I’ve Already Got a Resume, So Why Do I Need a Cover Letter?

No need to duck for cover.

You’ve spent all that time perfecting your resume. The colours are perfect, the content is all clear. Overall, it’s just *chef’s kiss*. So why do you then need a cover letter as well?

You might think it’s saying all the same things as your resume, but a cover letter is an important tool in applying for jobs, and it can say a lot about an applicant.

We spoke to Kendal Drew, the Director of Strategic Career Management about why cover letters are even a thing, and what you can put in yours to bolster your application.

Why are cover letters even a thing?

A cover letter is an opportunity for applicants to go further than what’s on their resume and provide an employer with information about your skills and your ability.

Kendal said the cover letter is a place for you to show how much you know about the job, and how you can make yourself an attractive candidate.

“The cover letter is a place where you can really respond to the ad. If the ad is asking for a particular set of skills or experiences, you can respond to them in a way that’s really natural.”

Kendal also said a cover letter is a great place to show a bit of your character, something you can’t really do in a resume.

“It’s a real opportunity to give them a little bit of your personality that you wouldn’t necessarily put into a more formal resume document.”

What can I do to improve my cover letter?

Kendal reckons there are a few important things to consider when writing your resume.

“You’ve really got to consider your audience and speak to them. Who are my audience? What are they interested in? What do they want to know about me? And how do I need to present it to them?”

She said you should always aim to do a few things:

• Set it out well, including a letter head and contact details to make your cover letter pop.
• Find out the name of the person hiring and personalise the letter.
• Respond to the wording of the job ad.
• Show your skills and experience, and how they will help you in the job.
• Include a call to action at the end, like “I can be contacted at this number” or “I’d be interested in coming in and having an interview".

Still struggling with your cover letter and resume? Head to the Student Edge Passport to collate your skills and experience and build them.

Remember, without a cover letter, you can’t cover all the bases.