Demystifying the Cover Letter
The value of the cover letter has been altogether over-analyzed to the point of sheer confusion. When the cover letter is required in the application process, you may be left wondering what the heck to put in it. If it is not required, you might question whether to include one anyway.
To start, whether the cover letter is required or not, if the employer does not explicitly say not to include a cover letter, I suggest including it. Of course, there is no guarantee they will read it, but I say it can’t hurt you. Well, I guess it could hurt you if it is a poorly written cover letter. But hopefully, you’ll have done your research on how to develop a well-written cover letter or called upon a talent advisor to help you write one. Just in case you need a little cover letter refresher, check out this great article by Forbes.
However, this post isn’t about how to write a cover letter but more so why you should include one in the first place. Allow me to demystify the cover letter by giving you my 10 top reasons why you should include one along with your resume.
It is required. Enough said.
You need to share who referred you to the position. If ‘name dropping’ puts you ahead of the competition, here is where you do it.
You are a perfect fit for the job. Make it crystal clear how you are the answer to their prayers. I recommend using a table to crossmatch how you meet their job requirements.
You don’t meet all the minimum requirements. Don’t just not mention it. State what it is that you lack, what you are doing about it or what you offer in its place. For example, “While I don’t have a college degree, I learned everything I need to know through the School of Hard Knocks.”
You need to explain a potential red flag in your resume. Don’t just hope that they won’t notice that blaring discrepancy in your resume. Explain as positively and concisely as possible the work gap, lack of education, the potential perception of job-hopping or the five years of experience you have as a pole dancer in Vegas.
You want to add additional experience or qualifications that may offer value-add in hiring you. Turns out your pole dancing could actually be the thing that gets you hired.
You want to share the insight you have acquired to impress upon the employer you have done your research. Let the employer know you’ve been thinking about some of their problems and potential solutions you’ve been mulling out in that big brain of yours.
You want to disclose additional information that could cause the employer pause. This might include a potential conflict of interest or that you are deathly allergic to the product they manufacture.
You want to ask for special accommodations. I generally recommend asking for accommodations after the job offer is made but if you feel the need to be upfront about your needs, go for it. This would include things like wanting to work remotely or a desire to take an ‘eat, pray, love’ sabbatical for two-months right after your start date.
It shows the employer that you know how to write. Ask your neighbor for help if you don’t.
The cover letter does not have to be viewed as an enigma but something that allows you the ability to tell your story beyond the constraints of the resume. That story may be that you are uniquely qualified for the position or that you can’t go to work without the company of your five cats.
Need help telling your story? Stackrock Talent is ready to help you find creative and strategic ways to develop a cover letter. Contact us at (208) 861-9207 or alisa@stackrocktalent.com.
