Cover Letters Still Matter
You apply on job boards and there is a field to input a cover letter. But it is optional. So, do you create a letter? or do you take the chance it won’t be looked at, and skip sending one?
Many companies have dropped their cover letter requirement in recent years. But for the companies that still want to see one, what are the new rules? You need to write a tailored cover letter for each job, one that is shorter, and sweeter, meaning it must show more personality.
To Send or not to Send
Obviously, don’t send a cover letter if you are explicitly asked not to. But if a job application platform indicates a cover letter is optional, most recruiters still recommend submitting one because the odds are in your favor. You never know who values cover letters and who does not, so unless a company explicitly indicates they do not want a cover letter, sending one is worth your time and effort. Submitting a thoughtful, personalized cover letter—whether the request is mandatory or optional—can boost your chances of getting to the next stage in the application process: an interview.
Also, if your resume isn’t exactly where you want it to be, a cover letter could be your redeeming feature, especially if it’s clever and beautifully written. A great cover letter can pique interest and open the door to an interview.
Brevity is King
Somewhere between 200-400 words is the sweet spot for cover letters, which is about half a page, or a bit more, and 3-4 paragraphs. The main things to incorporate include: the motivation behind your application, your career objectives, and a spotlight on your career achievements. The most important thing? Say why you want to work for the company. Focus on what attracted you to the job, and why you would be a good fit.
No Repetition, Please
The cover letter is not a place to recount your job history or list your skills—your resume already does that job well. So be sure to limit repetition. In other words, don’t put the same exact list of achievements on your resume and then rehash an almost identical version in your cover letter. You want your skills and achievements to complement each other, not repeat them.
How to craft the perfect cover letter? Write a few short paragraphs that will condense all the most essential information, using words that ‘pack a punch.’
Start with an opening statement: Express how your enthusiasm for the position drives your interest in working there. Be specific—not generic—about the company, the role, and the mission.
Connect your job skills and experiences to the job description: Don’t rely on the interviewer to make those connections—spell them out. Highlight skills you used or gained from the positions listed on your resume. This is where you can sell yourself by putting the focus on how your skills are transferable and a great fit for the position at hand.
Briefly explain any likely-to-come-up concerns in your resume: This could include career gaps, truly short job stays (contracts or job hopping), or significant career changes. Recruiters see cover letters as the optimal place to bring up resume red flags.
End with a thank-you and your excitement about contributing to the job: “Contributing” makes a stronger statement than “working” because anyone can work; valued employees contribute. Add a short sentence to thank the reader for their time and indicate your availability for an interview at their convenience.
Triple check the grammar: Lastly, before sending out any application, triple check to make sure there are no errors. A cover letter needs to be grammatically flawless, as it’s the only first impression you will ever get to make. And, if you are going on an application blitz, sending out numerous cover letters to different jobs, always ensure you have the right company name, date, and other details listed on the letter.
The Virtual Resource Room at Calgary Career Hub is the best place to learn everything about job search. An entire category is devoted to Cover Letters. Click this link and get your password: Virtual Resource Centre