Are cover letters necessary?

Employers receive thousands of job applications. The truth is that most applicants have the necessary educational qualifications and work experience. So why should they choose you over someone else? What are the factors that usually influence the hiring decision? Well, to be the chosen one, you have to make your job application stand out from the rest. But how? It is simple. You just need to write a winning cover letter and resume.

Your cover letter is more important than your resume

Your cover letter carries more weight than your resume. It opens the door for an interview; it gives you an opportunity to make a great impression on the employer.

Studies have proved that potential employers take less than ten seconds to decide whether or not they want to hire you. And because your cover letter is usually the first thing that reaches the hands of the employer it determines your chances of getting the job. The truth is that few employers would take a look at your resume if they aren't impressed with your cover letter. Therefore, it is essential that you take the time to draft a good cover letter.

Do not use generic cover letters

Do not use generic cover letters. It is a mistake many job hunters commit. They draft a cover letter and then send it to all potential employers. Unfortunately a generic cover letter can't explain why you are a perfect match for the job position in question. It simply gives some information about you, but that isn't enough to receive an interview. If you want the employer to call you back, you have to clearly explain why you are a strong candidate for the specific position you have applied for. Therefore, write different cover letters for different job positions.

Don't just fill the cover letter with general information. It must match the job description. Remember that the employer isn't exactly interested in you. He / she is only interested in knowing what you can do for them.

Sections in this article

Introduction
What is an email
Subject line
Formats, grammar and spelling
Attachments
Signature
Addresses and personal names
Replies
Courtesy and politeness
Privacy concerns
How to write a request letter?
Request letter sample 1
Request letter sample 2
Sample request letter asking for a raise
Resignation letter sample 1
Resignation letter sample 2

More formal letter samples

Recommendation letter
College recommendation letter sample
Business letter writing tips
How to Write an Apology Letter
Business Apology Letter Sample I
Personal Apology Letter Sample I
Email writing tips
Resume writing
How to write a cover letter
How to write a letter of enquiry
Standard phrases used in formal letters