Do I need to submit a cover letter in my job applications? The short answer is yes, it is good to have. Unless if the job listing explicitly instructs you not to submit one, you should put in the effort to craft a well-written cover letter to show your sincerity. The cover letter showcases your written communication skills and let your prospective employer know of your intention, skills and strengths and that you are a good fit for the role.
DO!
- As with resumes, always customise your cover letter for each application.
- Be concise. Your cover letter should only take up one page.
- In your cover letter, use about four paragraphs to do the following:
- Express your interest in the company and job role and mention specific aspects that interest you deeply.
- Highlight how you can contribute and add value to the company by listing relevant skills and experiences.
- Elaborate on your achievements and strengths related to the role.
- Articulate your goals and values while referring to the company’s mission and vision.
- The quality of your application reveals your attention to detail and level of professionalism. Proofread your cover letter to ensure that it is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.
- Emphasise your interest in the job and reiterate why you are a good fit for the company.
- Thank the hiring manager and add a clear call to action for the hiring manager to contact you for further discussion.
DON'T!
- Don’t use the same cover letter for all the jobs you apply to.
- Don’t focus on what the job can do for you.
- Don’t make it longer than one page.
- Don’t forget to include a call to action.
