Job seekers, you should include a cover letter with your resume whenever possible.
And this post will discuss several fundamental reasons why.
First, we wanted to share some timely guidance on resume cover letters from the career advice experts at Zety:
How important is a cover letter?
A cover letter is important as about 26% of recruiters read cover letters and consider them critical in their decision to hire. Another study on employer preference suggests that 56% want applicants to attach a cover letter to the resume. A CareerBuilder study found that 49% of HR managers consider a cover letter the second best thing to give your resume a boost (number one being customizing your resume.)
Those are eye-opening statistics, for sure.
A few job application formats will prevent you from submitting a cover letter, and that’s OK. These include some online application portals and companies that use ATSs that don’t allow cover letter submissions.
As a job seeker, though, you should have a concise, professional cover letter prepared and ready to go. Let’s talk about why.
Your cover letter summarizes and augments your resume.
Your cover letter should point to your resume. It should create curiosity and make the hiring manager want to go deeper. Your cover letter is successful when the hiring professional reading it says, “I want to learn more about this candidate.”
This is your chance to summarize your work experience, career goals, and achievements in an abbreviated format that will reach out and grab the reader’s attention.
It gives you a chance to explain and enhance your professional aspirations.
The format is less formal and structured than your resume. It allows you to talk to the reader. You can briefly explain things like a gap in your work history or a connection to the company, such as a previous employment stint, a prior temporary position, a recommendation from a current employee, etc.
These connections can create a significant advantage for you as a potential candidate. Just remember, keep it short and sweet.
A well-crafted cover letter will make you stand out.
You should tweak your cover letter for each job opportunity, just like your resume. We tell job hunters to constantly be looking for any way to make themselves stand out. Your cover letter is an excellent way to do that.
Could you use some help crafting an exceptional cover letter to make you stand out? We can also help you get your clever letter and resume in front of the right hiring team.
The 619 recruiting team will help you stay motivated, take the time to get to know your career objectives, keep you off of the job board treadmill, keep track of your follow-ups, and help you network.
Are you a candidate looking for your next fantastic job opportunity?
At 619 Recruiting, we help clients just like you find their dream job every day. We might just have an excellent client looking for a great candidate like you.
Our team will help you find employment opportunities that align with your skills, experience, short-term employment goals, and long-term career objectives. Call us today at (866) TEAM 619, or get in touch online. Our expert recruiters are waiting for your call.
