasons why cover letters are needed.  Cover letters are most commonly used with applications that will be mailed in.  When you submit a job application in person, you have the opportunity to introduce yourself to the individual who is collecting them, the hiring manager or the employer.  However, this introduction is not possible when you simply mail in a resume. That is what cover letters are used for. They give you the opportunity to quickly introduce yourself before your resume is read.

Resume cover letters are also important, as they can serve as a backup plan. Although resume cover letters come in a number of different formats, you often introduce yourself, outline how you learned about the job, why you would like to have it, why you are qualified for it and why you are the best candidate for it.  If properly written, a resume cover letter can act as a backup plan. This is important, as to cover the flaws in your resume.  If your resume is difficult to read, the cover letter stands for you. Employers use your cover letter to determine whether or not you should be contacted for a job interview.

As outlined above, resume cover letters are very important and there are a number of benefits to using them to your advantage. As nice as it is to know how cover letters can assist you with landing a job or at least getting a job interview, you may be curious as to what constitutes a good cover letter. A previously stated, cover letters come in a number of different formats. With that in mind, they all have the same goal. That goal is to represent you and sell you as the perfect candidate for the job. When an employer reads your cover letter, you want them to turn the page to see your resume with excitement.

When creating your resume cover letter, you will have to first introduce yourself and mention the job or position that you are applying for. You may even have to outline where you learned about the job opening.  Many employers like hearing this information, as it gives them reassurance that their marketing tactics are working.  You will also want to outline your work experience and skills, and state why you feel you are qualified for the position you are applying for. When you are listing your qualifications and work experience, it is important to only site a few and the best examples, as this information can also be found on your resume.

If you are planning on applying for multiple jobs, you will have to create multiple resume cover letters.  This is important, as not all job opportunities are the same.  You can create a resume cover letter template, but be sure to customize that template each time before submitting it to prospective employers.  Customization and personalization is important, as it can help your resume and cover letter stand apart from all of the rest.

As previously stated, you are advised to submit your resume with a cover letter. This is particularly important if you will be mailing your resume in, instead of submitting it in person.  In fact, you will see that there is hardly a job that requires you to submit you application in person this days and many employers are now starting to require cover letters for mailed in resumes and job applications.