BY ALISON DOYLE Updated March 30, 2018 Do you need to write a cover letter for a job? You may feel as though the document is unnecessary since you are already providing a resume with plenty of information Not so! A cover letter serves an important purpo: it presents the case for why you should be hired and distinguishes you from other candidates. Your cover letter is where you can show your passion for the position and the company, and highlight relevant qualifications. Many employers require cover letters as part of the job application process. However, even when an employer does not explicitly ask for a cover letter, you should send one ‘A strong cover letter can make your application stand out from the crowd Review these tips for writing and sending a cover letter. Then, use the cover letter sample below as a guide for when you write your cover letter. Do Send a Cover Letter Even when an employer does not directly ask for one, be sure to always to send a cover letter. When shouldn't you send a cover letter? The only time you should avoid sending ‘a cover letter is when a job listing explicitly says not to send one. In that situation, its more important to follow the directions on the job listing, Highlight Relevant Qualifications - address the top skills and abilies you have that match the job should select the qualifications that are most relevant to theReview the job description and try to determine which qualifications seem to add the most value to the position. Provide a specific example of a time you demonstrated each of these qualifications, Customize Each Letter While it might seem tedious, you should always customize each letter to fit the specific job for which you are applying. Afterall, an effective cover letter must illustrate how your experience matches up to the requirements outlined in the Jb listing, Failing to do so can quickly get your application eliminated from the pool. Explain Anything You can use your Cover letter to go into detail about Something in your resume that needs explaining. For example, a cover letter is a great place to talk about a career shift or to in extended gay Edit, Edit, Edit mpl nt. Be sure to thoroughly and spelling errors, over letter, read samples like the one below, as well as cover nb {0 tailor any example or template to fit your ownon lene -g CRP : eegieua NOK: sequin euoud 190A @pog diz ‘2121S “AUD INCA — ssauppy sno, WEN INO, awNsay B10} 199197] Jaap ajdures jaweu Auedwico oy) pue ‘apn qo! au) uoeynjes ay) ayepdn 0} 49610) },UOp "JUa}UOI OU} Bunjeam) 0} uoN!ppe uj 40) Aidde noA 1d oyoads yore 4 0} J}}9] J8N09 INOA y1oMal SABMIe “JOPUILLIAI © Sy “Buridde ase Nok yorum of ayy pue puncs649eq UMO INOA yoyewW O} BSN no sajdwes Aue soje) 0} 91s 9g ‘UONesIdSUI JO} ‘Mojaq AUO BY) OH!) ‘ajdwes 2099 J9N09 B Asn OS|e UD nov eu eys ay) Woy JYHU y HuMe6 uo own 9] puads ues nok ‘Kem yey) ‘Buyum papeys 796 nok 210/94 0} Soe) 1 YeYM UMM JlasINOA ezuENWE) 0} eop! 12016 & ayand editing skills. For example As legislative director, | have developed strong writing ae slat cone of my main duties is to prepare Assemblywoman XXXX'S personal legis! se 5 Assem! wich deals with issues related to her position as Senior Member of the NYS ly Standing Committee. This duty requires meticulous writing and editing skills, and an ability to convey complex legal ideas clearly. I have prepared dozens of pieces of legislation and received praise for the clarity of my writing have also gained extensive experience in legal and policy research — fields that you state the author's assistant must be familiar with. My experience in the NYS Assembly has afforded me the opportunity to become familiar with the consolidated and unconsolidated laws of the State of New York. In particular, through my work with Assemblywoman XXXX, | have become heavily involved in the current welfare and Medicaid reform movement. | am always eager to learn more about state legislation, reading up on these topics on my own time to become more knowledgeable. | would love to bring this passion for policy and law to your company. Lam confident that my experience in the Legislature and my research and writing skills qualify me for consideration. If you would like, | can provide you with current samples of my work. | have also enclosed my resume. | look forward to meeting with you and discussing my qualifications in more detail Sincerely, Signature (hard copy letter) FirstName LastName Sending an Email Cover Letter Ifyou're sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the job title in the subject, line of the email message. Include your contact information in your email signature, butgon't list the employer's contact information. Skip the date, and start your email message with the salutation Ready to get started? You can feview 10+ free cover letter exams for more t sy S inspiration. Or, follow our guide on how to write a cover letter in 5 eas 2