Many placement consultants provide valuable information and tips to the candidates regarding the interview process and its intricate details. These consultancies have talked in detail about the process and how one should prep up for the same. The advice and tips have been given regarding the structuring of resume, grooming essentials, body language, communication style and appearance in detail. But there is one element that is the fundamental pointer of this entire process but not much has been said or heard about it until now. This is the cover letter. Well it might come as a surprise to many candidates that a cover letter is as important as the resume. Before getting in to the details of the cover letter, its importance and structuring elements, one needs to know what exactly is meant by a cover letter. It is defined as the letter of introduction that essentially highlights key accomplishments and expertise that is in line with the job profile. Now days, there are some companies who do not consider a resume if it is not accompanied by a cover letter. Hence it is essential to develop a cover letter individually for every job application to be sent.
The importance of cover letter are as follows:
- Firstly, online platforms now days provide the details of a candidate profile in a complete set. This means the recruiter already has a fair bit of idea about a candidate profile even before going through the long resume. The cover letter essentially shows the capabilities of candidate during work process and highlights achievements that help in determining the compatibility quotient. This can be in terms of crisis management, soft skills or team motivation. Usually it is a sum up of the USP of a candidate that makes him or her perfect choice for the profile.
- The cover letter is the representation of communication and organizational skills. A systematically structured cover letter that is tailored to the job profile rather than a generic essay conveys the seriousness towards the opportunity. It also shows the candidate knowledge about the position and its related skill set requirement. Overall it is like creating a first impression in front of the recruiter.
Hence, cover letter paves the way for an opportunity to knock at the door step. Therefore it is essential to remember certain pointers while constructing a cover letter.
- Before writing the cover letter it is essential to go through the job description of the position for which the application is sent. The cover letter should be designed accordingly for the maximum impact.
- While writing the cover letter, it is essential to make sure that the employer finds the key requirements highlighted for the profile. Only then, the resume is considered effective. So it needs to be structured in a professional manner.
Lastly one should remember that a resume accompanies the cover letter. So it should be made crisp and to the point so that the employers reaches out for the resume.