Do Recruiters Really Read Cover Letters? Find Out Today

Do you ever get the feeling that you cover letter is just a repeated summary of what is in your CV?

If you ask me, I think it’s a tedious task!

I don’t know about you, but I have found myself writing a cover letter just for the sake it. At the back of my mind I’m thinking, “It’s just a formality, nobody will focus too much on it.”

Therefore the question is, will my potential employer really read my cover letter or will he/she dive right into my CV?

Some 4 possible reasons why you might be ignoring writing a cover letter could be:

1. You assume the recruiter won’t go through it
2. You think it’s a waste of time
3. You are unsure of how to craft it therefore ignore it all-together
4. You’re too lazy to do it

Today we answer that age-old question of the relevance of cover letters in job hunting.

To write a cover letter or not? The answer is DEFINATELY YES!

Research has found out that the importance of cover letters cannot be downplayed neither have cover letters become obsolete.

Actually, a well-articulated and presented cover letter alone has the potential to land you a job without the recruiter having to go into the finer details in your CV.

Top 5 reasons why you need a well-crafted cover letter in your job search:

1. A cover letter captures the interest of a recruiter

From your cover letter alone, a recruiter should be able to have an overall understanding of your expertise and what you will bring to the table should you be employed.

Your cover letter basically sums up your skills by encouraging the recruiter to read and enquire more.

A cover letter should sell your CV!

Must Read >>> How to Write a Cover Letter and Win Over Recruiters

2. A cover letter sells your best skills

A cover letter should be a well put down document that is meant to sell you. If you are putting yourself out in the market, you only want to portray your best attributes.

You will put forth a convincing argument to win others over to you and buy into what you’re selling.

Your cover letter therefore should market only your best skills in order to hook the recruiter.

3. Cover letters greatly increase your chances of getting interview callbacks

If you have been applying for jobs with complete disregards for a cover letter even when it’s required of you, you have been sabotaging your call back chances for an interview.

While few recruiters don’t dwell much on cover letters, it is a reflection of your character. Your cover letter will reduce the tedious work of having to analyze your entire 5-page CV.

4. A cover letter quickly analyses whether you are the best fit for the job

You might be applying for a job that calls for a good combination of soft and hard skills. You have in very clear detail indicated these skills in your CV.

But have you ever thought the recruiter may not actually look at your CV? Hence, the recruiter will use your cover letter to make a decision as to whether you match the position or you are applying for the wrong job.

5. A cover letter will detail your contribution to the company

A cover letter should summarize what value you will bring to the organization. As you craft it, think about whether your statements will resonate with the vision and core values of that organization. P

Please bear in mind that a cover letter should not only focus on your technical or hard skills but use it an opportunity to show how you can creatively contribute to organizational growth.

Read Also >>> Avoid These 3 Mistakes When Writing A Cover Letter

Having discussed this,

I am confident that the next time you sit down to craft that cover letter you will take your time, arrange your thoughts in a chronological manner and bring out the best in you.

Use the cover letter as bait to get the recruiters to your CV, attend an interview and finally land that job you have earnestly sought after.

Esther Kamau works for Corporate Staffing Services Limited, a leading HR Consultancy Firm that provides recruitment and FREE job placement service. For more information please visit their website on www.corporatestaffing.co.ke