How Important is a Cover Letter?

recruitmint • March 14, 2019

You’ve been searching through all the job boards you can think of, go directly on the websites of companies you want to work for and you’ve been searching on social media platforms to find jobs and engage with recruiters and companies. This has now built your shortlist of jobs to apply for.

Through the process of completing your applications, no doubt you’ll have been asked to include a covering letter alongside your carefully crafted professional CV.

In this situation, have you then found yourself asking questions like: “why do they need this?”, “how long is that going to take me?” and even, “what is a cover letter, anyway?”

In this blog, we are going to answer that question for you, while highlighting exactly why a cover letter accompanying your CV is one of the most important facets when it comes to clinching yourself a job interview.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is typically a one-page document addressed to the hiring manager that includes your contact details, the role you are applying for and further detail surrounding the information in your CV.

Cover letters should highlight your interest in the role and expand on your skills and experiences that make you best-suited candidate.

Within the cover letter, you should align your qualifications, relevant skills and past work experience clearly to the criteria on the job description to emphasise that you have done your research into the role and are keen to join the company.

What is a cover letter used for?

Let’s face it – a CV by itself is unlikely to make you stand out amongst other applicants. Your CV is crafted to give a history of your educational and professional background more than anything else and lacks the character a covering letter has the potential to show.

There are several very good reasons why a cover letter could be requested to accompany your CV, such as:

• Telling the employer who you are
• Expanding on your experiences and how they align with the role
• Allowing you to highlight your accomplishments and achievements
• Highlighting your writing ability
• Showing your passion for the role
• Showing your dedication

Why is cover letter important?

During the recruitment process, recruiters and hiring managers may receive hundreds of CVs to review. Applications that have a cover letter immediately show that the applicant truly wants the job, these are more likely to make it to the top of the review pile. It is therefore important that your cover letter reflects your unique capabilities that you possess which position you as the perfect candidate for the role.

The overall goal of a cover letter is to demonstrate yourself as a candidate who can bring value to the role. You need to show that you have skills, experience and capabilities to successfully fill the role. A well-written cover letter is an opportunity to show the reader you encompass these key attributes.

How Recruit Mint can help with your application and cover letter

We completely understand the importance of a well-written cover letter. We also have a relationship with clients to understand when a cover letter will add value to your application and what will help you stand out as the perfect candidate.

If you’re looking for a new role, we can help find the job you want by understanding what your goals and ambitions are. After that, we will help you through the entire process from applying to accepting the offer.

If you would like to speak to one of our specialist consultants for more information or to discuss any of our current jobs in Peterborough, please get in touch today.

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