Should you bother with a cover letter in 2022? Does anyone even read them anymore? Well, it’s not as simple as that. No worries though, we’ll help you.
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When applying for a job, you may be tempted to ignore the cover letter. After all, drafting and looking through your resume is already hard work and the recruiter won’t read all of them anyway, right? Well, wrong!
A cover letter is very important especially if the hiring manager or employer requests you to have one. Employers participated in a survey that showed what they prefer for cover letters and resumes. Well, 56% of those employers preferred it when job applicants handed in their CVs with their cover letters.
3 main reasons why cover letters are necessary in 2022
1. Employers and hiring managers expect them from job applicants
Don’t disappoint your employer before they meet you. If a job advertisement wants you to submit your CV with a cover letter, then do it. Give it the same attention and time that you give your CV. A hiring manager may assume that you are too lazy or stubborn to write a cover letter or that you are not a serious applicant. You might stand out but not for the right reasons.
2. Your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression
Including it in your job application will give you an advantage over other job candidates. The cover letter will help you stand out and seem enthusiastic about the job. Most job applicants don’t realize that this letter supports the CV. It humanizes you and helps you highlight your strengths before the hiring manager gets the chance to look through your CV. Take this opportunity to explain why you are the best choice for the company and what you have achieved so far.
3. Your clever letter will help you get favorable results
You are headed in the right direction if the difference between you and the next candidate is a well-written cover letter. Most job applicants opt for generic cover letters that don’t favor them in any way. Customize it to highlight your personality, strengths, and achievements. Use this opportunity to show the hiring manager that you will mesh with the personalities in the workplace.
Okay, let’s be practical. Not all recruiters read them but they still expect to get one from the job applicants. So, don’t do yourself an injustice by not sending in one. They may not read it at first, but it will be used to vet candidates, especially for interview screening. If a company receives 100+ resumes for their job openings, they will reduce the number by removing candidates who have not submitted cover letters.
When should you always include a cover letter?
There are specific situations that will need you to submit a cover letter. For example:
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When the job description requires you to submit a cover letter
Ignoring this request or requirement is similar to shooting yourself in the foot. You will have removed yourself from the race even before it began. Additionally, you will blow your chance of making a good first impression. The hiring manager will think that you are rude, stubborn, and lazy.
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When a company employee told you to include them as a referral in the cover letter
Getting a referral is a push in the right direction. Furthermore, it will make your application stand out for all the right reasons. Imagine receiving such specific instructions and still opting to ignore the same. Even if the referral puts in a good word for you, no cover letter will give off a bad impression on the referral and the hiring manager.
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When you're applying for a job opening that focuses on communication and writing skills
If you fall in this category, writing a creative cover letter is your chance to show that you have the right skills. Use it to your advantage. A well-written cover letter will definitely give you the stepping-stone that you need to get the job.
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When you want to explain or expound on something within the CV
Recent graduates have a hard time applying for jobs that require tons of experience. Well, don’t fall out of the race just yet. Use your letter to assure the hiring manager that even though you lack the experience, you have tons of relevant coursework and academic qualifications. Furthermore, this is the right avenue to explain a gap year in your work experience.
Conclusion
Some job openings read “cover letter is optional” but it’s still important that you include one. You must always remember that the competition for the best jobs is bloodthirsty. Why don’t you want to give yourself a chance to impress the hiring manager? We have so many resources on how to prep a well-written cover letter.
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