Does a Cover Letter Matter?

Law students attend a public-interest career fair at the City Bar Justice Center in New York City. (Amal Chen/The Epoch Times)

Anyone who’s ever been unemployed knows how much work goes into applying for a job. Looking online for the right position takes time. And then once found, you must write a resume that thoroughly highlights your accomplishments. But it doesn’t stop there. You often must customize a cover letter.

Resumes are important. But how important is the cover letter? After all, a lot of work goes into writing one. Do recruiters look at cover letters or brush them aside and emphasize the resumes?

Most Recruiters Read Cover Letters

Most corporate open positions attract up to 250 resumes. But the number is narrowed down quickly. Out of 250 applicants, four to six will receive an interview, and only one will be offered the position.

The average recruiter takes six seconds to scan a resume. But are they reading the cover letters? Sixty-eight percent of recruiters say cover letters are important. Only 6 percent said that they weren’t necessary.

But how do these letters impact hiring decisions? Eighty-two percent of hiring managers said a strong cover letter influenced them to invite a weak candidate to interview.

Cover Letter Helps Once Field Narrowed

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often used to screen candidates. This is usually part of the applicant tracking system (ATS). Once the field has been narrowed, and the candidate has survived, a good cover letter could take her to the next phase.

Cover Letter Shows Extra Effort

It takes time and thoughtfulness to write a cover letter. Recruiters know that. By taking the time to write a strong cover letter that emphasizes and complements your resume, you can stand out from the crowd.

Even if the recruiter doesn’t read the cover letter, they still know you put forth the extra effort. That goes a long way.

Writing ‘Optional’ Cover Letters

“Optional” may actually mean that a cover letter will be welcomed. It shows the potential employer that you have initiative. If the position description highlights being able to communicate or write, it’s an opportunity to highlight your writing skills.

Even if the decision is up to you, it provides a positive element about you. By writing a strong cover letter, you both emphasize your resume and your ability to go the extra mile.

Cover Letter Explains Gaps in Resume

Your resume can only go so far. A cover letter allows you to explain the positives and the negatives.

Related Stories

Employment Specialist Gives Method For Breaking Through Job Hunting Barriers

8/25/2016

The Virtual Cover Letter

9/18/2013

For example, if you have a gap between jobs, you can take the question of “why” out of the recruiter’s mind by explaining why it’s there. It could strengthen your cause if you were taking a course or obtaining other experience related to the current position.

Knowing why the gap is there may change the recruiter’s perception regardless of the reason. This could turn a negative into a positive.

Emphasizes Skill for Position

By thoroughly reading the job description, you can craft a cover letter emphasizing key skills from your resume.

A strong cover letter will show that when, in that sales position you noted on your resume, you were able to increase revenue. A cover letter allows you to translate this accomplishment into filling a need the potential employer has.

You’ll list certifications on your resume, but a cover letter will explain how those certifications apply to the open position.

Between the cover letter and resume, a complete picture of what you have to offer the company is painted.

Cover Letter When Referred

Make sure you acknowledge anyone that has referred you to the company. By mentioning this in your cover letter, you’ll receive an extra look and might even score an interview.

A cover letter should highlight any link you have to the company. If you know a high-ranking manager or have a relative within the company, that should be in your cover letter. It may help, but at least it will show you’re transparent.

Make sure you state if you’ve interred with the company.

Bad Cover Letter Hurts

It can’t be emphasized enough how a bad cover letter can hurt your chances of being called for an interview.

Not reading the job description and explaining skills or education that don’t relate to the position can hurt you.

Another way to sabotage your cover letter is to state skills you don’t have. You don’t want to emphasize your weaknesses.

For the cover letter to be effective, it must show you in the best light.

Cover Letter First Introduction to Company

A cover letter ultimately will help narrow down the playing field. Although a resume gives the recruiter a snapshot of your skills and experience, it doesn’t show your personality. There are many resumes with similar work experience, but only one of you.

The Epoch Times Copyright © 2023. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.