Do you actually require a Job cover letter if a company does not inquire for one? Composing a lot of cover letters during a job search can be problematic and time-consuming. Due to this, it is not surprising that candidates often hesitate to involve a cover letter when it is not explicitly needed by an employer.
If you are wondering if you should involve a cover letter, the short answer is yes. You should almost always submit a cover letter, even if it is not required, but there are a few exceptions.
First, let’s look at why cover letters have value.
Reason to Write a Job Cover Letter
If you are serious about landing the job, a well-written job cover letter gives you a possibility to sell yourself to the interviewer in a narrative format, and explain why you’re an ideal candidate. A cover letter also affords you the chance to mention your strongest qualifications.
An effective, customized cover letter will also make it obvious that you’re highly interested in the job. That is because it indicates the hiring manager that you need the job enough to take the time to go the extra distance.
A cover letter also offers you a chance to include details that your resume doesn’t contain. For instance, if you’re applying from a distance, your cover letter will enable you to present a rationale for relocation and to highlight that you’ll be in the area shortly for a possible interview. Gaps in employment with reasonable explanations can also be dealt in your letter. A cover letter is also a perfect place to give specific instances that show you’ve the skills and experience listed on your resume.
Furthermore, interviewers often hope to get cover letters even though they didn’t stipulate the requirement for a cover letter in their job advertisements. Candidates who do not take the time to compose a letter are often viewed as less motivated for the job. In many cases, employers won’t even look at a job application that doesn’t contain a cover letter or letter of interest.
When Not to Include a Job Cover Letter
No letter is much better than a poorly written one. A well-composed cover letter serves as a sample of your writing ability but, regrettably, the opposite is also true. If you do not have time to write a well-crafted cover letter that pitches your skills and positions you for the job, forego the effort.
Likewise, if the job application instructs that you should not include a cover letter, then it’s definitely best to follow directions so as not to annoy your potential employer.
Also, if the company inquires you to submit your application through an online platform, and there is no place for you to submit a cover letter, do not worry about it.