Every recruiter has their own opinion on whether or not to write a cover letter. Here are some pros and cons of writing a cover letter, so you can decide for yourself!
Just in case you weren’t exactly sure what a cover letter is and the purpose for it: A cover letter is a one-page document that you submit with your resume when applying for a job. It is an opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, explain why you are interested in the position, and highlight your skills and experience.
Pros of Writing a Cover Letter
- Personalize your application. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to: introduce yourself to the hiring manager and explain why you are interested in the position, highlight your skills and experience, explain how you would be a good fit for the job, and offer a compelling reason the company and industry appeals to you.
- Stand out from the competition. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants. It can show the hiring manager your enthusiasm, and that you are interested in the position since you’ve taken the initiative and the time to research the company.
- Begins to build a relationship with the hiring manager. A cover letter is a fantastic way to start building a relationship with the hiring manager. When you write a cover letter, you are having a conversation with the hiring manager, assuming the HR coordinator passing your resume to the hiring manager didn’t see any errors.
Cons of Writing a Cover Letter
- Time-consuming. Writing a cover letter can be time-consuming, especially if you are applying for multiple jobs, since you need to personalize it.
- Repetitive. If you are applying for multiple roles, you may find yourself writing the same cover letter repeatedly. This can make the process feel tedious and boring.
- It may not be read. Some hiring managers do not read cover letters. They may only review your resume and decide whether to interview you based on that information.
- Errors: If you have grammatical or other careless errors, you could be divebombing your chances of being hired.
Recommendation and Tips for Writing a Good Cover Letter
We recommend writing a cover letter when applying for a job. A well-written cover letter could help you stand out from the competition and start building a relationship with the hiring manager. Here are some quick tips for writing a great cover letter:
- Keep it short and to the point. A cover letter should be no more than one page long. 3 paragraphs tops.
- Tailor your letter to the specific job you are applying for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
- Use AI resources for ideas using strong action verbs while avoiding cheesy cliches.
- Proofread your letter carefully before submitting it and then having someone you trust review it for you.
- No pictures. Please. 😊
If your choice is to write a cover letter, following these tips will increase the odds of your of letter being the difference maker in landing that desired interview or new Role!
If you have questions or need more tips, let us know! Email us at: careers@staffingpartnersinc.com
