Should I Submit a Cover Letter With My Resume?

Creating an unique cover letter for each job you’re applying for can be time-consuming and challenging. Although it may not be required by the job, the answer is yes; you should always submit a cover letter with your resume any time it’s possible.

Submitting a cover letter will increase your chances of getting a job by:

• Giving you an opportunity to highlight your strongest qualifications and explain why you are the best candidate for the job. Sell yourself; after all, you know you could be an incredible asset to the company. It’s imperative to explain your value to the employer because your resume doesn’t always provide that opportunity.
• Showing you are taking the job search seriously by dedicating time to write a cover letter. Not everyone writes cover letters, and the effort you put into one could be a factor in why you did or did not get the position.
• Allowing you to provide examples of skills and experience you have listed on your resume. By providing examples, you are allowing a recruiter to get a better understanding of why you would be the best person for the position.

Although it’s recommended you write a cover letter applying for a new opportunity, you don’t want to if it will provide the wrong impression. Reasons to skip submitting a cover letter with your resume include:

• Writing a poor one. The point of including a cover letter is to enhance your resume, not hurt it. If you are not a skilled writer, or you do not have the time to write one, do not submit something that could hurt your chances.
• Sending one even though the application instructs you not to. Read the application carefully. You don’t want to ruin your chances of getting a job just because you failed to follow instructions.
• Submitting your application through an online platform that does not give you a way to add a cover letter to your resume. If there’s no way to send one, don’t worry about it. The chances are the company did that intentionally.

As you put your cover letter together keep the following tips in mind: 

• Tailor the cover letter to make sure it is written for the job you are applying for. Highlight the skills and qualifications you have that will show why you are the best person for the position.
• Elaborate on the resume. Don’t just write the same thing in your cover letter as you did on your resume. Instead, expand on things you may have only been able to touch on when briefly filling out your application.
• Don’t go overboard. Keep the cover letter to 3-5 paragraphs and ensure each thing you write will make an impact on the recruiter or hiring manager.
• Use proper grammar. Talking in slang or using emojis to communicate with your friends may be okay, but when you’re writing to a potential employer, keep it professional by making sure to check for any typos or errors.

If you are struggling to land a better job due to your inexperience with writing cover letters or resumes, The Jobs Partnership offers a no cost, 12-week training program that not only helps you with the application process but connects you with the specialized training needed for some of the most in-demand career fields. The LifeWorks program can help you discover the job you were made for. Call us at 407-641-0755 or apply here to see why graduates become unstoppable on a new path to career and life success.