Why a Cover Letter  |  Contents  |  Etiquette Back One

Why write a cover letter?

It’s Expected. That’s not much of a reason but if you want a job, it’s reason enough. Although many employers and personnel managers ignore cover letters and go straight to the resume, there’s an even greater number who read cover letters in their entirety. So don’t take chances: always include a cover letter with every resume you send.

It's Revealing. A cover letter introduces you to an employer and reveals information that often can't be gained from a resume. A cover shows an employer:

                  - your ability to communicate in writing

                  - your writing style – which usually gives clues to your personality

                  - your level of ambition, enthusiasm, sincerity, and professionalism

                  - your attention to detail (does your letter have grammar, spelling, or typographical errors?)

                  - your qualifications and experience relevant to the position you’re applying for

Seize this golden opportunity to put your best foot forward and sell yourself; write a cover letter!

It’s a Compliment. When you know who the employer is, find out everything you can about that company. Then state what it is about them that appeals to you. Specifically relate how their goals, philosophy, mission, business practices, service policies, innovations, etc. coincide with your own objectives, values, and background. This kills three birds with one stone, complimenting the company, advertising your assets, and showing how the resulting match makes you a leading candidate.

Don’t lie to the company or yourself. If a company has nothing that appeals to you, you wouldn’t enjoy working there – and they’d rather not have you – so why bother applying?

It’s a “Call to Action”. Take the initiative at the end of your letter with a simple statement of when and how you will make follow-up contact. And don’t forget to do it! Rather than being pushy, this shows that you’re serious about the position and interested in the outcome. If a job posting has an application deadline, schedule your follow-up a day or two past that date; otherwise, wait four or five business days before making further contact.