Q: Why do employers care about cover letters? What can I communicate with a cover letter that isn't on my resume?
A cover letter serves a number of specific purposes for an employer.
First, it is an indication of how interested the prospective employee is in a particular job. Anybody can attach a resume to an email, but a cover letter takes time. It can help provide insight into one of the most important questions an employer must answer: "Does she really want to work for me?"
I often will place a specific request in a job description, such as "please describe a team experience where you had to overcome a particular problem". I generally would really care to hear the response, but more importantly, I want to see which candidates put out the extra effort to craft an individual letter to address this issue. This has proven to be a great weeding out process!
Second, a cover letter can create an important narrative about one's qualifications and possible impact in a particular role. It better expresses character traits and passions than a resume. Lastly, it can provide insight into a candidate's communication skills and judgment.
For you, the writer, it gives you the opportunity to frame your skills and experiences in a way that is most favorable for you. Put in the extra effort. It is worth it.
Are you wondering How to Get Hired? Join the discussion on my Facebook Group Polished and ask me anything you have ever wondered about resumes, cover letters, interviews, and job hunting!
14 comments:
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I recently filed my application for a job online. The position that I applied for is that of a virtual assistant. Sadly, my application was declined. I remember mentioning in my cover letter that I am a work-at-home mom. There are a host of possible reasons why my application was rejected but I am now wondering if it was indeed inappropriate to volunteer the information in my cover letter.
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This is not about cover letters but is somehow related because it is about my CV. Should I leave out information about a masters degree that I have not finished? I finished 27 units of MBA out of a total of 42 required units but at this point, I no longer intend to pursue it. I intentionally leave this out of my CV for fear of being asked why I did not make an effort to finish it.
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Amanda,
See my post "Cover Letter Prompts: The Hidden Question." Your cover letter is a chance for you to display your greatest strengths - but, be sure you are not listing something that could seem like a more important commitment!
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I don’t think that was necessary Amanda. But if you were able to write a good cover letter and you have specifically mentioned your skills and experience and if those skills match their requirements, then it doesn't matter anymore if you are single or married with children. However, I believe there are still employers out there who really prefer people without kids. Sadly, they have some biases too.
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I have gone over your post about the cover letter prompts as you have suggested. I got the message. I think I should have zeroed in on my skills and mentioned how I will specifically use them to add value to the company. I should have been more clear about this aspect. Thanks a lot!
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I graduated recently from one of the prestigious universities in the country. I have no experience yet working in a corporate environment. Although I have exerted effort to come up with an impressive resume, I have no work experience to highlight. What advice do you have for fresh graduates who are waiting for that "big break"? How do I polish my cover letter so it would get noticed despite my being a newbie?
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Thanks for this post. Now I am more careful with my cover letters. Before I lace my cover letters with words like "near perfection" or "excellent" in describing my analytical and organizational skills. I didn't realize these are just "opinions". What is more important are facts that would support these statements.
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I agree with what you said about making serious efforts in writing a good cover letter. I noticed that most employers respond to my letters which are tailored fit to their requirements. For this reason, I make it a point to read their ads thoroughly. I also make sure that I follow additional instructions, if any.
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I agree with what you said about making serious efforts in writing a good cover letter. I noticed that most employers respond to my letters which are tailored fit to their requirements. For this reason, I make it a point to read their ads thoroughly. I also make sure that I follow additional instructions, if any.
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Jim,
Cover letters are a great weeding out tool. If you lack work experience, highlight skills you have learned from your other activities that are transferable to the workplace. These skills are really what employers are after!
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Scott, i thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog and look forward to more valuable posts in the future.
Ray
Very helpful. Thanks!