What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

Some companies require a cover letter, and some don’t. This secondary role is often the reason why the importance and purpose of a cover letter get ignored when crafting a resume.

Why resumes are important is pretty self-explanatory—these documents serve as a tool for showcasing your skills, knowledge, and experience of the job. While the magnitude of the resume is obvious, the same thing can’t be said about cover letters, and that’s why companies seldom ask for them.

But even when the company you’re applying for doesn’t ask you for a cover letter, it can be smart to complement it with a cover letter anyway. Resumes tend to be in-your-face and straight to the point. Certainly, they can use some easing into, and a cover letter serves as the perfect way to prepare recruiters and hiring managers for what’s to come.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a short message sent with a resume where applicants introduce themselves and express their interest in the job position. It can contain additional information that elaborates or clarifies items in the resume that can cause some confusion, such as a lengthy career hiatus or short stays at previous jobs. It can also be used to emphasize a referral, especially if that someone is in good standing with the company. It’s also an effective method for establishing rapport. In a nutshell, a well-written single-page cover letter allows you to elevate your resume from the rest of the heap.

These are the main things to know about the cover letter you’re about to write:

• A typical cover letter is one page in length, usually between 250-400 words. The goal is to keep it brief and to the point. Still, it must provide enough information to get the employer’s interest without overwhelming them.
• This letter is supposed to be professional yet personable. Employers prefer a formal business letter format. It should feature a clean, readable font like Arial or Times New Roman in size 10-12. The margins should be standard, and the text is usually aligned to the left. Cover letters should avoid slang or overly casual language. But letting a bit of your personality shine through is still essential.

What does a cover letter include?

To show you why a cover letter is so important, we should first go through the details it includes. In essence, it shows the hiring manager who you are. When compared to the resume, it gives you much more space for your personality to shine through.

A standard cover letter has three sections:

• Introduction — It’s where you’re supposed to grab the reader’s attention. Start the cover letter by introducing yourself and stating the position you’re applying for. The intro also gives you space to mention a referral or a mutual connection.
• Body paragraph (or paragraphs) — Here, you will mention your qualifications. But you won’t just list them like you would do in a resume. In the cover letter, you’ll explain why they make you a good fit for the job. It’s your chance to convince the hiring manager that your specific skills and experiences align with the job requirements. Here, you should address the unique aspects of your application, such as career breaks or job changes.
• Closing — The concluding paragraph should be very strong. It’s supposed to restate your enthusiasm for the role, thank the employer for their time, and express your willingness to provide further information or schedule an interview.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?

Different companies place different values on cover letters. Despite this fact, the cover letter remains a useful document for getting noticed. That said, there can be more than one purpose of a cover letter. Get to know them to help you understand its value.

To show that you’re ready, willing and able

A strong cover letter shows that you’re not just interested in any job. You’re interested in this job. Tailoring it to the specific role and company demonstrates your enthusiasm. Highlighting industry knowledge or mentioning recent company developments shows that you’ve done your homework and are already invested in the company’s success.

For example, instead of a generic statement like “I believe I am the right candidate,” you could write “I’m excited about the opportunity to join your marketing team and help improve your brand’s social media presence, especially after the recent push you’ve made toward digital engagement.”

Why is this important? Employers look for candidates who can identify potential challenges and suggest solutions. When you mention a current issue that the company may be facing, such as a decline in sales, you show that you’re already thinking like a member of their team. It’s a problem-solving mindset that employers value.

A well-written cover letter also shows that you can go beyond the minimum requirements of the job description. You can mention your eagerness to learn, adapt, and grow with the company. You have space to show you’re a motivated candidate who will likely take the initiative and excel in the role. Hiring managers get dozens of applications for the same opening (if not hundreds). A cover letter that shows your readiness, willingness, and ability shows you’re prepared to contribute from day one. That can be the deciding factor that convinces hiring managers to move you to the next stage of the recruitment process.

How do you achieve such an effect? Many cover letters start with “Thank you for the opportunity to apply for (job position) at your company…” Instead of using this tired statement to open your resume, say something like, “With my years of experience in the field, I am confident that I will be a great fit for the job.”

You can also try to touch on challenges that the company could be facing and show recruiters your enthusiasm to tackle them by saying, “My background check on your company revealed that you are having trouble reaching your monthly targets. I would love to bring my expertise and success in sales to help you reach your profit goals.”

Employers want to see a candidate’s willingness because it tells them that you are highly motivated for the job. This is easily the most important purpose of a cover letter.

To entice the reader to learn more

The examples above serve as a stunning appetizer for a fantastic meal. But more than an introduction, the purpose of a cover letter is to let recruiters know that you have plenty to offer. In your opening paragraph, try to mix in an impressive achievement with quantifiable results. For example, you can say, “With my previous company, I spearheaded 10 employee training events, which resulted in a 30 percent increase in productivity for the company.”

That said, avoid repeating what you’ve already said in your resume. Your cover letter should simply act as a companion piece and not a replacement, so work on making it relate to your resume in an organic way. Repeating yourself will only make your resume less interesting and possibly even cast doubts on your ability to pay attention to detail. Keep this cover letter purpose well in mind as you craft your letter and resume.

Why should you bother enticing the reader in the first place? Your cover letter should give recruiters a reason to keep reading and move on to your resume with a sense of excitement. A compelling cover letter is a teaser. It gives a glimpse into your skills, personality, and achievements, but it doesn’t reveal everything. It’s about building intrigue. If you present a unique insight or a standout achievement early on, it sparks the recruiter’s curiosity.

That’s why you shouldn’t just list achievements like you would do on your resume. The cover letter offers context. You could write “During my time at the previous job, I led a project that initially faced a 20% budget cut, but I still delivered a 15% profit increase. I did that by optimizing resource allocation.” This kind of insight isn’t just a bullet point. It’s a narrative that makes the reader want to learn more about how you achieved it. They will have to invite you for an interview to get that info.

To add a human element

Your resume focuses on your qualifications and experience in a structured format. A cover letter, on the other hand, gives us a human element. It lets you show your communication skills and enthusiasm for the role and fit within the company culture.

If you only send a resume, it may feel impersonal. It’s just a list of facts and figures. Although they mean a lot to the employer, it’s hard to use the resume format to show your personality. A well-written cover letter gives you a chance to convey your voice and values. Those elements can’t be fully expressed through a resume alone.

Consider this: a recruiter might read your resume and see that you’ve increased sales by 25%. And that’s great. But if you write a good cover letter, you’ll explain how you did it. Maybe you used a new strategy or built relationships with important clients. Sharing a bit of the backstory through a narrative will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and creative thinking. It will make your application much more memorable.

To connect the dots

Here’s another great purpose the cover letter serves: it ties together different parts of your experience. Let’s say your career path isn’t entirely linear, or there are gaps in your resume. Without context, the employer can make assumptions that you won’t like. Through the cover letter, you can explain your journey in a way that shows consistent growth. You can bridge the gap between various roles and experiences, so you’ll make the recruiter see the logical progression and how each step prepared you for this specific job.

If you’re switching industries, your cover letter is the place to write about your transferable skills in detail. You can explain why your diverse background makes you uniquely qualified. You can write something like “Although my previous role was in the hospitality sector, my experience in client management and project leadership gave me a solid foundation to excel in this position.”

To elaborate on your resume

The cover letter is the perfect opportunity to define your personal brand, share more about your story, and demonstrate your core values. While your resume displays your qualifications, your cover letter can help convince a recruiter why you would be a good fit for the company. This is another key cover letter purpose. Try to list three to four reasons explaining why you’re the kind of candidate that the job needs.

Additionally, your cover letter is a great way to explain any glaring issues in your resume—such as a short work stint, employment gap, lack of experience, job-hopping, and so on—so that potential employers can have a better grasp of your situation and make considerations as they see fit.

In the resume, you offer a snapshot of your work history. It lists dates, job titles, and responsibilities. However, it doesn’t tell the story behind those experiences. The cover letter fills in these gaps with context. You can explain why you transitioned from one role to another, the motivation behind a career change, or what inspired you to pursue a particular field.

To make your resume more personal

Establishing a good relationship with potential employers is critical to success, and one great purpose of a cover letter is to help overcome the rigid, impersonal nature inherent in resumes. A cover letter can let your personality shine through, giving recruiters a better picture of you as a whole. That said, it’s important to emphasize in your letter the accomplishments that mean the most to you. By doing so, you give potential employers a better idea of the value you bring to the table.

The resume doesn’t give you enough space to highlight your core values and what sets you apart as a candidate since it’s focused on skills and achievements. The cover letter is where you can show your personal brand, the unique blend of qualities and experiences that define who you are as a professional.

Consider sharing aspects of your personality or professional philosophy that align with the company’s mission. For example, if the company values innovation and you’re someone who thrives in creative environments, your cover letter is the place to convey that. You could write “My passion for improvement inspired me to implement new strategies in every role, resulting in increased efficiency.” Of course, you’ll use metrics and other evidence to prove those claims.

To address red flags in your resume

A good cover letter acts as a buffer for issues on your resume that might raise questions, such as job-hopping or a lack of direct experience in the field. You don’t want to leave those points open to interpretation. The cover letter is there to give a positive spin or a reasonable explanation.

For example, if you worked in a particular company for a very short time, the recruiter will assume you weren’t a good fit. You could address that issue with something like this: “Although my employment was brief, the experience allowed me to develop key skills in project management and client communication, which I’m eager to apply in a long-term role.”

You can also address a career change. In that case, you don’t have enough experience in a new industry, which is always a red flag. Here’s an example of an explanation that the cover letter can offer: “After a decade in finance, I decided to pursue a career in digital marketing. I’m excited to use my analytical mindset and data-driven approach in a new field.”

To comment on a referral

Job referral is a great way to get a recruiter to give your resume a second look. You can use your cover letter to explain your relationship with the person who referred you and expound on how the referral happened. Mentioning the name of someone in the company can give your resume a familiarity that helps keep it in the mind of the recruiter reading it.

How exactly does a referral strengthen your application? Statistics show that referred candidates are more likely to get hired and often stay with the company longer.

When a trusted employee recommends a candidate, they automatically lend credibility to your application. Recruiters give more weight to referred candidates because someone already believes in their skills and is fit for the role. By referencing the referral in your cover letter, you’re signaling to the hiring manager that you come with a stamp of approval. This is especially important if you get an insider from the company to stand up for you.

In the cover letter, you could write “John Robson, your Senior Marketing Manager, recommended that I apply for this position after we joined forces on an independent project. He believes that my background in digital campaigns would be a great asset to your team.” Of course, you’ll only write what’s true.

This approach will do more than just highlight the referral. It ties back to a relevant skill or experience, and it makes your entire application more impactful.

If the referral is a familiar name for the hiring manager, they will see a connection point, and it will be easier for them to remember you. Referrals humanize your application. From just a resume on paper, they turn you into a person who shares a connection with the company.

However, it’s important to be strategic and respectful when mentioning a referral. Always ask for their permission to include their name in your cover letter and explain the context you plan. Using a referral without their consent can backfire and damage your credibility.

To show your communication skills

A good cover letter shows your ability to communicate effectively. That’s an essential skill for every job, without exceptions. When you clearly express your enthusiasm, qualifications, and understanding of the company’s needs, you show strong writing skills. If the desired role requires frequent client interaction, reporting, or internal communication, a cover letter is essential. It will show that you can articulate your thoughts and ideas professionally. Good writing demonstrates clarity of thought and the ability to structure information logically.

There’s another way a personalized cover letter speaks well of your communication skills: it shows you can adapt your expression based on the audience and purpose. That’s important in client-facing or leadership positions. In those cases, tailoring your message is a crucial factor for success. Use the right tone, professionalism, and grammar throughout the letter to reflect attention to detail and respect for the reader’s time.

To demonstrate research

The resume doesn’t give you much space to show employers that you took the time to learn about their company. In the cover letter, you can show you understand what they are looking for in a candidate, and you can prove you’re a good fit.

Never write a generic letter! Instead, you should personalize it with specific details about the company’s goals, projects, or challenges to show your genuine interest. For example, you can mention a recent product launch, community involvement, or awards they’ve received. Then, tie those details back to how your skills or experience align with their needs.

Good research also shows you’re a proper cultural fit. An employee is not only meant to meet the technical requirements of the job. They must integrate well with the team and company culture. A unique cover letter shows you’ve thought carefully about your application, and it conveys foresight and professionalism. It’s a way of saying “I understand your business and I can help solve your problems.”

Resumeble offers cover letter and resume writing services

Stop worrying about the purpose of a cover letter or how perfect your resume is. Let Resumeble craft these application documents for you, so you can focus on the interview process instead. Our cover letter and resume writing services come with an interview guarantee, ensuring you’ll get interviewed for the job within 60 days of resume completion. Get in touch with Resumeble today to learn more about our services and packages.