Do Recruiters Like Reading Cover Letters?

Writing cover letters forms an integral part of the job hunting process, but many applicants wonder whether these documents even play a role in the recruitment process. With so many applicants to consider for an open position, many HR professionals skim a cover letter at best, while others jump straight to the resume. As there is no guarantee that a recruiter wants to read one of these documents, is it worth crafting a sensational letter?

The simple reality is that writing cover letters still matters in the world of job hunting. Some experts debate the value of these documents and the meaning behind them. For example, some recruiters suggest that a cover letter merely prevents applicants from submitting blind resumes without purpose. Nevertheless, nearly every recruiter expects to see a cover letter accompany a job application, so job hunters need to submit an expertly crafted document. Failing to send a cover letter makes the applicant look inexperienced and unprofessional.

In some cases, recruiters specifically ask for a letter of motivation that explores an applicant's past working experience and salary expectations. This information helps the human resources team to determine whether a candidate's expectations match what the company has to offer. A recruiter may use this information to narrow down candidates for later interviews. Furthermore, applicants writing cover letters without salary information may be immediately rejected.

Not only do recruiters occasionally ask for specific information within the cover letter, but head hunters use these documents to learn more about a worker's character, identity and personality. Writing cover letters gives job candidates the opportunity to explore their best attributes, and link together the educational and professional experiences they have had. This process often proves invaluable for recruiters, specifically those looking for unique attributes in the candidates they consider for an open position.

Of course, even the most dedicated recruiter does not want to read an endless diatribe when reviewing job applications. When writing cover letters, it is essential to keep the document succinct and elaborate on certain keys without going overboard. For further guidance, job applicants may wish to ask a trusted peer or mentor for comments. This input helps job seekers to keep their application on the right track, and the feedback from another person may include information that helps the letter of motivation stand out from the pack.

Landing a new job requires a substantial investment of time and energy. Applicants need to research potential employers thoroughly, tweak their resumes as necessary and spend time writing cover letters to recruiters. Although this process proves grueling for some job seekers, taking the time to craft a professional job application helps applicants build confidence and better understand their talents. In many cases, this helps job seekers to make a better impression during the eventual interview.

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