Writing a Cover Letter

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a document sent along with the resume to provide additional information on one’s skills and experience. It serves as a personal introduction, a persuasive piece of writing that adds more context to your skills and experience and clarifies why you’re the best person for the job. With a resume, you might edit your responsibilities at each of your work experiences to nod to the requirements of a given position while still keeping the overall structure largely intact, but with a cover letter, you’re writing a totally new and unique document every time.

Do I Need a Cover Letter?

Some people and job postings might say that cover letters are optional, and they can definitely feel like an added layer of work in the already-arduous process of job-hunting — but other people will tell you that’s kind of the point. By writing a cover letter, you’re demonstrating that you’re willing to go the extra mile to show your interest, add a touch of personalization, make the right impression and fill in any gaps your resume doesn’t cover.