On average a recruiter spends 6-8 seconds on a resume, to decide if they should read it. If you want them to spend more time on yours, include a cover letter.
A cover letter sets the stage before the recruiter opens your resume. It works in your favor.
There are several other reasons why it’s important to include a cover letter with your resume:
- Personalizing: A cover letter allows you to personalize your application and provide additional context and details about your qualifications, experiences, and motivations.
- Explaining fit: A cover letter provides an opportunity to explain why you’re a good fit for the company and the position. It also helps you highlight your relevant experience, skills, and achievements.
- Demonstrating interest: A well-written cover letter shows that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity and took the time to tailor your application specifically to the company and the position.
- Standing out from the crowd: In a competitive job market, a cover letter can set your application apart from others and help you stand out as a strong candidate.
- Providing additional information: A cover letter can provide additional information that doesn’t fit on your resume, such as gaps in your employment history or explanations of job transitions.
- Showcasing your writing skills: A cover letter is also an opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills, which can be an important factor in some industries.
- Building a connection: A cover letter can help build a connection with the hiring manager, making them more likely to remember you and consider you for the position.
In short, a well-written cover letter can complement and enhance your resume, providing additional context and details that can help you stand out as a strong candidate and secure an interview.
Your resume has to be spot on, to go to the next level. The cover letter gives a precursor to your resume and increases the chances of a closer look.
The above apply for most jobs when applied directly. The big exception is when you are asked to submit your resume. Read about that and a game-changing approach in the transformational job search strategy.
Accelevaite provides guides and courses help you write better and get noticed. Better writing is how you attract attention of recruiters and hiring managers and influence them to take action.