Question 1

Can I skip including a cover letter?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is: no. Skipping a cover letter puts you at a disadvantage. Writing a cover letter accomplishes several critical tasks. First, it allows you to show employers that you can communicate effectively. Second, it will enable you to provide detailed information about your most impressive professional achievements. Finally, it demonstrates that you are willing to go the extra mile to get the job you want.

Question 2

What do employers look for in a cover letter?

Accepted Answer

Like learning how to write a resume, writing a cover letter that will grab a hiring manager’s attention is a skill. When reading a cover letter, employers are looking for evidence that you can clearly communicate your most impressive skills and experience. They want to understand how your background aligns with the requirements of the role at hand and how your work in past roles impacted the organization’s success or bottom line. Be sure to highlight your most relevant experience and accomplishments in your cover letter by using data and metrics to show a hiring manager what you’ll bring to the table if hired.

Question 3

Do I need to customize my cover letter for each job I apply for?

Accepted Answer

Hiring managers look at cover letters to see whether a candidate understands what the company does and whether the applicant’s skills and experience match the requirements of the job. To accomplish this, it’s critical to customize your cover letter for each job. Each cover letter you write should convey how your skills and experience can positively impact the company if you are hired for the position in question. This can’t be conveyed in a one-size-fits-all letter. To customize your cover letter for each role, study the job description and focus your letter on the skills and experience outlined there.

Question 4

How long should my cover letter be?

Accepted Answer

A cover letter should be no longer than one page in length. To keep it concise, don’t waste space repeating information that an employer can find on your resume. Instead, focus on expanding by providing additional details about your experience or your work’s impact on the bottom line. Using bullet points on your cover letter can help pack in more information and add impact.

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