Is A Cover Letter Necessary For A Job Application?

These days when you are looking out for job opportunities, you realize that it is not that easy. Many candidates apply for the job you are interested in. No doubt, today it is important to be updated with skills, knowledge and expertise to be in the race of getting a good job. It is also important to get an interview call to present your credentials. A strong resume can bring you that opportunity. But, is the resume enough? Ever wondered what is the role of a cover letter? Or is it even necessary to provide one? Let us first understand what a cover letter is.

Cover Letter is a document to which you attach a Resume. It contains your information, focuses on your competency (experience, skills, expertise) relevant to a targeted job, what you have already achieved, and how you can add value to the organization. You can even mention why you are interested in being a part of the organization. And finally, a statement that calls for a response – a call from a recruiter, interview schedule, or, a reply on the availability of suitable job opportunity, etc.

WHAT SHOULD IT ESTABLISH?

While providing a cover letter, it makes more sense when it is written by yourself. In this case, it requires your time & effort. You will have to research the company applying for, analyze & identify your skills, experience, etc, that fits the best to the job requirement. You have to be careful by doing this since your communication skills can be judged. The cover letter should be customized for different jobs that you apply for. While doing this, your cover letter should manifest your sincerity, efforts and show what the opportunity means to you.

JOURNEY OF YOUR COVER LETTER:

Once you create a good cover letter and apply for a job, what happens? Do they go through it or is it ignored? There can be various scenarios.

In case you are attending a walk-in interview, your cover letter is more likely to be read, and it is easier for the hiring manager to filter-in suitable candidates for further discussions out of many job applications. 

In case you are applying through a job portal by replying to posting as many do, it becomes difficult for the hiring-team to go through each cover letter, and they may prefer to directly go through your resume. However, after screening your resume, they may share it with the interviewer along with the cover letter if it is really strong & interesting. And the interviewer may further refer to it during the interview.

It can be a similar case when you apply through the company’s website. At times the website may only accept a resume without the cover letter. But in any case, it is handy to keep a cover letter to add value to your job application. 

HERE IS WHAT YOU CAN DO AFTER KNOWING THIS:

At first, you need to understand that the Cover Letter is a very important document. However, it is not mandatory, except when the employer asks to attach one along with the resume. So once you decide on attaching a cover letter, make sure it is concise, clear (to the point with relevant information), without grammatical errors and effective in a way that it takes you to the next level of the selection process.

If you find it difficult to draft a cover letter by yourself then, you can either skip the idea of attaching it, since it is better than sharing an improper cover letter. You can also consider the help of experts. These days there are some companies & consultants who help you with professional cover letters.

I hope this gives you a clear thought about Cover Letter. Let me know in the comment below if you want to know more on such topics.