Why is cover letter necessary

Depending on the company, you might need to email your cover letter and resume or there may be an online application process where you can upload it.

Many job listings specify if they require a cover letter, but some don't indicate if you need one or not. Cover letters are commonly used in job applications, but there are some situations in which you wouldn't include one. Related: Cover Letter Do's and Don't's. For most positions, a cover letter is necessary when you are applying. When the job listing asks you to submit a cover letter along with your resume or if the online application system requires one, you definitely need one.

However, if the job listing doesn't say you need one, they can still be helpful and may be expected. Depending on the company, reviewing your cover letter may convince them to give you at least a first interview. Some companies don't want or accept cover letters and will indicate that on their job listings or other career information. If the job listing says not to submit a cover letter, then you shouldn't include one.

There are reasons that a company might say that which include not wanting to spend the time to review dozens or hundreds of cover letters and determining if you can follow instructions. If the job listing doesn't say anything about a cover letter at all, you can use your own discretion. However, keep in mind that it's more effective to not send a cover letter if it's not asked for than it is to submit a rushed or messy cover letter.

Also, if you are using only an application to apply and not a resume, you probably don't need a cover letter but you could ask to be sure. Your cover letter should primarily focus on what you offer to that potential employer if they hire you.

It should be formatted like any other business letter and be written specifically for the job you're applying for. Your first paragraph should explain what position you're applying for, what your current title is and possibly how you heard about the open position.

The second paragraph should include your skills and work history that's relevant and makes you qualified for the position. The final paragraph should conclude the letter and include the best way to contact you for scheduling an interview. A cover letter is important for many reasons, which include:.

Your cover letter is a great opportunity to show a potential employer who you are. This includes your experience and skills, but can also include showing some of your personality and what makes you unique. Since your resume is only given a glance, Brooke says recruiters focus on figuring out whether you have the skill set , education and years of experience required for the job —so make sure your resume has those answers.

While cover letters may be on the decline, Shannon Nolde, lead recruiter at Zendesk, a software development company in San Francisco, says they have more value in specific jobs and industries—e. If this is the case for you, Tim Windhof, executive resume writer at Windhof Career Services in Columbus, Ohio, says your cover letter should address the following: how you learned of the opportunity, how your qualifications match the job requirements, your possible availability in the area and how you can be contacted.

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