Must Read!!! Importance Of A Cover Letter in Kenya

What is the importance of a cover letter or application letter? A cover letter is a letter of introduction where you show the recruiter your accomplishments and why exactly you are the right fit for the job. It therefore goes without saying that it is an important part of your job application.
However, most people see this as a waste of time because most of the times the recruiters don’t go through it and jump right into the CV.
The important thing to remember is that you would rather send the application letter and not have it reviewed than miss out on a job opportunity because you didn’t send one. Unless the organisation clearly states that you should only send your CV, it is best to always use the CV and cover letter.

What Is The Importance Of A Cover Letter?

1. Helps focus the application to the specific job
One importance of a cover letter is to ensure that you don’t have to change your CV every time you apply for a job unless it is completely necessary.
This is because every job application should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for, the cover letter which should never be the same for any two jobs; helps customize your application to the specific job without having to edit your CV.
2. Grabs the recruiters attention
Another obvious reason why you should always send a cover letter is the fact that it works to grab the attention of the hiring manager which then makes them interested in your CV.
So many applications get thrown out just by glancing at the cover letters, you do not want yours to be among them.
“By looking at someone’s cover letter you will be able to tell if this person is qualified for the position and if they will be a great fit for the role,” says Muthoni Ndegwa a recruitment manager at a leading recruitment firm in Kenya.
This means that not only should you have a cover letter but you should also ensure that it is well written and showcases your skills well.
3. A cover letter showcases your skills
The cover letter is supposed to show the recruiter your skills and what makes you the best choice for the job. This means that you need to ensure that what you put into your cover letter skills that make you seem like the best candidate.
Go out of the way to promote your skills. Explain the responsibilities you were tasked with in your previous job and how your experience has been shaped by these responsibilities.
Remember that, your cover letter is the best way to show who you are and impress the hiring manager into giving you a shot.
4. It will help show your interest in the company
There is nothing that impresses a recruiter more than someone who is enthusiastic about working for them. You need to use your cover letter to show them that there is no other company you would rather work for.
A good way to sell your self to the company is by showing how you really want to work for the company without coming off as desperate. Having a cover letter ill help you do that.
 5. It will also help detail your contribution to the company
When it comes to hiring, most employers look at what a candidate will do for them and not necessarily the other way round. As such, you need to ensure that your application clearly shows them how you will be beneficial to the company.
Your CV will not give you this opportunity which is yet another reason why you should send a cover letter. In the cover letter ensure you talk about what you bring to the table and how this will impact the organisation in a positive manner.
In Conclusion,
As you can see, the importance of a cover letter cannot be ignored, whether you feel the need to or not having a cover letter as part of your job application is a great way to improve your chances of getting a job.
READ ALSO >>> What To Check Before Sending Your Cover Letter
However, some organisations ask you to only send in your CV, if this is the case then you should not send a Cover Letter as well. You can however have a small introduction in your email.
By Michelle Wanjiku
The writer is a Communication Officer/Digital Marketer at Career Point Kenya.