should you include a cover letter if not required

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Do You Need a Cover Letter When It's Not Required?

When You Do (and Don't) Need a Cover Letter to Apply for a Job

Why Write a Cover Letter?

Reasons to include a cover letter, reasons not to include a cover letter.

• Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

Do you really need a cover letter if a company doesn't ask for one? Writing a lot of cover letters during a job search is often both challenging and time-consuming. Because of this, it's not surprising that applicants often hesitate to include a cover letter when it is not explicitly required by an employer.

If you're wondering if you should include a cover letter, the short answer is yes. That said, there are a few exceptions. Here's what you need to know about the value of cover letters, along with the situations where you can skip a cover letter. 

You should almost always submit a cover letter, even if the company doesn't ask for one. 

If you're serious about landing the job, a well-written  cover letter  gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer in a narrative format and explain why you are an ideal candidate. Taking the time to  match your qualifications to the job  can help you get selected for an interview.

All of your efforts in the cover letter will help hiring managers do their job of screening applicants, and may get your resume a closer look.

A cover letter also affords you the opportunity to highlight your strongest qualifications.

An effective, well-written, and  customized cover letter  also makes it clear that you are highly interested in the job. That's because it shows the hiring manager that you want the job enough to go the extra distance.

To Share Extra Information

A cover letter allows you to include details that your resume does not contain. For example, if you are applying from a distance, your cover letter will enable you to present a rationale for relocation and mention that you will be in the area shortly for a possible interview. 

To Explain a Gap

Gaps in employment  with reasonable explanations can also be addressed in your letter. A cover letter is also an ideal place to provide specific examples that prove you have the skills and experience listed on your resume.

The Employer May Expect One

Additionally, some employers expect to receive cover letters even though they do not stipulate that a cover letter is required 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 many cases, employers won't even look at a job application that doesn't contain a cover letter or letter of interest.

For some jobs, you won't need a cover letter to apply. Some employers don't accept cover letters as part of the application process. For other positions, there may be no way to submit one. If a cover letter is optional, it's better to skip it if you don't have the time to compose a well-written one.

When the Employer Doesn't Want One

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.

When You Don't Have Time

No letter is much better than a poorly written one. A well-composed cover letter serves as a sample of your writing ability, but the opposite is also true. If you don't have time to write a well-crafted cover letter that pitches your skills and positions you for the job, forego the effort.

When There's No Way to Submit One

Also, if the company asks you to submit your application through an online platform, and there is no place for you to submit a cover letter, don't worry about it. 

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That Will Impress

When you do include a cover letter with your resume, it's important to make it a good one. Here are tips for writing a cover letter that will make the best impression and add value to your application.

Kelly Miller. / The Balance

• Make it targeted.  Be sure to compose a  targeted letter  that is written with the job listing in mind. Focus on the skills and abilities you possess that make you a strong fit for the specific job.
• Keep it short.  Make sure that your  letters are concise  (no more than one page topping out at five paragraphs) and that every statement you make conveys something significant about your qualifications for the candidacy.
• Go beyond your resume.  Avoid simply repeating your resume. Provide examples not listed in your resume, and expand upon things mentioned only briefly in your resume. Your cover letter should have a distinct purpose regarding your application.
• Edit, edit, edit.  Errors in your cover letter  can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Errors make you look sloppy, or worse, not educated. Be sure to thoroughly read your letter before submitting it. Consider asking a friend or colleague to read it as well to check for typos, grammatical errors, and confusing language.

Key Takeaways

• Writing a cover letter makes the hiring manager's job easier, by highlighting exactly why you're the right match for the role. That gives your application an edge. 
• Even if the company doesn't specifically request a cover letter, it's a good idea to write one if you're interested in the role at hand. 
• Skip a cover letter if the employer says not to write one, or if there isn't a place to include one in an online application form. 

Related Articles

Should You Send a Cover Letter If Not Requested (With 3 Examples)?

Introduction.

Applying for a job can be a daunting task, and one question that often comes up is whether to include a cover letter when it's not explicitly requested. A cover letter serves as an introduction and a chance to showcase your writing and communication skills, as well as provide additional context for your resume. Including a cover letter when it's not specifically requested can give job seekers an advantage by demonstrating their interest, professionalism, and qualifications for the position, with some exceptions. In this article, we will explore the reasons to include a cover letter, the exceptions to the rule, the importance of tailoring the cover letter, and tips for writing an impressive cover letter.

Reasons to Include a Cover Letter

There are several reasons why including a cover letter can be beneficial when applying for a job, even if it's not explicitly requested.

Showcases your writing and communication skills: A well-written cover letter demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively, which is an essential skill in many industries. According to a BBC Worklife article , companies may ask for cover letters to influence the quality of applicants and assess their communication skills.

Allows you to expand on your resume and provide additional context: A cover letter gives you the opportunity to elaborate on your accomplishments and experiences, showing how they are relevant to the position you're applying for. As explained in a My Job Search article , cover letters and resumes complement each other, with the cover letter providing context and a deeper understanding of your qualifications.

Helps you stand out from the competition: In a job market where the average position receives over 100 applications, a cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd. A Coursera article states that including a cover letter can be an excellent way to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

Demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position and company: A personalized cover letter shows that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the company and the role. This enthusiasm can make a strong impression on hiring managers.

Tailoring the cover letter to the specific job can show your attention to detail: Addressing the specific requirements of the job posting and using keywords from the job description can demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to the position.

Importance of Tailoring the Cover Letter

A well-tailored cover letter can significantly enhance your job application. Here are some tips to ensure your cover letter is tailored to the specific position and company:

Address the specific requirements of the job posting: Carefully read the job description and address how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the position.

Use keywords from the job description: Including relevant keywords from the job description can help your application pass through applicant tracking systems and catch the attention of hiring managers.

Show how your experience and skills match the position: Provide specific examples of how your past experiences and skills make you a strong candidate for the role.

Research the company and mention its values or recent news: Demonstrating your knowledge of the company's values, culture, or recent news shows your genuine interest in the organization.

Describe how you can contribute to the company's goals: Explain how your unique skills and experiences can help the company achieve its objectives and contribute to its success.

In conclusion, including a cover letter when it's not requested can be advantageous in many cases, as it demonstrates your interest, professionalism, and qualifications for the position. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and it's essential to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company to increase your chances of success.

Examples of Successful Cover Letters

Studying successful cover letters can provide invaluable insight into what makes them effective. They can inspire and guide you when crafting your own. Below are examples of cover letters across various industries that have led to job offers.

Tech Industry Example

Marketing industry example, healthcare industry example.

Each of these examples demonstrates important components of an effective cover letter:

• Addressing the hiring manager by name, showcasing attention to detail and personalization.
• Exhibiting genuine enthusiasm for the company and its mission.
• Providing specific instances of relevant experience and skills.
• Mentioning recent company news or initiatives, signaling thorough research.
• Concluding with an invitation for further discussion, indicating eagerness for an interview.

Using these examples as a template, you can craft a tailored and persuasive cover letter that highlights your unique qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.

Tips for Writing an Impressive Cover Letter

To craft a cover letter that stands out, follow these best practices:

Start with a strong opening that grabs the reader's attention: A compelling opening sets the tone for the rest of the letter and encourages the hiring manager to continue reading. For example, mention a specific accomplishment or experience that directly relates to the job you're applying for.

Keep the content concise and focused: A cover letter should be no more than one page in length, so focus on the most relevant and compelling information. Avoid repeating information from your resume; instead, provide additional context or expand on specific accomplishments.

Use action words and quantify your accomplishments: Use strong verbs and provide specific numbers or percentages whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Proofread carefully and avoid errors: Typos, grammatical errors, and other mistakes can undermine your credibility and give the impression that you lack attention to detail. Use tools like Grammarly or ask someone to review your cover letter to ensure it is error-free.

Close with a call to action and express your eagerness for an interview: Politely request an opportunity to discuss your qualifications further and convey your enthusiasm for the position.

In most cases, including a cover letter when it's not requested can be advantageous, as it demonstrates your interest, professionalism, and qualifications for the position. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and it's essential to tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company to increase your chances of success. By studying examples of successful cover letters and following best practices, you can craft a compelling cover letter that helps you stand out from the competition and land your dream job. Best of luck in your job search!