Cover Letter - The Importance

I've seen a lot people complain about losing out on a beautiful opportunity to work in a company of their choice. They miss out on their dream job and they bemoan their loss. It makes one wonder what the problem could be since they're brilliant and quite capable of performing. This happens to fresh graduates especially. Why could be the problem, you may ask?

Last week, a friend was complaining about how poor the application emails she got for a job opening were. At some point, she got so angry that she started replying to tell them exactly why they wouldn't be considered for the job. What did they do? They sent their CV without a cover letter. Shocking, I know. But it happens all the time. It's more surprising because it is expected that they should already know this. Unfortunately, most people still don't.

Covers letters apply to almost all types of emails. There's always need for one except the instructions specifically say to not include it. And it's very simple to write. For instance, if you're submitting an entry for fiction writing, you could go like this:

Dear Fiction Editor 

Please find attached for your consideration my previously unpublished (word count here) words fiction short story, (title here)

This is not a simultaneous submission.

You can then proceed to add your contact address and a short biography of it was requested. Note that the bio is usually written in second person.

The same thing is applicable for a job application. Your qualifications and experiences are already listed in your CV. No need to do that again except it was requested. Sometimes, they may request you send an application letter together with your CV. Write it out with the necessary details.

The position you're applying for.

What you're hoping to accomplish.

Your strengths, skills and experiences

Go straight to the point and don't ramble.

Don't add more that required.

When the above is done right. You can be res assured that you'd get that interview and everything works out from there. 

Happy job hunting.