Cover Letters - what is the point of them?

We’re coming to the end of 2021, and you might be thinking, in 2022 I’m going to apply for a new job. It’s a great idea! A fresh start, turning over a new leaf, resolved to committing to change. Many applications I see these days don’t have cover letters, so I’d like to tell you why it’s worth your while to include one in your application, as personally, I find a lot of value in a good cover letter.

First, here’s some context: I cover the hiring for Industrial Light & Magic’s Vancouver studio for a variety of departments, with the larger ones I cover being Production and Technology. 

Now, if you are applying to ILM for a position which is 1:1 - i.e. you’re currently an FX Artist and are applying to an FX Artist position with us and provide a reel - I’m not exactly going to be wondering your motives behind your application.

However, if you are coming from a different industry or from a different role, as many who apply to Production or Technology roles do, then I want to know why you have decided to apply. Investment into the role you are applying to is an important factor in who we choose.

What should you include in a cover letter?

Firstly, here’s what a cover letter is not: a journal entry, your memoirs, an essay, a personals ad, a single line saying ‘I want this job.’ 

All you need to include in your cover letter are the 3 following points:

1. Why this job posting is of interest to you
2. What roles you’ve had that are most transferable, and why
3. Why this company is the one to which you have chosen to apply

It can be as simple as:

1. I saw your ad for (...) position, which interests me as I want to move into (...) industry because I would like my work to involve more (...).
2. My position at (...) is relevant because of (...). My hobby of (...) is an applicable transferable skill.
3. (...) company has values I respect, hence my application.

Sure, there may be many companies with similar values, but the company you are applying to will want to see that you’ll be invested in the company and the position.

Though the world of work is changing, and there are a lot of different ways for people to design a working environment that is suitable for them, it’s still likely that you will spend most of your week at work. For your benefit, I want you to like that work! For the company’s benefit, I'm certain that someone who likes where they work will bring that energy and enthusiasm with them each day, driving each task. 

So, let 2022 be the year that you include a cover letter. If not for you, at least for me.