Are cover letters really necessary?
There is perhaps some debate as to whether or not cover letters are really necessary. In these days of social media and online profiles can you get by with just a resume and some additional info posted on Linkedin or Facebook?
According to experts such as Susan Heathfield, About.com’s Guide to Human Resources,

“Your cover letter is particularly important. It’s the job searcher’s opportunity to help the potential employer see that the applicant’s skills and experience match what the employer seeks…a well-written cover letter distinguishes your application.”

In fact, there are some strong arguments that cover letters are just as important as resumes. Whether you are mailing, faxing, emailing, or posting your resume, it is a good idea to include a cover letter. Resumes are a standard format and can be limited in how you can specialize them for the job or company you are applying to. Cover letters offer a great opportunity for you to customize your application further, and bring special attention to what makes you the best candidate for the job.

The Goal of a Cover Letter

Your cover letter and resume should be thought of as a “team” that works together to achieve the goal of getting an interview. Your cover letter has great potential to assist in this process, so don’t waste the opportunity by giving a superficial overview, dry biography, or simply talking “big” about yourself. An effective cover letter should:

• clearly support your resume in getting you an interview
• bring special attention to what makes you the best candidate
• answer some basic questions an employer might have such as: Are you be right for the job? Do you have special experiences or assets valuable for this position?
• explain any points of concern or fill in any gaps that may be found in your resume such as: Why do you want to work overseas or in another city? You have only worked in one company to date so are you able to adjust to a new work environment easily? Your last job experience was rather short are you committed for long term? Do you actually have experience in all these listed company languages?
• be the correct type of cover letter for the situation

Types of Cover Letters

Apart from an individual’s personal style, there are a variety of types of cover letters depending on the situation.
Your cover letter should be targeted to the jobs you are applying for and you should make sure to choose the correct type of cover letter for the situation – requesting a meeting, applying for a specific job, or sending an unsolicited cover letter to a company or recruiting firm.

Basically, cover letters can be broken down into the following:

Advertisement Response to a Company or Recruiter
This is an application type of letter directly applying for a specific job opening in response to an advertisement.

Cold solicitation to a Company or Recruiter (or letter of interest)
This is a kind of prospecting letter which inquires about possible job openings at a company or recruiting firm.

Referral Letter
This is another type of application letter but in this case you mention the name of the person who referred you to this job opening.

Networking Letter
As the name suggests, networking letters are about tapping your network to request job search advice and or assistance.

Follow-Up Letter
Follow-up letters are very straight forward – letters that you write to follow up on previous correspondence

Cover letters should be printed on quality paper and include date, contact name, title, company name and address. Use both a simple opening using Dear Mr. or Ms., and closing with your name and signature.
In the case where you don’t have the actual contact name it is fine to address the letter to the Human Resources Department.

To be effective, your cover letter should follow the basic format of a typical business letter and should address three general issues:

Letter Format

To be effective, your cover letter should be as simple as possible but still illustrate all your key points clearly. As a rule, try to keep it down to no more than four paragraphs and you should address three general issues:

First paragraph – Why you are writing

This part of your letter depends on whether you are writing a response to an advertisement, a prospecting letter, or a networking letter. You should clearly state the reason why you are writing accordingly and If known you should indicate where you learned of the position.

Second/Third paragraph – What you have to offer

If you are responding directly to an advertisement, you should refer specifically to the qualifications listed and illustrate how your particular abilities and experiences are a good match. Make an effort to capture the reader’s attention by expressing your enthusiasm and draw parallels between the company and your career objectives.

Concluding Paragraph: How you will follow-up

Close by reiterating your interest in the position and company, let the employer know how they can reach you and include your (phone number and/or email address) and include a follow-up time frame. Thank them for their time and consideration. Be sure to do your follow-up within the given time frame

Follow Up

It is a good idea to keep copies of cover letters for reference when following up with employers. If you have not heard from an employer within two to three weeks of submitting a resume, or within the given time frame in your cover letter it is acceptable to follow up by letter, email, or telephone. It is important to note that some employers may not get back to you simply because of time and it is important not to take this personally or do anything to jeopardize any future chances you might have.