Career Advice & News Center

What exactly does a cover letter do? A cover letter introduces you to the reader and gives information that a resume is not designed to provide. A cover letter tells the reader why you are sending your resume, why you are especially qualified for the position, and gives information about qualifications you have that are directly related to the requirements of the position.

What Makes a Great Cover Letter?

A great cover letter is often customized to the position being targeted and addresses the requirements of that position directly. Often, a cover letter can target qualifications that are not directly stated in the job description but can be a pivot point in the decision-making process. For example, an ad for a Store Manager requires what you would expect, such as the ability to multi-task, provide great customer service, and manage employees, etc. The resume of a qualified applicant would cover these requirements, but the resume may not note other benefits the applicant has that would be advantageous in this position. The cover letter can bring those benefits to light.

For instance, the cover letter for this position might state something like “While working at XYZ company as their Store Manager, I was honored to be selected to be photographed for that company’s new brochure due to implementing new merchandising concepts that rocketed sales.” By using the cover letter to communicate this information in a subtle way, the job seeker gains an advantage over other applicants and gets the interview.

Additional Information Can Be Included

Cover letters can cover lots of other data too. A cover letter can discuss relocation, education-in-progress, and other information that has no place on a resume. A cover letter can give details regarding the best times and methods of contact. A cover letter can also request confidentiality when the job seeker is currently employed and it is crucial to conduct a confidential job search.

Take a Team Approach Cover letters and resumes work best to boost a job search and should always be sent together. One complements the other just like wine and cheese. One may taste nice, but the two together tastes best.