Should I Always Include a Cover Letter with My Job Application?
As Seen In:
Should You Always Include a Cover Letter?
Let’s answer the age-old question – should you always include a cover letter in your job application? Or are there times you should bypass it?
One of the reasons job seekers are so confused as to whether or not to include cover letters is because the advice they receive so often conflicts. Depending on who you ask, thoughts on cover letters can range from “always include them” to “they’re not necessary” to “no one reads them.”
As a company that was born out of a national recruiting firm that has placed tens of thousands of employees with companies across the U.S., our advice is – yes, if there’s an opportunity to include a cover letter, you always should. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the hiring landscape, offer insights into when a cover letter can be your ally, and call out when your resume alone could be sufficient.
Key Takeaways
- Cover letters still matter; they give a glimpse into your personality and how your skills align with the job, making you stand out to hiring managers.
- There are exceptions for when a cover letter may not be beneficial – like when a job ad specifies not to include one, when the company culture devalues them, or when time constraints prevent you from writing a well-tailored letter.
- A compelling cover letter balances professionalism with personality, addresses career transitions or gaps effectively, and avoids common pitfalls like redundancy, oversharing, and grammatical errors.
The Role of Cover Letters in The Modern Job Search
Cover letters have long served as the highlight reel of your resume and professional journey, simplifying the hiring manager’s task by showcasing how your skills align with the job requirements. In today’s job market, an intentionally crafted cover letter provides employers with a glimpse into your top attributes, your communication style, and your fit within the company culture.
Furthermore, it’s your opportunity to make a memorable impression on the hiring team, unveiling your unique personality and passion for the role. Ultimately, it assists the hiring manager in making a discerning decision.
However, navigating today’s diverse array of hiring professionals—be it recruiters, HR teams, or direct hiring managers—requires an understanding of their distinct perspectives on cover letters. Depending on your audience, this insight can prove invaluable. Let’s delve into these viewpoints.
The Recruiters’ Perspective
Interestingly, recruiters often don’t require cover letters because they essentially perform the role of a cover letter themselves. They present candidates to companies, highlighting their strengths and suitability for the role. This presentation often includes unique information that a cover letter might otherwise convey. Therefore, if you’re working with a recruiter, they might advise against the need for a cover letter.
HR’s Mixed Opinions
The stance of HR professionals on cover letters can vary. Some may view them as unnecessary, especially if they have to sift through a high volume of applications. Others might appreciate a well-written cover letter that stands out. It’s important to remember that a compelling cover letter can sometimes make a lasting impression, even on a weary HR professional.
The Hiring Manager’s Perspective
Hiring managers often see fewer resumes than HR or recruiters. For them, a cover letter can be a significant differentiator. It’s an opportunity for a candidate to tell their story, bridge the gap between their resume and the interview, and show enthusiasm for the role. However, the effectiveness of a cover letter depends on its quality. A well-crafted, customized cover letter can be a powerful tool, but a generic or poorly written one might do more harm than good.
The Applicant’s Advantage
From an applicant’s viewpoint, a cover letter could be the key to distinguishing yourself in the job hunt. It allows you to showcase your unique achievements and skills. But it’s not just about showing off your expertise – it’s about showing your enthusiasm for the company’s culture and values. Demonstrating that you’ve done your homework about the company can make your application pop and impress the hiring team.
✨Tip: Remember that many people in today’s digital age will often mass apply to job applications and skip the cover letter writing process to save time. Taking the extra time to write a high-quality cover letter shows your focus and intention for the specific role.
Additionally, a cover letter serves as an ideal platform for providing additional context beyond what’s in your resume. You can delve into your work history, qualifications, relevant skills, and industry accomplishments – giving a better idea of what you bring to the table. A good cover letter can help you make a killer first impression on the hiring manager and score that interview.
The Changing Landscape of Job Applications
The job application process, including the importance of a clear job description and an effective job posting, has undergone changes over the years, with technology playing a starring role. The shift from age-old newspaper ads and job fairs to online job boards and digital applications has made the process more efficient and convenient for both recruiters and job seekers.
Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter
Let’s now shift our focus to the crafting of an engaging cover letter. After all, a cover letter is your chance to impress the hiring manager and set yourself apart. But how do you do that?
- Articulate your unique value proposition.
- Address any gaps or transitions in your career.
- Strike the right balance between professionalism and personality.
✨ Tip: For quick and simple cover letter writing tips, check out the section in our blog, Should You Use ChatGPT to Write Your Resume, that outlines the details.
Articulating Your Unique Value Proposition
Essentially, your unique value proposition is what differentiates you from other candidates. It’s about highlighting your specific achievements, skills, and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the job.
✨ Tip: Be sure to reference the job description and tailor your mentioned skillset around those.
Addressing Gaps and Transitions
A well-crafted cover letter can also give you the platform to address any gaps in your employment history or career transitions. By addressing things head on, providing context, and demonstrating resilience, you can turn potential red flags into signs of adaptability and growth.
✨ Tip: If you are addressing an employment gap, be sure to highlight any relevant items such as coursework, freelance work, or certifications you may have achieved during that time period.
Balancing Professionalism and Personality
Striking a balance between professionalism and personality in your cover letter can be challenging, yet it’s indispensable. Showcasing your unique personality, while still maintaining a professional tone, can make your cover letter more engaging and less mundane. Keep in mind that hiring managers are reading many resumes and cover letters – so opting for a little extra pizazz is a step in the right direction. Showing enthusiasm also helps to show your genuine interest in the role and the company!
✨ Tip: Want to make your personality stand out even more? Drop the ‘To Whom it May Concern’ and check out our blog on 6 Better Alternatives to Your Cover Letter Salutation.
Maximizing the Impact of Your Cover Letter
Having created your cover letter, sidestepped common errors, you are now ready to press ‘send’. But before you do that, let’s make sure you are maximizing the impact of your cover letter.
This can be achieved by intentionally customizing it to the specific role, exuding a proactive stance, and crafting a compelling closing statement.
Tailoring to the Specific Role
Tailoring your cover letter to the specific role you’re applying for is key. This not only shows the hiring manager that you’ve done your research on the position and understand the expectation, but also enables you to highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job.
Demonstrating a Proactive Approach
Demonstrating a proactive approach in your cover letter can set you apart from other candidates. By researching the company and industry and suggesting ways you can contribute to their success, you show the hiring manager that you’re not just interested in the job, but also committed to helping the company succeed.
Making a Strong Closing Statement
A strong closing statement can leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager. It should reiterate your interest in the role, summarize your key strengths, and leave the hiring manager with a positive impression of you as a candidate.
Common Missteps to Avoid in Your Cover Letter
Like any form of art, crafting an engaging cover letter comes with its possible pitfalls. Common missteps in cover letter writing include redundancy, the temptation to overshare, and grammatical errors.
Steering Clear of Redundancy
Redundancy is a common pitfall in cover letter writing. Your cover letter should avoid mere repetition of obvious information already stated in your resume. Instead, it should provide new insights and context that adds additional value to your application.
Overcoming the Temptation to Overshare
Another common misstep is oversharing. While it’s important to show personality and be authentic, sharing too much personal information can detract from the professional focus of your cover letter.
✨ Tip: Think of your cover letter in a similar light to your elevator pitch. Focus on the highlights and what sets you apart. If you need a refresher, dive into our blog around perfecting your job interview elevator pitch.
Evading Grammatical Errors and Generic Phrases
Lastly, proofreading your cover letter to eradicate grammatical errors and steer clear of clichéd phrases is crucial.
A well-written, grammatically correct cover letter will make a positive impression on the hiring manager and set you apart from other candidates, especially when a cover letter required is stated in the job application.
✨ Tip: Worried about grammatical errors? Utilize tools like Grammarly or ask ChatGPT to look over your document to ensure it is error-free.
When to Opt Out of Including a Cover Letter
Though cover letters are typically beneficial to include in your job application, there may be some instances when it’s appropriate to not including one.
- If there is no place to submit a cover letter on the job application.
- If the company requests for applicants to refrain from submitting additional documents.
Summary
In conclusion, the cover letter remains a valuable tool in the modern job application process. From helping you stand out among a sea of applicants, to providing an opportunity to highlight your unique skills and experiences, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in landing your dream job.
Q&A
Should you always include a cover letter when applying for a job?
Yes, it’s a good idea to include a cover letter when applying for a job, even if it’s not explicitly requested. This can help you stand out and provide more detailed information about your qualifications.
Is it okay to apply without a cover letter?
It’s generally recommended to include a cover letter with your application, as it can make your application stand out and give you an edge in the hiring process. A well-written cover letter could potentially be the difference between landing a job interview or not.
How should I address a career change in my cover letter?
When addressing a career change in your cover letter, make sure to introduce your goals, highlight your relevant skills, and express excitement for the new career while explaining how your past experiences can be beneficial.
What common mistakes should I avoid in my cover letter?
Make sure to avoid redundancy, oversharing personal details, and grammatical errors in your cover letter. Good luck with your application!
How do I make my cover letter stand out?
Make your cover letter stand out by customizing it for each job application, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences, and showing genuine interest in the role and the company. This way, you can grab the employer’s attention and set yourself apart in the application process.
Need Professional Guidance in Crafting Your Cover Letter?
That’s where we come in. Our highly qualified ResumeSpice team may be known for being the #1 rated resume writing service in the US, but we also specialize in crafting personalized cover letters, career coaching, and more. We are your go-to for all things career building, and are here to help you feel confident in yourself, your skillset, and prepared to stand out in the job market. Check out all of our career services here, and give us a call at 832.930.7378 or connect with us online.
