Is it really important to include a cover letter?

Importance of Cover Letter

We all know that a resume is the most important document in the process of job search to secure an interview. But the importance of cover letter lies in designing it strategically and thereby used as a weapon to get to the interview chair.

Primarily the reasons to include a cover letter are,

• A cover letter allows you to target the job and the employer in a very specific way
• You cannot tweak your resume each time so it is better to mould your cover letter as per the company profile and job opening. Thereby, leaving the resume to market your skills, qualities and experience as a part of the bigger picture.
• Your cover letter should not just be a repetition of your resume but it should aim at giving the reader a broader picture of your work profile and and why you want to work for that employer. Add you unique skills and the qualities you bring to that job and the company.

Many employers and recruiters prefer to read the cover letter first before considering your resume until they are satisfied by the content of your letter. So according to them it is a very important document.

• It is suggested to research about the company, hiring manager and the job opening before writing the cover letter.
• Your cover letter should be written in an engaging style using keywords linked with the job opening.
• Display your efforts that you have taken time to learn about the company by acquiring relevant knowledge before going to the interview.

In case if the employer has not disclosed the job profile in the job advert, a cover letter still has to be written specifically to the job addressing the key requirements stated in the job-opening. It is suggested to show and your enthusiasm and the need to shine through. No cover letter can just say “Here is my resume” or “Please find attached my resume”. Irrespective, your cover letter must convey,

• Your understanding about their business, work ethics and functioning
• Show the employer that he is the employer of your choice, show your desperation to join
• Showcase that your skills and personality matches with the organizational culture and working.
• Tell the employer that your value system matches the organizational values and that you really want to work for the organization.