{"id":716,"date":"2020-08-26T09:36:37","date_gmt":"2020-08-26T09:36:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/43.204.200.242\/?p=716"},"modified":"2025-05-15T07:01:46","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T07:01:46","slug":"how-important-are-cover-letters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/akriviahcm.com\/blog\/how-important-are-cover-letters","title":{"rendered":"Why Is Cover Letter Important?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Is Cover Letter Important?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re a job seeker, you will already have a resume in place. But if you want to stand out from the crowd, what should be your best strategy? This is where a cover letter can help you out!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cover letters are a fantastic way to communicate and set the first impression to your possible future employer. Amidst the hundreds of applications received by the recruiters, a compelling cover letter will help you to stand above the competition.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But still, job seekers tend to ignore writing a cover letter while applying for a job. You will be surprised to know that 83 percent of recruiters have mentioned that cover letters play an important role in hiring decisions according to a survey conducted by Resume Lab.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, if you are still wondering if you should invest your time in writing a covering letter, this article is for you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why cover letters are so important<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

HR leaders say that cover letters speak a lot on behalf of the candidates. It is a perfect way to visualize the motivation behind applying for the job. It is also a platform for the candidate to show their creativity and ability to think out-of-the-box. Use the cover letter to talk about the backstory why you admire the company or what makes you apply for a particular job.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some candidates also prefer to talk about hobbies or interesting projects that they might have done which is not otherwise mentioned in their resume. A covering letter might work like a charm if you know how to sell yourself perfectly especially for a job role where you might be a misfit.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, a seasoned professional used the cover letter to put forward her justification for a job that was meant for entry-level. She mentioned how she is preferring to choose comfort and easy commute over high salary given that she is a new mom.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is just an example on how you can use the cover letter to turn things in your favour.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether it is your dream job, flexibility, unique challenges that the job offer, or if you think you are a good culture fit for the organization, don\u2019t shy away from talking about it in your cover letter.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A covering letter also lets you talk about your career aspirations, explain career gaps, reasons for changing jobs, or highlight career achievements and project career growth.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is the cover letter mandatory?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Cover letters are not mandatory, but 74 percent of the recruiters prefer to receive a job application along with a covering letter. Whether you\u2019re applying through automated tools or writing an email to the recruiter, a covering letter is always beneficial and most of the recruiters like to receive a personalized cover letter.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if cover letters are optional, you can still go ahead and send one to drastically increase your chance to catch the attention of the recruiters.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The survey report reveals that 77 percent of the recruiters would like to receive a covering letter along with the resume. In another survey report, it was revealed that 72 percent of the recruiters will still expect to receive a covering letter even if it is given as optional.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cover letters can backfire!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Yes! It may sound a bit odd<\/span>,<\/span> but it is true. A poorly written cover letter can cause more harm than good. A generalized cover letter doesn\u2019t attract the recruiter and most likely it will end up in the trash because it has nothing extraordinary about it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A poorly written or generalized cover letter can be interpreted as \u201cjust another candidate looking for a job\u201d.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick tips to write a stellar cover letter<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. Personalize<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Address the hiring manager or recruiter by name<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Craft a killer opening statement<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Showcase the right experience and skills that can help in making a hiring decision<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Emphasize on what values you can bring to the table given your past skills and experiences<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Go beyond your resume. Talk about things that are relevant but not already mentioned in the resume<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Read more: <\/span><\/b>How to write a job description that stands out?<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Wrapping up<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

    A cover letter is a must when applying for a job unless mentioned otherwise or you\u2019re applying on a tool that is a straightforward process and have no option to upload a covering letter. Some companies use the <\/span>recruitment management system<\/span><\/b><\/a> in which the cover letter option is in-built<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    But in other cases, if you are sending a covering letter, ensure it is a thought- through one, well-written, proofread and edited, and most importantly a personalized one.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    It should look as if you are applying for that particular job only. Highlight why a recruiter should choose you above anyone else. Sound confident in your covering letter which wins half the battle for landing the job.\u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Remember, a worst-case scenario could be your application landing up in the trash bin, but the best-case scenario is landing the job. So, take out time, and write your cover letter well before hitting up the send button.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    A cover letter is an important asset that recruiters see. Understand how can CVs be made better. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":23157,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-recruitment"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat is Cover Letter? | Importance of Cover letter | Akrivia HCM<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you\u2019re a job seeker, you will already have a resume in place. But do you use a cover letter while applying for jobs? 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