Throughout my career as a recruiter and a CV writer, I have frequently been asked a recurring question by job seekers when applying for a role: “Should You Include a Cover Letter When Applying for Jobs?” My answer is always the same: you will never get penalised for including one, but you might get penalised if you don’t. I have known recruiters who don’t look at cover letters and go straight to the CV, but I have also known recruiters who place real value in someone taking the time to write a cover letter, and it has been the difference between getting an interview or not.
So, why do companies ask for a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is much more personal than a CV, and you should always write it in 1st person to give it that personal touch. It allows you to explain why you are applying for the role, why you are interested in working for that organisation, and how your skills and experience align with what they are looking for. It is a much less formal document than a CV, enabling you to demonstrate your passion, personality and motivations. Additionally, it allows you to explain any gaps in your CV (if you have any).
When should I include a cover letter?
When a job advert specifically asks you to include one.
This seems obvious, but from my experience in recruitment, I often found that a large proportion of candidates, even when instructed in the job advertisement to include a cover letter, did not. This doesn’t look good to employers, and it demonstrates to the company that you have not read the job advertisement properly or are not particularly interested in the role and are likely applying for many/any roles. I know that writing a cover letter can be time-consuming and often frustrating, especially when you think it’s obvious from your CV that you’re a good fit for the role, or when you’re applying for a high number of roles with no response. I completely understand your reasoning for not wanting to do it, but it shows a lack of care if the organisation asks for one and you do not include it. It can lead recruiters or hiring managers to disqualify your application automatically.
If you have limited experience
A cover letter is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your soft skills if you don’t have much professional experience. You can demonstrate your willingness to learn new things, how you align with the company’s values and what you can bring to the company from your personal experience that will make you a great asset to the business.
If you are pursuing a career change
A cover letter is an excellent way to highlight the transferable skills you can bring to a new role in a different industry that might not be obvious initially in your CV. It is an opportunity to demonstrate why you are motivated to change careers and why you are interested in that particular field, what research you have done, and why you are applying for that specific role.
When you have a connection to the company
If you have always wanted to work for this organisation or have previously worked with them, for example, as a supplier or client, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of how their business operates.
You might not include a Cover Letter.
If you are extremely tight on time, to the point that you won’t be able to apply at all.
It is better to put in your CV without a cover letter than not send it at all, as it may or may not hinder your chances, but if you don’t send it in the first place, you have absolutely no chance of getting the role; therefore, you should apply but don’t be too disappointed if your application is rejected.
If the application process does not include an option to upload your CV
Some job portals only allow you to upload your CV; therefore, in that case, you can just send the CV or if you do still want to really send your cover letter you can insert your cover letter above your CV into your CV document at the top which would be mean it is three pages but the employer will realise it is a cover letter and CV when they are reading it so it is unlikely you would be penalised for including it.
What are the benefits of writing a Cover Letter?
Even if it is not necessarily required for you to include a cover letter, I would highly recommend it, as it is an opportunity to make you stand out against other candidates for the role, and it shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and are serious about being included in the process. It gives the employer a glimpse into your personality and communication style and can help the hiring manager remember you. In today’s competitive market, when candidates are competing against all-time high job applications, giving yourself every opportunity to stand out is essential.
If you need any help writing a cover letter, feel free to get in touch by emailing Rachel@specialistcvwriter.com or calling 07919401751.
