Should You Include A Cover Letter If It’s Not Required?
Source : About Careers
Do you really need a cover letter if a company doesn’t ask for one? Composing a lot of cover letters during a job search can be very challenging for job seekers.
It can be time consuming to write a letter specifically for every job you are applying for. So, it’s not surprising that applicants often ask if they need to include a cover letter when it is not explicitly required by an employer.
Do You a Need Cover Letter if the Employer Doesn’t Ask for One?
The simplest answer is Yes, if you really want the job. A well-written Cover Letter enables you to frame your candidacy and draw your employer’s attention to your most viable qualifications. An effective, customized cover letter will also make it clear that you are highly interested in the job, and that you want the job enough to take the time to write a cover letter.
A cover letter also provides an opportunity for explanation that your resume doesn’t allow. If you are applying from a distance, your cover letter will enable you to present a rationale for relocation and/or to mention that you will be in the area shortly for a possible interview. You can also address gaps in employment that have reasonable explanations in the letter.
Employers often expect to receive cover letters even though they didn’t actually list letters as a requirement in their job advertisements. Candidates who don’t take the time to compose a letter are often viewed as less motivated for the job.
In some cases, employers won’t even look at a job application that doesn’t contain a cover letter or letter of interest.
Keep it Short
Some job seekers are concerned about burdening busy recruiters with letters when they are not asked for. Make sure that your cover letters are concise (not more than one page with 3 – 5 paragraphs) and that every statement conveys something significant about your candidacy.
When Not to Include a Cover Letter
No letter may be better than a poorly written one. A well composed cover letter serves as a sample of your writing ability but, unfortunately, the opposite is also true. If you don’t have time to write a strong cover letter that pitches your skills for the job, don’t bother to write one at all.
If the job application instructs that you should not include a cover letter, then it’s definitely best to follow directions so as not to annoy your potential employer.
The Cover Letter is of great importance as it supports the information on your CV by providing a deeper explanation, so handle it with great concern.
