The importance of cover letters | Michael Page

Far too often people looking for jobs neglect their cover letters, leaving them to the last minute and not taking enough time to include important, relevant information. This, however, significantly hinders your chances of being asked to come in for an interview, not to mention your chances of being offered a job. Below we discuss why exactly an excellent cover letter is so essential.

The first impression you make


Everyone knows how important it is to make a good first impression, and this is especially true when it comes to your cover letter. This single document gives HR managers and potential employers their initial insight into who you are as a professional and an individual. It constitutes your chance to distinguish yourself from your competition. Not everyone who applies for a job is invited for an interview, and with hundreds or even thousands of applicants sometimes competing for vacant positions, you need to utilise your cover letter to draw attention to yourself in this first round of selection. This includes tailoring your cover letter to the particular job and, naturally, ensuring the absence of careless spelling or grammar mistakes.

Your cover letter emphasises your sincere interest in the job


Spelling and grammar are important components of your cover letter, but so is your word choice and style. The words with which you craft your cover letter convey to the reader how you process information and communicate with others. An ability to communicate well is essential in just about every industry and job imaginable. What's more, your choice of words can express a very clear interest in working for the company and your determination to prove yourself as the best candidate for the job. This fact alone can make the cover letter far more important than the CV in the eyes of many HR managers. Even if you do not share their view, it is imperative that you nevertheless bear it in mind when crafting your cover letter. Our consultants can offer you many tips on writing an excellent cover letter to accompany your CV. Express your genuine desire to work at a company. Contact our consultants today to get all the information you need for this and every other step of the application process.