How important is a cover letter in 2024?

How important are cover letters in 2024, and what should you know about them?

Cover letters are an important, yet controversial part of the job seeking process. All candidates and recruiters/hiring managers have different opinions on the purpose and value of a cover letter. This blog will outline the key things you should know about a cover letter, as well as answer questions about what a cover letter should include, when to not include one, and what purpose it serves.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is an introductory letter to your resume. Whilst a resume is an overview of you and your career, a cover letter is your opportunity to respond specifically to the job description of the role you are applying for. In one page, you have an opportunity to identify the key pieces of your CV that are relevant for the hiring manager or recruiter to know.

5 Reasons, why should you include a cover letter for jobs you’re applying for?

1. Tell your career story

   ­This is your moment to outline your career is a brief, consumable format, ensuring the employer has all the important facts they need to proceed with you to the interview stage. Showcase your achievements.

2. Explain why you are a good fit

   Sometimes the best fit for a role isn’t obvious on paper. A cover letter lets you help a recruiter identify the important things in your resume that may not be as obviously relevant to the job.

3. Showcase your communication skills

   Your cover letter is your first impression to an employer; use it to demonstrate your effective communication skills.

4. Explain career gaps/career changes

   If you have had a significant career change or career gap, your cover letter can be a good space to touch on why this was. Prevent the employer from making an incorrect assumption and be honest. Often a career gap or change can be turned into a positive.

5. Don’t put yourself at a disadvantage

   Because of the benefits of a cover letter, not including one can disadvantage your application next to other potential candidates.

When should you not include a cover letter?

Don’t include a cover letter for a job description that asks you not to send one

Many employers use a cover letter instruction as a way to test candidate instruction following capabilities. If the job description says not include a cover letter, it is best to not include one (the opposite is also true that if the job description requests one, you should include it).

Don’t include a cover letter for a job when you don’t have time to customise it

Including a generic or incorrect cover letter is a fast way to leave a bad taste in a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s mouth. If you don’t have time to customise your cover letter to the job description, not including one is better than including a bad one.

Don’t include a cover letter for a job if it’s full of critiques

You may have big ideas about how to improve the company you are applying for or have previously worked for. But, including these ideas in your cover letter can come off unnecessarily negative and critical. It’s best to use your cover letter to focus on the positive attributes of the company you are applying for, and of your career experience.

Do I need to include a cover letter for a part time role?

If it is requested, you should always include a cover letter.

When should you include a cover letter? What are the benefits of cover letters?

Include a cover letter for a job description that requests for one

If a job description requests that you write a cover letter, then you should. Otherwise you risk looking like you are unable to follow instructions.

Include a cover letter for a job you were referred to

If you were referred to a job by a peer, it is always a good idea to include a cover letter. Your application process will reflect on you and your peer, so it is best to put your best foot forward. Additionally, if you have been referred to a role it is important to showcase why, which is easier to do in a cover letter than it is a resume.

Include a cover letter for your dream job

If you care a lot about the job you are applying for, you should write a cover letter. A clear and succinct cover letter is your biggest advocate during that first impression.

5 Tips for writing a cover letter that stands out

1. Read and analyse the job description

Your cover letter should respond directly to the job description. This is why it is important to customise it for each application. For example, if a job description says the successful candidate will have strong communication skills and be able to manage multiple tasks, your cover letter should highlight why you have these skills.

Highlight all relevant skills and experiences.

2. Keep your cover letter brief, but straight to the point

You don’t want to ramble on in your cover letter, as it will ultimately go unread. Use your cover letter to be clear and straight to the point. It is unnecessary to be overly fluffy in your cover letter.

3. Follow submission instructions

If the job description asks you to identify specific things in the cover letter, this is your moment to do that. If you are unable to follow these instructions, it could negatively impact your chance of getting an opportunity to interview for the job.

4. Proofread your cover letter

It’s easy to make spelling and grammar mistakes. However, sending in a cover letter with spelling and grammar mistakes can make it appear that you have poor attention to detail. Always proofread to make sure these things are correct, and that you are accurately responding to the job description.

5. Be cautious of AI

Whilst AI can be a helpful resource to expedite the writing process, it is something that should be use sparingly. AI writing is often identifiable, and some hiring managers will consider its use as a sign that you don’t have effective communication skills. If you’re using AI be responsible with it.

What should the structure of my cover letter be?

Here is an overview of what your cover letter should look like, remember you are responding directly to the job ad with this letter.

Cover Letter Template

1. Greeting/Salutation

Try to find out the name of the person who will be reading this letter and address them directly. If you cannot find their name, you can forgo a greeting.

2. A brief summary of your career and background

The first thing you should do in your cover letter is identify the relevance of your background to this job. If there is a job description, try and respond to the duties that are listed.

3. Discuss soft skills

In the second section or paragraph of your cover letter, you should identify any soft skills you have that may be relevant to this role. This could include your ability to effectively communicate or your success in building relationships. Always try and have examples of these.

Additionally, you can use this section to demonstrate how you would be a good cultural fit for a business. Doing some background research on the company can help you understand how you align with their goals.

4. Communicate your excitement and wrap it up

Thank the reader for their time, and express excitement for this potential opportunity. Touch specifically on the company you are applying for and refer to your attached resume.

5. End with a call to action & signature

Conclude your cover letter with a call to action that asks for an interview or an opportunity to further discuss your qualifications.

Whilst a cover letter can feel like a lot of effort, it is well worth it as it is your best resource to help you progress towards a job interview.

Ready to take on a new job opportunity? Find your dream job with empire group.

empire group are a specialist recruitment agency with offices in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. We help professionals to advance their careers across legal support jobs, legal professional jobs, technology jobs, corporate jobs, risk and governance jobs, eDiscovery jobs, within both the temporary employment and permanent employment market.

If you are looking to make your next career or business decision reach out to empire group today at 07 3231 1200, or email administration@empiregroup.com.au, or visit: https://www.empiregroup.com.au/contact-us/ to be connected with one of our great recruiters.