Why You Shouldnt Underestimate the Importance of a Cover Letter

Why You Shouldnt Underestimate the Importance of a Cover LetterWhy You Shouldnt Underestimate the Importance of a Cover LetterJob seekers often spend a great deal of time perfecting their resume. And while a strong one can play a large part in landing an interview, applicants should not ignore the importance of a titel letter. It may be as(if not more) important to grabbing an employers attention.Most people dont understand what a titelbild letter is designed to do, so they dont value them, says Porschia Parker, founder ofFly High Coaching. A cover letter is another marketing tool thats part of your professional brand.It helps to make your initial impression on the reviewer/hiring manager and lets them know briefly why youre a great fit for the position.Need further evidence about the importance of a cover letter? Consider the following reasons why you should treat your cover letter with the same respect as your resumeSome hiring managers wont consider your application without one.Si nce a good cover letter cant be whipped off, employers often view a thoughtful one as a sign that you are truly interested in this particular position. The letter also provides the hiring manager a way to judge your communication abilities and attention to detail.You can stress desirable attributes.Does a central theme or trait keep popping up in the job posting or in your research on this company? Highlight your strength in this area. The cover letter can contain actual examples from your experience, providing a more memorable impression than only touching on this quality in a resume.It provides the opportunity to explain yourself.The way I see it, the cover letter is a chance to saywhat is NOT in a resume. Job seekers should fill in the gaps a bit, says Vicky Oliver, author of301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions.For career changers, such a forum may make the difference between consideration and the rejection pile.You wont be the typical candidate that hiring managers are looking for, and odds are that you wont necessarily meet every preference/requirement they have. The cover letter is your opportunity to mention your transferrable skills and reassure them that you can meet their expectations, Parker says.She also notes that cover letters can be incredibly important to those reentering the workforce.Some people might assume that your skills wont be sharp or that you dont have current knowledge for the role.Youcan address those concerns and explain your absence in a cover letter, Parker says.You demonstrate personality.Remember, people hire people they like. A cover letter helps the reader get to know you and envision you as a member of the team. Some candidates find it nerve-wracking to walk that fine line between being personable and oversharing, but the effort can pay off big time.As Oliver says, The truth is that a good cover letter entails some risk because, unlike a resume, a cover letter has a voice. Whether the tone of theletter is sincere, elegant, or self-deprecating, its as if the job seeker is speaking to the potential employer. The key thing to remember is that the biggest risk in a cover letter is taking no risk at all.