Should I or shouldn’t I? This is the question many job seekers are asking nowadays. While CV’s are considered as the most important part of a job application, some might argue that a cover letter is even of a greater importance. According to the Bayt.com “Hiring Practices in the Middle East and North Africa” survey, around 40% of job seekers attach a cover letter along with their applications. The rest rely solely on their CVs, which is not always the best approach towards job opportunities. If you don’t write a cover letter, or need re-convincing for some reason, here is why a cover letter is still a vital part of your job application process:
1. A cover letter is your CV’s soulmate
Your CV and cover letter are meant for each other. They’re like ying and yang, or two synchronized batteries. All the cheesy metaphors aside, your CV is great at giving an overview of your career, skills and achievements. However, it is incapable of going into detail and giving that personal touch. A cover letter does not only complement your CV by elaborating on the positions and experiences you’ve listed in your CV, it also reveals specific details that your employer might be looking for in a candidate but you weren’t able to fit in your CV.
2. A cover letter is your representative
The aim of the cover letter is to convince the employer that you are a perfect fit for their company, culture, and goals. Way before the interview, and way before you can represent yourself, the cover letter takes on that role and markets you to the employer in order to get that job interview. Because the cover letter is in a letter format (literally), it gives your application that human and interactive aspect and can speak on your behalf in your tone of voice, style, and (hopefully) conviction.
3. A cover letter is your personal introduction
The CV that you apply with can be comprehensive, but it shouldn’t be too long, especially if you are a fresh graduate or in your early career. Your CV should make the employer interested in knowing more about you but not lost or overwhelmed with details. Enter cover letter! A cover letter reveals more about your skills and what exactly you have done during your time at certain companies. For example, instead of simply knowing that you have generated leads for the sales department, your cover letter can explain how you did that and the percentage increase that you’ve accomplished.
4. A cover letter is your fortune teller
Most important of all, the cover letter must explain to the employer why you are the right person for the job on hand. Your cover letter shouldn’t talk about your past experiences alone, as it should concentrate on what you will be doing to make the company a better place, accomplish the business goals, fulfill your job duties effectively, etc. Anybody can talk about their past, but not everyone has a vision and a plan for the future. Your cover letter should reflect yours.
Ok, now that you know how essential writing a cover letter is, you can get started with this cover letter guide.
You can also request a professionally written cover letter from Bayt.com’s career experts.
