Cover letter is a document which is usually sent along your resume or CV. It is also called as the front cover of resume and CV. This document can differ from person to person as it is written to convey your interest to work with the organization and specify the job position. You can highlight your key skills which would make you stand out of the crowd for the desired position. It should also exhibit the written communication skills which you posses.
This document is the foremost tool to target the potential employer in a particular way apart from your resume. As such, it needs to be unique. Many people have a misconception that it is a shorter form of resume. Rather, it is an opportunity for you to let the employer know why you want to work with them. You also need to include some unique qualities and skills of yours.
Major reasons to write it
- It acts like your introduction
Similar to your resume, cover letter plays a major part in getting selected for an interview. You get a chance to brief yourself and present yourself as the right candidate for the job role. You can mention your relevant experience and your basic details in a unique way.
- Getting your resume in the flow
While drafting the cover letter, you already know the job profile you are applying for, so you need to customize the letter in a similar manner. It provides reasons to the employer whether you actually meet the job profile requirements or not. It would include all the keys skills of yours, which would play a major role in your potential job.
- Displaying your communication skills
Your written communication skills are the foremost skills which would be displayed in your cover letter. Your first impression on the recruiter would play a major role in your hiring process. This document is the place where you place your ideas, so the writing skills do matter as much your work experience mentioned in your resume. So get it proofread to ensure it doesn’t has any grammatical mistakes.
- You can mention your willingness for relocation and salary details
Mentioning your previous salary details or expected salary on your resume is simply not allowed. You can mention the salary details in your cover letter if the employer has requested you to do so. Willingness to relocate, you can mention in it so if you get selected the employer can take steps for your relocation.
- Personalize for the company you are applying
It is easy to just download a cover letter and further use it. It is recommended to spare some time so that you can create a personalized letter for the company you wish to apply for. You can mention why you wish to apply to that company and what achievement about the company you have heard. Make sure you address it to a specific person.
- Highlight your strengths
If possess any specific key skills or strengths, then you need to mention them straight away as the potential employer would like to know them. You need to list down the relevant skills and achievement in your last job which are relevant for the position you wish to apply.
Cover letter plays a major role in the hiring process of the candidate. So getting the best impression on the employer only starts with the perfect cover letter. We have mentioned the importance and benefits of why to write a cover letter. So personalize it considering all the key points in mind.
