Should
you always use a cover letter when applying to jobs?
I will
leave that for your discretion. Personally, I don't include a cover letter each
time I have applied for jobs. However, I will provide you with 4 reasons of
when to include your cover letter. First, let’s start with the basics.
What is a cover letter?
A cover letter is an
introduction or proposal to your resume. The goal is to get the reader to look
at your resume. A professional cover letter can contain, 2-3 short paragraphs with some of your
key strengths and skills. Example, introduce yourself and tell how you learned
about the position in first paragraph; Next, mention key aspects of your
experience and strengths and last mention how you believe you are a good
match and refer the reader to your resume. Cover letters are
meant to be tailored to each job you apply to.
When
should I include a cover letter?
- Required. If the
position you are applying for states that a cover letter is required, then
definitely include one. This is a no-brainer. You want to do everything
requested to get to the interview stage.
- Relocating. If you are
relocating to a different area or another state include a cover letter and
a short sentence to when you will be officially in the area. Set the
expectation for the reader but be honest. You don't want to step into the
phone interview stage to proceed to a face-to-face interview and cannot
because you haven't moved yet. Be transparent.
- Changing Careers. For example,
if you have been working in retail as a cashier but want to change careers
because you have been in school for a Medical Assistant plus you graduate
soon; include this in your cover letter. I would assume you are applying
for the careers you are seeking. I would suggest leading with your interest
in the intro (perusing medical assistant career) and last sentence can be
when you expect to graduate or when you graduated.
- Senior-level positions.
Senior-level positions such as Directors, VPs, President, GM, etc. In my
Talent Acquisition Career, I have seen these levels of positions pass
their resumes and cover letters first. This population is generally known
to network first then apply as required.
Do you use a cover letter each time you apply for jobs? If so, let us know why and why you think it is best.
If you need assistance with a cover letter, visit our website under the Career Services tab. You will be able to view a video of resumes and cover letters I have created for our nonprofit as a service. Fees are listed for each service. Fees go towards helping someone else be job ready!
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