Do I Need a Cover Letter?
A question I sometimes get from those in job search is “Do I need a cover letter with my submission for the job to which I am applying?” While some online application systems may require the cover letter, others may not. If applying directly, by providing a paper copy of your resume to the hiring company, admittedly some human resource screeners will indicate they do not look at the cover letter, while others do. However, on the other hand, I have heard company hiring people also say, if they do not see a cover letter with the application, they just move on past that application, because the cover letter helps me to get them to know the applicant as a person.
I have always taken the mindset; it is best to have a cover letter with your application as opposed to not doing so. If the hiring company does not want the cover letter, they will just put it aside. However, if the person reading your application, (whether the human resources screener or ultimate hiring manager) is expecting the letter, then you already have cast a negative light on yourself. I have also felt that the process of developing the cover letter also serves the purpose of assisting in preparing yourself for the verbal communication you will have with those who may want to hire you and interview you as part of the job search process.
The cover letter, along with the About section of your Linked In profile and your verbal (elevator) pitch introducing yourself, are all very closely tied together, in that they provide an introduction of you, the person, to the individuals you are about to meet. So, what is the thought process one should be using in developing a good strong cover letter?
The cover letter is all about connection. Connection with whom? Particularly you are looking to connect with the precise segment of the job market with which you are looking to connect. As such, in your first paragraph of the cover letter you want to grab the reader’s attention. What is the greatest point of interest that you want them to know about you? Think of that thought being like a headline in an ad or article. Whether you indicate to them about your career background, that you are empathetic to the problems their industry faces or to let them know why you are interested in their particular organization, you are looking to make a personal connection and engage your reader.
In a 2nd paragraph you want to provide a summary of your background. Again, the key thing to remember this is a summary, not your entire life story. Depending on their expressed needs in the job posting, you are looking to provide a summary and overview of the type of work that you have done.
To me the 3rd paragraph of the cover letter is most important. This is where you focus in on your Accomplishment statements. Accomplishment statements should be in a bulleted format. They should identify the problem you faced, action(s) you took, and positive results for the company or customers you served. Your statements should be lively and look to provoke conversation, (which would come about when the hiring company invites you in for an interview). Remember, if someone is hiring, they have a need or problem. They want to hire someone who can address that need or problem.
An optional 4th paragraph can provide reference to your education, organizations of which you have been a part or your personality if you feel those may be relevant to the job. If there is one portion of the letter that you can look to omit, if length is a problem, this would be the area to consider omitting.
Finally, you want to finish the letter strong in the closing paragraph. You will want to include a statement on why you feel you would be a great fit for their organization. Additionally look to stress the type of contributions you anticipate making and that you welcome to have an opportunity to discuss your qualifications with them further.
By now, I would hope that you can see the cover letter is your “PERSONAL INTRODUCTION” to the organization to which you are looking to connect. Even in a world that is getting more automated all the time, and where there is a reliance on tools to help us get our work and tasks accomplished, there will always be the place for people-to-people connection in getting needs addressed and solutions found for the challenges that exist.
