Why are Cover Letters Important?

Why are cover letters important to employers? What do cover letters look like and how long should cover letters be? These are all questions our team of personal branding specialists get asked so often.

Find out why cover letters are important, and why writing a cover letter that's optimised for the eyes of the employer can increase your chances of getting hired.

Are cover letters useful, and if so, what should I include in a cover letter?

It's important to write good cover letters when applying for jobs because the job market is incredibly competitive. Lots of people think a compelling cover letter makes you stand out against other job applicants. We agree, but it does so much more than this.

A well written cover letter should fit alongside your CV. It is your marketing material to demonstrate why the hiring manager should choose you for the job.

Your marketing material is an underestimated important tool that also includes your CV and your LinkedIn profile.

It all works together to capture the reader's attention, make a powerful first impression and identify why you are the perfect candidate, leaving no doubt in their mind.

Should you tailor your cover letter for different job applications?

Yes. You should tailor your cover letter for each position you apply for. Don't send out a generic cover letter to hiring managers. We see a lot of people who think they can write a cover letter and submit that same one for every job advert.

They use a cover letter template and hope for the best.

Instead, you give yourself the opportunity write a high impact, good cover letter. Show awareness of the company goals and explain how you can help achieve them. Identify any problems you've found and address them. A compelling cover letter will show the hiring manager how your skill set and experience can benefit them.

What to avoid in a cover letter

Lots of people think it's easy to write cover letters to match a job description. But there are so many things that can go wrong if a cover letter is rushed or not done properly. Here is what to avoid in a cover letter:

Spelling or grammar issues
Lies or exaggeration
Overly long paragraphs
Incorrect or irrelevant contact details
The wrong company name
What salary you expect
Negative talk about other employers

A well written cover letter should also avoid particular phrases that don't add any value to your job application.

Example of what to avoid in your cover letter

"I'm applying for X opportunity"

Why? This doesn't address the employer's needs, your skill set or how you can benefit the company.

Instead:

Carefully understand the job description of the role you're going for
Determine the skills needed
Start with a strong opening sentence to highlight your value proposition and selling points
Include statistics that prove your relevant experience

Remember, immediately emphasising your value proposition is a much better way to make a memorable impact on the hiring manager. A compelling cover letter shows the employer evidence they can't argue with as to why they should hire you.

The Recruitment Process

Create job advert / job description
Advertise on job boards / company website
Evaluate job applications – this includes cover letters, CVs and resumes
Conduct interviews
Make job offer / negotiate package
Onboard successful candidate

The Selection Process

The selection process is a multi-step one, and your cover letter is an important part of it. In fact, it's the first thing that hiring managers will see when they review your application materials.

Read cover letters
Read CVs and resumes
Compare candidates
Recruiter makes shortlist
CVs sent to employer
Hiring Manager creates their shortlist
Conduct interviews – score competencies
Choose best candidate for job offer

Cover letters: FAQs

What are cover letters?

A cover letter is a written document that accompanies your CV or resume when you apply for a job.

It provides an opportunity for you to explain why you're qualified for the position, and it allows you to highlight any relevant experience or skills that may not be apparent from your resume alone.

Cover letters also help employers screen candidates by providing them with more information about each person who applies for an open position.

For example, if two candidates have similar CVs / resumes but different cover letters, it's likely that the employer will choose someone who wrote a more compelling letter because they seem like they'll be better fits in terms of personality and work style than their competitors do (assuming all other factors are equal).

Are cover letters necessary?

If you're a job seeker, it's important to understand the purpose of cover letters. A cover letter is a formal business communication that introduces you and your resume to potential employers.

The goal of this document is to convince hiring managers that you are the best candidate for an open position by highlighting your relevant experience, skills and abilities.

A well-written cover letter will help get your application noticed by recruiters or hiring managers who may otherwise overlook it in favour of applicants who have included one with their applications.

How important is a cover letter?

A cover letter is an essential part of your job application. It's your first impression, and it can make or break you as a candidate.

A well-written cover letter will:

Impress the hiring manager by showing that you have read their job description carefully, highlighting relevant skills and experience that match what they are looking for in an employee

Immediately emphasise why you are the perfect candidate for this position (and not just any other applicant) by highlighting specific examples of how your skills align with those required by the company

What are the 4 main advantages of a cover letter?

Here are four advantages of having a cover letter as part of your job application:

1. Showcasing your skills and experience

A cover letter provides an opportunity for you to highlight your skills and experience that may not be evident in your resume. It allows you to explain why you are the best candidate for the position.

2. Personalizing your application

A cover letter allows you to personalize your application and demonstrate your interest in the position and the company. You can tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company, showing that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

3. Differentiating yourself from other candidates

A high impact cover letter can help you stand out from other candidates. It allows you to demonstrate your writing skills, attention to detail, and professionalism.

4. Addressing potential concerns

A cover letter can be used to address potential concerns that may arise from your resume, such as a gap in employment or lack of experience in a particular area. It allows you to explain any relevant information that may not be obvious from your CV / resume.

Can I use a cover letter template?

Yes you can but make sure you tailor the content of your cover letter to match the job description / job advert.

Do cover letters really make a difference?

A well-written cover letter is an important part of your job application. It shows that you are committed to the position, and it allows you to stand out from other candidates who don't take the time to write a personalized letter.

What does a cover letter look like?

A cover letter is your first opportunity to connect with the employer and show them what you're all about.

It's an opportunity for you to tell them why you'd be a great fit for their company, and why they should take the time to read through your CV.

Here are some things that should go into every cover letter:

Contact details (name, email address and phone number)
Opening statement
Your professional title e.g., IT Project Manager and value proposition
Your relevant skills and qualifications (for example if you have specific experience in financial planning)
For more junior positions, your unique combination of personality traits
Your career goals and aspirations
Key strengths

However, the most important thing is to list the key requirements of the job and to provide evidence that you have these skills and experiences.

Would you like some help with writing a cover letter?

We're award-winning, accredited CV writers in the UK.

News

Why are cover letters important?