Cover letters: yes or no?

Photo by Unseen Studio

Not every job application requires a cover letter. So, should you bother writing one? If the vacancy announcement doesn't say, "please do not submit a cover letter," I recommend that you do. This is because not everyone will, and if you're one of the few who submit a good one, well, you're that much closer to getting invited for an interview!

I know they're painful to write. That's why I've broken down each part below to make it easier. 

You must address it to a person. If you don't have a name, search LinkedIn for the title of the person who you think would be your boss. If you can't find a relevant person, search for a senior HR representative. In most cases, you are not submitting it directly to this person, and that's okay.

Paragraph 1
What draws you to that company and role in particular? Be very specific!

Based on the job description, what do you think are the most important skills for the person in that role to possess? Restate it in your own words. Next, tell them how your background enables you to perform this role.

Paragraph 2
Highlight several key skills found in the required qualifications. For example, operations, communications, and management skills. SHOW how you've demonstrated each of those skills by giving specific examples from your work history. Either elaborate on information from your resume or provide new examples.

Paragraph 3
If there are a few soft skills you have which you haven't had a chance to mention, here's the place to do it - briefly. Thank them for their consideration and say you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Submitting a well-written cover letter could be a game changer.