subject: Why A Cover Letter Is Important For A Resume? [print this page] Why a cover letter is important for a resume?
A cover letter or covering letter is as important as a resume.
It is common practice to underestimate the importance of cover letters and focus only on impressive resumes.
It is bait for the employer to get them interested in your resume and profile.
Today, the competition is getting very tough, and every small step you take will help you receive incredible dividends.
Cover letters help you gain an upper hand over others since you are taking that extra step. Moreover, not everybody is aware of cover letters and the practice of attaching it with their resumes.
Be as professional as possible when writing your cover letter. It is your first impression on your employer and hence, the most important one. It shows your communication and organizational skills, both of which are highly regarded in any organization these days.
When you have an interesting cover letter, it will make your employer take much more interest in your resume. So, make sure you have an interesting and impressive resume and an even more effective cover letter.
What exactly is a cover letter?
It is a letter that highlights your positive key points to your employers. It shows them how interested you are in the post they are offering.
However, keep in mind that if your cover letter is not impressive, your employer might not even spare a glance at your resume.
Cover letters should always be sent along with the resume. It is an add-on for your resume, summing it up.
The basic function of a cover letter is to ask the employer for an interview. After reading your impressive cover letter, it is probable your employer will read your resume. If it is suiting his needs, he will call you first for an interview.
So where does a cover letter help you?
It does in giving you an edge over another candidate who has similar qualifications and experiences as you do.
What a cover letter should include?
A basic greeting.
Introduce yourself and mention the post you are applying for.
The second paragraph should include your skills, qualifications and experiences in a precise manner.
The conclusion should include a show of interest in hearing from them. It should always ask for an action from the employers.
You can include your notice period and suggest that the company keep your profile on file if they deem you unsuitable for the current position.
Thank them for their time and consideration.
Always mention about your attached resume.
Some important tips to keep in mind:
Mention in the first paragraph which post you are applying for and from where you came to know about it.
Make your cover letter personalized. Do not address "to whomsoever it may concern."
Write, "Please consider this letter and the attached resume as my application/ expression of interest for the post of"
When you have to draw your employer's attention to your most important and relevant skill/experience regarding the post you are applying for, use the words, "I would like to point out"
Mention that your profile matches the required one.
Ask for an action on the part of the employers, like "I would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to discuss my potential contributions for achieving your company's organizational goals."
Write it keeping your employer's needs in mind.
When sending the letter along with your resume, do not exceed more than one page. It should be short and precise; you do not want to waste your employer's time.
If you are sending a hard copy, make sure you are using a good quality paper.
Before starting to compose your cover letter, always check out a few specific examples or free cover letter samples available easily on the net
