Do I Need a Cover Letter to Get Hired?
Job searching continues to evolve, and what was once a best practice may no longer be relevant. Cover letters are debatable in 2022, with some recruiters and hiring managers who use them to heavily influence their decisions, while others may barely glance at them. Since there are no clear cut rules, you can use these factors to determine if you need a cover letter to get hired:
It’s Clearly Listed as a Requirement
First and foremost, carefully review the job posting instructions to decide if a cover letter is listed as a requirement. If so, it is essential to submit one – even if your resume is outstanding, many hiring managers will not be willing to give a chance to a candidate who fails to follow instructions or lacks clear attention to detail.
You Are Directly Reaching Out
When you are not applying directly via an online application system, it is necessary to write a cover letter. For example, if you are reaching out to a hiring manager because you were given a personal recommendation from a contact in your network, it would be beneficial to include a cover letter with that information to help get your resume a closer look.
Additional Context is Needed
Your resume often doesn’t provide all the necessary details regarding your professional circumstances. If additional context is needed, such as if you are returning to the workforce and have gaps in employment, changing careers, or applying for a higher level position than you’ve held in the past, a cover letter is an ideal opportunity for you to tell your story.
You Want a Chance to Stand Out
Your resume has a limited capacity for highlighting your qualifications and accomplishments. When you want a chance to stand out and explain what makes you the best choice for the role, a cover letter can help with that. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your written communication skills and provide a personal tone that a resume alone cannot.
Explore Your Job Options
Find opportunities that are right for you by working with an experienced staffing agency like PrideStaff Akron. Our team of recruiters can match you with the jobs that are the best match from employers across industries. Search our database of current available jobs to get started.
