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As a recruiter of 23 years and counting, I will confess, I rarely look at cover letters. When I do, it’s because there is something unexplained in the CV that the cover letter may answer before I pick up the phone to talk to the candidate. And that is kinda the crux of it for a good agency recruiter, we pick up the phone and talk to candidates.
When a candidate applies to one of my advertised roles, I’m not just considering that person for that particular role, I’m interested in that person for other current roles or future roles. They may not be suitable for the role they applied for, but I’m still going to contact them because I see the value of their skills for other clients. This is why recruiters don’t rely too much on cover letters.
However, if you are applying directly to the hiring organisation, then a cover letter specifically written with that particular job in mind allows you to highlight certain areas you think would make you the right fit for the role. It can be a more effective way to stand out from the other applicants beyond just a CV. Writing cleverly composed cover letters gives the hirer an insight into your personality, drive and what you can bring to the new position. Your CV should be concise, so your cover letter is the perfect way to highlight and elaborate on your achievements.
Traditionally, a cover letter was the cover page for your curriculum vitae and would be read first; however, today, your CV is usually what will be considered first - whether going via a recruitment agency or direct. Your cover letter could help persuade the hirer to take you to the next round in the process, so whilst they are not as originally intended, they are still being read and considered.
ResumeGo recently conducted a survey that showed that applications with tailored-to-role cover letters were well over 50 per cent more likely to be invited for an interview. The research showed that this figure dropped to almost 20 per cent for applications with generic cover letters and almost zero for those who didn't include any cover letter at all. Personalised cover letters are far superior to generic letters.
Many job applications request that you include a cover letter with your curriculum vitae, so you must include one. You don't want a prospective employer to think you cannot follow instructions. Whilst it's essential that you understand whether a cover letter is requested or not, as an applicant, you might also deem one necessary; perhaps you want to highlight a particular aspect of your personality, a skill in your armoury that makes you stand out from the crowd, highlight transferable skills, how you’ve transitioned to different jobs, explain any employment gaps, why you want to apply for an out-of-area role and if you have any personal connections or have been recommended for the role.
Some tips on writing a good cover letter
What NOT to include
Remember that recruiters and hiring managers read hundreds of cover letters, many of which will include phrases that will be ignored.
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Sydney, 2000
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