Why is important to prepare a cover letter?
The main purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to a potential employer and explain why you’re a good fit for the position you’re applying for. That’s why at NY Single Mom, we provide cover letter writing services to help you catch the attention of potential employers. A professional cover letter is essentially your first impression: your pitch to spark the employer’s interest enough to get them to read your resume and invite you for an interview.
According to Harvard Business Review, “In a 2023 survey of 625 U.S. hiring managers by Resume Genius, 83% of hiring managers said they frequently or always read the cover letters they received. An astonishing 73% of the managers whose companies don’t require cover letters still frequently read them.”
A resume is typically a straightforward, bullet-point list of your experience and skills. A cover letter, however, lets you speak directly to the hiring manager. You can address them by name (if known), refer to specific aspects of the job or company that excite you, and show that you’ve done your homework. This personalization helps you stand out from applicants who submit generic or resume-only applications.
Here is why submitting a cover letter is beneficial:
1. Personalizes Your Application: A cover letter allows you to introduce yourself in a more personal way than a resume. You can express your interest in the position and explain why you’re passionate about the role or company.
2. Highlights Relevant Experience: It lets you connect your background directly to the job description, showing how your skills and accomplishments make you a strong candidate.
3. Shows Communication Skills: Employers use cover letters to assess your ability to communicate clearly and professionally, which is critical in most jobs.
4. Demonstrates Initiative and Effort: Taking the time to write a thoughtful cover letter shows that you’re serious about the position and willing to go the extra mile.
5. Addresses Potential Gaps or Career Changes: If you’re switching careers, returning to work, or have gaps in employment, a cover letter is the perfect place to briefly explain your journey and redirect focus to your strengths.
Submitting a cover letter instead of just a resume gives you a significant advantage in your job application for several important reasons:
1. It Tells Your Story
A resume lists your qualifications, but a cover letter explains them. It gives context to your experiences and shows why you’re applying. For example, you can:
- Explain a career change or gap in employment.
- Show how your background connects to the role, even if it’s not a perfect match on paper.
- Share what motivates you or what draws you to the specific company.
Without a cover letter, hiring managers may not make those connections on their own.
2. It Demonstrates Effort and Interest
Submitting a cover letter shows that you’re serious about the job. It signals to employers that you’ve:
- Taken time to research the company.
- Carefully considered how you can contribute.
- Put in extra effort beyond the basic requirements.
This sets you apart from applicants who just hit “submit” with a generic resume.
3. It Highlights What Matters Most
Your resume might contain everything, but a cover letter lets you focus attention on the most relevant parts. You can:
- Emphasize one or two key experiences that align with the role.
- Draw a direct line between the job description and your qualifications.
- Help hiring managers quickly see why you’re a strong fit.
4. It Shows Communication Skills
A cover letter is also a writing sample. It demonstrates that you can:
- Communicate clearly and professionally.
- Organize ideas effectively.
- Persuade and express interest with the right tone.
These are valuable soft skills, especially in roles that involve writing, collaboration, or client interaction.
5. It Can Strengthen a Weak Resume
If you’re missing a preferred qualification or don’t have a traditional background, the cover letter is your chance to explain your strengths and show potential—something a resume alone can’t always do.
In short: A cover letter gives you a voice. It helps hiring managers see you, not just a list of jobs. While some companies may not require one, including a well-written cover letter often increases your chances of landing an interview.
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