Do I Need a Cover Letter Are Cover Letters Necessary in 2020

Do I Need a Cover Letter Are Cover Letters Necessary in 2020 Are cover letters necessary? Do Ineed a cover letter?You send out dozens of applications to land a job interview. You spend hours tweaking your resume and looking for opportunities.If a cover letter is a waste of time, why bother. Its 2020. Does anyone even read cover letters anymore, right?Well, its a bit more complicated than that. No worries, though.This article will answer your questions about cover letters:Are cover letters always required and do they even matter?Do companies and employers read such letters?Doyouhave to write a cover letter?This article will also show you a tried and tested way to write cover letters in case you need one.One way to step up your cover letter game is to match your cover letter to your resume. Heres an example of a matching set made using our cover letter templates:Sample cover letter for a resume. Pick a template and write your cover letter here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowWant to make sure every cover letter you send lands you an interview? Get our free checklist: 35+Job Winning Cover Letter Tips and Examples.And learn how to keep it short and snappy here: Short Cover Letter Examples for a Speedy Job Application1Cover Letter or Not?When is a cover letter necessary?A cover letter is important andrequired (1)If the job offer requires a cover letter, (2)if the employer, hiring manager, or recruiter requests one, (3) if youre applying directly to a person and know their name,(4) if someone has referred you for the position.However, cover letters arent always necessary.For example, you might not need a cover letter if youre applying online. Some applicant tracking systems dont allow candidates to submit them. If thats the case, you dont have worry about. In all other cases? You better!How important is acover letter?About 26% of recruitersread cover letters and consider them important in thei r decision to hire. Another study on employer preference suggests that 56% want applicants to attach a cover letter to the resume.A CareerBuilder study found that 49% of HR managers consider a covering letter the second best thing to give your resume a boost (number one being customizing your resume.)What does that mean for you?Lets say that most recruiters dont read cover letters. But at the same time, halfdo expect to get one.Strange, right?Think about it this way: Even if recruiters dont read cover letters, they might want to pass them to the hiring manager or employer. If the company is small, employers read cover letters to vet their candidates. The fewer the applications, the easier it is to focus on each candidate.Plus, companies receive hundreds of resumes for most openings. To get the job done, they might reject resumes that are too long or are missing a cover letter.When not to include a cover letter?Short answer: when the job posting explicitly states you cannot submit a cover letter.Plus, no cover letter is better than a bad cover letter. (But we will show you how to write a short but perfect letter in a moment.)SoDo I need a cover letter?Only 47% of job seekers write cover letters. So, most applicants dont care for them. Dont join this crowd.Writing a cover letter is an extra hoop you choose to jump through, sure, but thats the point. See, an optional cover letter is not optional if youre serious about the job. Full-time, part-time or an internship53% of employers think a resume is not enough.So, yes, you have to write a cover letter for your resume. Especially, if you need to explain employment gaps or if youre changing careers. Read on to find out how to make your cover letter a game-changer.Heres an example of a cover letter that will show you why it mattersJane Smith123 Magnolia StreetFlowerville, Minnesota 78954213-444-8576jane.smith@gmail.comFebruary 10, 2018Mr. John SmithCEOBloomingfields Marketing4587 Iris StreetFlowerville, Minnesota 7895 4Dear Mr. Smith,I am writing to you out of interest for the position of Marketing Manager that I was told about by Penny Armstrong.I can offer you the skills and experience Ive gained from three years as a Marketing Manager at Blue Skies Marketing Solutions.My experience with brand management, interdepartmental marketing initiatives, and video marketing techniques should make me ideal for the position. I will also bring to the table my experience managing a team of up to twenty people across different countries.I understand that your new Marketing Manager is in charge of bringing Bloomingfields Marketing up to speed with the digital era. I would love to discuss with you how video marketing and brand management would play into this strategy.Please find my resume attached if youd like more details. I look forward to speaking with you during an interview. Please feel free to contact me at 213-444-8576 anytime during the day. Otherwise, I will be in touch after a week. Thank you once ag ain for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Jane SmithWhy is a cover letter necessary?It Introduces Jane to the hiring manager via Penny.It illustrates how Jane will add value to the company.It suggests that Jane has solutions for the company.It contains Janes contact information and availability.Janes cover letter puts everything John Smith could want at his fingertips.rightA short letter with 3 paragraphs. Focus on how you will add value to the company once hired.wrongA long love letter to the company. Detail your everlasting devotion and professional prowess.Pro Tip: What if there is no official opening? You will want to send a smart letter of interest that includes different content. You will need to provide a reason for applying to a company with no openings. So, personalization and knowledge of the company are more important in this situation.A short and sweet cover letter how-to will follow. However, you might want to follow up with our extra comprehensive guide: The Best H ow to Write a Cover Letter Guide on the Web2Heres How to Take Your Cover Letter to the Next LevelSo, should you write a cover letter? Yes.What can you do to take yours to the next level?A cover letter is important for three things:Explain how you will bring value to the company.Touch on whats most important to the hiring manager.Tailor a few skills and achievements to match the desires of the hiring manager.But how do you know what they want? Here comes the best part:Its all written in the job offer.Unless someone referred you or you know the hiring managerthen you have an insiders perspectiveso go with that.Its pretty simple. Youll start by referring to your most recent, relevant job in your first line.Where + Title + How LongrightI can offer you the skills and experience Ive gained from three years as a Marketing Manager at XXYY.wrongI am a Marketing Manager seeking to be a Marketing Manager at your company.Next, highlight a few skills, achievements, or projects. Choose things tha t will illustrate how you will be a valuable hire. Tailor your answers to the company, individual, and job offer.rightMy experience with brand management, interdepartmental marketing initiatives, and video marketing techniques should make me ideal for the position. I will also bring to the table my experience managing a team of up to twenty people across different countries.wrongI am great at writing copy, making brochures, and handling external and internal communications. I am proficient at emailing, creating pdfs, and editing text from translators. Thats why I would be the best person for the job.Dont list day-to-day responsibilities, especially if you listed them on your resume. Also, stay away from claiming that youre the best person for the job. Thats for the hiring manager to decide. Claiming that in your cover letter makes you sound arrogant.Finally, you may want to consider adding a third paragraph that ties up everything. Use it to explain how your experience and skills wi ll translate to success in the new role.rightI understand that your new Marketing Manager is in charge of bringing XXOO up to speed with the digital era. I would love to discuss with you how video marketing and brand management would play into this strategy.Why is the company hiring? They may be looking for someone who can offer solutions. If you have an idea of what they may need, pitch it.wrongI read somewhere that you like Kung Fu movies. I like Karate. We should discuss.Dont be creepy.Pro Tip: The worst thing that you can do with your cover letter is to repeat your resume. Cover letters matter because they reflect and compliment resumes. Not repeat them.Think youre ready to send your resume and cover letter? You may want to find out how. Read our guide: How to Email Your Resume to Get More Job Offers (Examples)3Heres How to Layout a Professional Cover LetterThe cover letter format is the same as it is for most business letters.Heres an example of a professional cover letter layo ut from our cover letter builder:Sample cover letter created using Zety. Pick a template and write your cover letter here.To start, align your text to the left and add:Your Contact InformationThe DateThe Employers Contact InformationrightJane Smith123 Magnolia StreetFlowerville, Minnesota 78954213-444-8576jane.smith@gmail.comFebruary 10, 2018Mr. John SmithCEO Bloomingfields4587 Iris StreetFlowerville, Minnesota 78954wrongJane Smithilovehotdogs@hotmail.comFebruary 2018CEO BloomingfieldsNote that you dont need to include your address, especially if the job is in a different city. Be sure to include a professional email address. Also, be sure to address the letter to the person who will read it.Next, add a cover letter greeting.rightDear John SmithwrongTo whom it may concern,If you cant find the hiring managers name on the job offer, call the company.If all else fails, write:Dear Hiring Manager,Follow the greeting with:The IntroductionThe Hook (23 paragraphs)The ConclusionYour introduc tion should include a personable introduction to yourself. Also, mention the position for which youre applying.rightI am writing to you out of interest for the position of Marketing Manager that I was told about by Penny Armstrong.wrongMy name is Sally. I found your job ad for a Marketing Manager on Monster.com. I want to be a Marketing Manager.Remember to make the introduction personable and interesting. Start with something that will spark the interest of the hiring manager. Got stuck as soon as you typed Dear John? This guide will help you: How to Start a Cover Letter: Sample Complete Guide [20+ Examples]As for the conclusion, consider including:A Call to ActionInterview me!AvailabilityContact InformationReference to ResumeGratituderightPlease find my resume attached if youd like more details. I look forward to speaking with you during an interview. Please feel free to contact me at 123-456-7788 anytime during the day. Otherwise, I will be in touch after a week. Thank you once a gain for your time and consideration.wrongThank you for reading. Please call me at 123-456-7788 for an interview.Finish your cover letter with a closing salutation and your name.Sincerely,Jane SmithPro Tip: For business and cover letters, there are several appropriate closing salutations. You can use Sincerely, Regards, Yours Truly, and Yours Sincerely. Its up to you.By the way, there is a secret weapon that works wonders when ending a cover letter. Most employers will stop and think, Ah, interesting!even if they dont read the whole thing. Learn how to seal the deal from this guide: How to End a Cover Letter: Sample Complete Guide [+20 Examples]Now, about your important cover letterYoure almost done. However, theres one thing even candidates with eye-candy resumes get wrong.Its their cover letter template.How so? They usually just write their cover letter in MS Word and call it a day.But, just look at this matching cover letter and resume set. Notice how professional and balanced i t looks.Now thats a polished applicationMatching cover letter and resume set. Pick a template and write your cover letter here.Ready for that new dream job?Key TakeawayYes, many recruiters dont read cover letters. But its always important to include a cover letter with your application and use it to explain things your resume might miss. Even if you choose to write a short, simple one, awell-written cover letter can be the thing that lands you the job.Dont miss out. Give the hiring manager what they need. Send that cover letter!Have you ever impressed the employer with your letter so much they simply had to meet you? Tell us your story in the comments. We would love to learn what you think!