Do You Really Need A Cover Letter When Applying For A Job?

It’s a question every job seeker asks. Do you really need to write a cover letter for every job you apply for to keep your life in order? Job hunting is a hugely time-consuming task, and if the process is streamlined in any way, the cover letter is often dropped and job seekers simply submit a CV. This is a difficult question to answer, considering that many employers do not specifically require you to include a cover letter with your application.

The simple answer to this question is yes. If you are serious and want to present yourself as professionally as possible, you should include a customized cover letter with every application. And why? Cover letters, as frivolous as they may seem to some, are a good snapshot and summary for employers. If you write a clear, concise, and informative cover letter, it can help employers assess not only your skills but also your communication and goals for your career. Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons that may convince you to start writing!

• A cover letter can give you the opportunity to include more information that will enhance the content of your CV. With a cover letter, you have the opportunity to tell the employer more about your background, passions, and skills that they may not be able to glean from your CV.
• By tailoring each cover letter to the specific job you are applying for, recruiters can clearly see that the skills you have highlighted and the goals you have expressed in the cover letter fit the type of candidate they are looking for.
• Your CV is essentially just a list of achievements, skills, and responsibilities. It’s not personal and it’s not incredibly exciting. A cover letter is a way to express your passion for your industry or for that job in particular.
• From the perspective of our recruiters, who see a large number of applicants every day, they tend to remember more about the candidate when they read a well-written and clear cover letter. They have more background information about the candidate than just the CV and can talk more about them during their first phone call.

It’s a step that’s easy to skip when job hunting, but in the end, writing an excellent cover letter can only be beneficial. A recruiter will never look negatively at a cover letter, but they may not appreciate simply receiving a CV. Not sure how to write the right cover letter for your next job application? Check back next week for tips and tricks on how to write a convincing cover letter

Have you already prepared your cover letter? Try FindMyJob.lk today to find the perfect job and make your dream a reality.