Why Cover Letters Are Critically Important

Why Cover Letters Are Critically Important The job advertisement you see may ask you for a resume and a cover letter. You immediately think…no problem. The resume I have is up-to-date. But, wait a second…a cover letter? What type of information does the prospective employer want in the cover letter? And, do I really need to send one? First, if the advertisement asks for a cover letter, then, YES, you need a cover letter. And, frankly, it is always a good idea to include a cover letter as a way to set you apart from the competition. A potential employer reads the cover letter prior to even reviewing your resume. That makes it just as important or even MORE important than your resume. The cover letters I write vary when it comes to length and tone. However, I typically have them broken down into four paragraphs as follows: Paragraph #1: Include an attention-grabbing first sentence and tell the employer which job you are interested in obtaining. This is important because many companies advertise for more than one position at a time. Paragraph #2: Detail how your past work experiences correlate to the job opening. Perhaps you can include volunteer work that can easily be transferred to the new position. Paragraph #3: Inform the employer of your personal traits that will be beneficial to the organization. For example, are you a natural leader that is detail-oriented? This would be important in a position that oversees other employees and needs excellent record-keeping skills. Paragraph #4: This is your opportunity to close the letter and ask for an interview. Always provide your contact information in this paragraph. Make it as easy as possible for the employer to contact you. View the cover letter as your opportunity to shine through and get that interview. Take your time and develop a letter that will grab the attention of the employer and showcase your skills.