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Your parents used cover letters, your older siblings used cover letters, but should you? In a landscape of changing technology and new hiring techniques, it can be difficult to know what the right choice is to land you the job. You may see some postings that don’t require cover letters but wonder if you should still write one to cover your bases. The quick answer is yes, but this post will detail why.

The Benefits of a Cover Letter

Cover letters are valuable because they help you truly explain how you fit the position. There’s no better way to sell yourself as an ideal candidate before the interview. A properly written cover letter can advertise your abilities and gives you a chance to discuss any specific situations that would help or hurt your job search. For example, if you had a year between jobs a resume would show a gap. In a cover letter, you can explain the circumstances, for example, you were taking coursework to further your education, or you spent that time volunteering to grow your relationships in the community. If you want a chance to impress a hiring manager in person, a great cover letter is your best bet.

Cover Letter Challenges

Composing a personalized cover letter for a great position can be time-consuming and tricky. Composing ten while you’re on the job hunt? Incredibly overwhelming. It’s hard to justify spending so much time and attention on a letter that a hiring manager may just skip or even trash. You have to work smart when it comes to hiring.

Let Your Resume Do the Work

Although cover letters can help you gain credibility, sometimes they aren’t necessary. If you’re looking for industrial or construction positions, a cover letter may waste your time. Instead, focus on an impressive resume. If you’re not sure your cover letter will be read, don’t invest time in it. Focus on using dynamic descriptors in your resume, and using language in your resume that relates directly to the job requirements. If your resume is selected, you’ll have time to prove yourself in an interview.

The Bottom Line

If your cover letter doesn’t help your cause, don’t submit it. Anything poorly written or irrelevant should be left out. If a listing specifically says not to submit a cover letter, follow that instruction. Even if you want to include extra efforts to prove you’re a great candidate, going against directions in a job post can be seen as disruptive or just plain annoying. If you can’t follow the rules, you’re not suited for the role. If you’re truly not sure what to do, follow directions and take no extra efforts to give you the best chance at success.

Find Your Next Job with Davis Staffing

As a candidate, you need every advantage to find the right job. To gain access to the best job boards, you need Davis Staffing. We can help you review your options and pair you with the best Chicago jobs for your abilities. Check out our website today to learn more about working with a top staffing agency in Chicago.

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