Cover Letter – Yay or Nay?

This week I saw a post from Daniel Abrahams .

He asked whether job seekers should include a cover letter in their application.

If you have been following the online community, especially LinkedIn, you will notice that this is a hugely debated topic.

It’s probably one of the most contested topics on LinkedIn, and I don’t know why.

While many professionals think it should be sustained, others believe it’s unnecessary and adds more workload for job seekers.

But What Really Is A Cover Letter?

From my perspective, a cover letter is a credential attached to your resume and used to communicate to potential employers why you are fit for a role.

Yes, you might argue that that’s what a resume does. It’s not incorrect; however, a cover letter can move you from zero to hero if used effectively.

Anyway, I responded to the LinkedIn post to share my thoughts, and I would also share it with you.

Here’s What You Should Do

I believe you should attach a cover letter to your job application even though it’s optional if you:

• truly love the role – because you don’t mind going to extra lengths for the job you truly love
• are a student or graduate- because you probably have no or limited experience, and your resume might look unimpressive without a cover letter
• are switching careers – because you need to state why you are changing your career. Your resume might not tell the whole story.
• you have great writing and marketing skills – because you have skills that can give you an edge

Why You Should Consider A Cover Letter

A cover letter can be a secret weapon to landing your dream role if used effectively.

• It helps you tell a story. You can use a tone that connects directly to the hiring manager.
• It gives you an edge over those who did not submit one
• It helps you tell the employer that you are willing to go the extra step to make a case for yourself.
• It provides an indirect opportunity to make a case if you are not a true fit.

I hope my framework will help you decide whether you need a cover letter.

Let me know what you think.

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