We get it, writing a separate cover letter for every application is hard. The bulk of your experience is on your resume anyway, so is it really worth writing a personalized cover letter for every application?   The answer: yes and no. If the job posting doesn’t specifically ask for a cover letter, there’s no need to write one. After all, according to a survey from ResumeGo, only 26% of recruiters will “deduct points” from applications that don’t include an optional cover letter. But if the job posting requires a cover letter, you’re looking to switch industries, or you want to take the next steps with your career, a well-written cover letter can demonstrate your skills, qualifications, and writing abilities in ways a resume can’t. Here are just a few reasons why taking the time to write yet another cover letter is worth it.  

1. Writing a cover letter shows that you care about this position. Online portals have made it easier than ever to apply for jobs on a whim. Job descriptions with an “easy apply” button usually receive a lot of interest, and when you’re part of a bigger applicant pool, your odds of getting an interview are lower. You’ll need something to help your application stand out, which is where that cover letter comes in. Taking the time to write a relevant, personalized cover letter demonstrates that you care about the position or company you’re applying to and that you didn’t send them your resume just because it was quick.
2. It brings your application to life. Recruiters will read your resume to evaluate your professional abilities, but they’re also looking for someone they’ll enjoy spending time with or a specific portion of the day. If everyone applying for the job has similar qualifications, infusing your cover letter with a bit of personality can give you a leg-up.
3. You shouldn’t skip an opportunity to show off your skills. Listing your hard skills on a resume is relatively straightforward, but describing your hard skills? Not so much. Most recruiters are looking for people who strike the right balance between dreamer and doer. So, you can say you’re “self-motivated” in a short bullet point on your resume, but in a cover letter, you can explain how you volunteered to work on New Year’s Eve last year to see a project through. Your cover letter is also a space for you to demonstrate your written communication skills, not just talk about them. Most jobs involve some form of communication, and your cover letter is a space for you to demonstrate your writing abilities.

Cover letters really are read. In fact, some recruiters consider them the most important part of a job application, which is why it’s important that you either spend time on every sentence or enlist a little help from the pros.   We don’t just write stand-out resumes, we also write impressive cover letters that highlight your experiences, abilities, and potential. Contact us here to schedule an appointment today.