Are Cover Letters important and why?

While a Cover Letter is not always required, and sometimes it may be referred to as a “Personal Statement.” I would always recommend sending one in. It shows you going the extra mile and clearly stating why you are the best person for the job. On top of that, it is an excellent opportunity to use some of the keywords the employer or ATS system is looking for.

From a grammatical point of view, the writer would use pro-nouns in a Cover Letter, i.e. me, I, he, she, etc. In a CV, these would not be used.

  1. Personalisation: A cover letter allows you to personalise your application. It gives you the opportunity to address the hiring manager directly and explain why you are particularly interested in the position and the company.
  2. Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences: While a CV provides a comprehensive overview of your skills and experiences. A cover letter allows you to highlight the most relevant ones for the specific job you are applying for. This targeted approach can make your application stand out. It also helps considerably with ATS done correctly.
  3. Showcase Your Communication Skills: A well-written cover letter demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively. It showcases your writing skills and your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and professionally.
  4. Explain Gaps or Transitions: If there are any gaps in your employment history or if you are making a career transition, a cover letter provides a space to explain these circumstances and present them in a positive light.
  5. Demonstrate Enthusiasm and Fit: Allows you to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. It also provides an opportunity to explain how your values and goals align with the company’s mission and culture.
  6. Provide Additional Information: Sometimes, there are aspects of your background that are not easily conveyed in a CV, such as personal projects, volunteer work, or specific achievements. A cover letter allows you to include this information.
  7. Address Specific Job Requirements: If the job posting mentions specific requirements or qualifications, you can address how you meet these, providing concrete examples to back up your claims.
  8. Make a Strong First Impression: A cover letter is often the first document a hiring manager will read, and it sets the tone for your entire application. A compelling cover letter can make a strong first impression and encourage the employer to read your CV with more interest.

While not all employers require a cover letter, including one can significantly enhance your application and improve your chances of landing an interview. I would highly recommend completing one.

When I write a CV for a client, I provide a Cover Letter of choice (specific role, general, etc.) and a template that you can adapt to any other applications.

See Also https://johnloganbmc.co.uk/cv-writing-hampshire/cover-letter/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnloganbmc/

Cover letter – employee qualifications concept.

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