3. A cover letter tests my interest in the position.
Writing a targeted cover letter rather than a form letter for a job can tell you if you’re enthusiastic about a position (or not). Can you easily pick out the parts of the job you want to talk about, that you want to do? If you can’t identify aspects of the job that
inspire or motivate you for a cover letter, there’s a good chance you aren’t that into the job.
4. Some recruiters dismiss application packages without a cover letter.
I’ve talked to recruiters who include a cover letter requirement in their job postings. Whether they read the cover letter or not, they may immediately dismiss applicants that don’t follow instructions.
5. Some recruiters do still read cover letters because they value the important information it includes.
If you’re applying to a small company, there’s a good chance someone will read your cover letter—so don’t assume it will automatically be ignored. Make your cover letter count.
I may be old-fashioned, but I think cover letters are an important part of the application packet. Employers look to them as a sign that applicants can follow instructions, and a passionate, compelling cover letter can signal
that you’re worthy of an interview. Most of all, in the rush of the job application process, composing a good cover letter is my reminder to slow down, to make sure that I’m pursuing a job that I want and that I’m proving my worth to a potential employer.
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!