What Is A Cover Letter
Many want to know what is a cover letter. Many want to know why it can not be ignored when it is actually the CV that contains all the critical information about a prospective candidate. Some even think that it could be detrimental to deflect the attention of the recruiter from the CV with a cover letter. With how many of these statements do you agree?
Why The Cover Letter Is Needed?
There are many reasons why the cover letter is needed. The most important of them are listed below. This would answer the question on what is a cover letter the best. Check it out:
- Saves the recruiter time – the cover letter summarizes the most important aspects in the CV and therefore helps the recruiter decide faster whether or not the application is suitable or not. This is extremely important when the number of applications received is high and the recruiters have very limited time to make their decision.
- Markets your strengths – the cover letter actually markets your candidature to the recruiter by highlighting your skills and qualifications match to the job you are applying for. The better you do this, the better impact you would be able to create and thereby the higher the possibility to get the much coveted interview call.
- Showcases your professionalism – the way the cover letter is worded and formatted would draw the attention of the recruiter to the level of professionalism you could apply to the job. The cover letter is your visiting card – and very often the first impression that the recruiter makes when scanning your CV lasts throughout the process of selection.
- Indicates your interest – as important it is to have the right qualification the actual thirst to be part of the organization should come out clearly from the application. This is where the cover letter performs best. A neatly and professionally drawn up cover letter would indeed show that the candidate has taken great pains to be “presentable” for the recruiter. Many recruiters nowadays look first at those candidates who have expressed directly and indirectly their interest in being part of the company.
What Is A Cover Letter – Some Definitions
The answer to what is a cover letter is very complex and it would need sometime before you understand its real importance. The following definitions might help you:
- Passport - The best answer to what is a cover letter is that it is your passport to meet the recruiter for an interview. When written correctly and formatted in an up-to-date manner, the cover letter is enough to grab the attention of the recruiter long enough to appreciate your strengths and suitability to the job.
- Showcase – another word that would answer to what is a cover letter is ‘showcase’. The cover letter is the showcase of your best qualifications and skills with specific match to the job at hand. When this is made obvious to the recruiter it becomes easier for him/ her to see how suitable a candidate you are for the job.