For some companies, a curriculum vitae is more important when applying for jobs. However, there are others who require a cover letter to know more about you and why you are interested in applying for a certain position.

A cover letter is a one-page message sent with an application, that provides information about the position you’re applying for, your qualifications in relation to the position, and why you’re interested in working for the company. 

A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from the rest of the competition.

Alain Muhirwa a business owner says that a cover letter is a chance to express your interest and elaborate more about yourself and why you are the perfect candidate for the position.

"Through a cover letter, recruiters get to know who you are, and also a chance for you to describe yourself perfectly as you want. You are competing for a position with a lot of people, so it is your time to prove your potential,” he says.

According to Indeed, a career website for job listings, some companies value cover letters more than others depending on the position you apply for, but it’s still an important tool for you to use that can help you get noticed.

"When hiring employees, a cover letter gives you more overview on the person’s qualifications and also who referred them to the job. It also helps in knowing how deep the employee did their research on the company, and if they are really interested in joining the company,” says Ange Umutoni, who works as a manager for an advertising agency.

She says a well-written cover letter gives value to a person’s resume and more chances to be invited for the interview.

Within the cover letter, you should align your qualifications, relevant skills, and previous experience clearly to the job description to emphasise that you have done your research into the role and are keen to join the team, PageGroup, a British-based recruitment business notes in their article.

Benefits of a cover letter

It tells your story. While you get the chance to exhibit your qualifications for the job and explain what makes you a good fit, an employer gets to know more about your current situation.

It builds a relationship with the employer. Building relationships is pivotal to getting a job that aligns with your career goals. The same applies to writing a cover letter. The main difference between sending a resume and a cover letter is that a resume covers the facts about what you’ve done, whereas a cover letter displays your personality to an employer. 

It explains your relationship with someone who referred you. You may be in a position where you’ve leveraged networking to help you get a job. Maybe you were part of an informational interview or know someone who works there, a cover letter explains how you met your referral and how your conversation with them inspired you to apply. 

How to write a good cover letter

Evelyne Uwamahoro a scriptwriter and copywriter, says that to write a good cover letter is to take seriously the job you are applying for.

"Within a well-written cover letter, that is where managers get to know how serious you are and how relevant you are, that is why when writing a good cover letter you have to plan what you should include and what you shouldn’t, what to pay attention to and what not to pay attention to. And also, you need to look for professionals in writing a good cover letter to help you out,” she says.

A good cover letter will increase your chances of being invited for an interview with the hiring manager. 

Below, we go through key tips for maximum impact according to Indeed:

Address the contact mentioned in the job advert

Take care when addressing your cover letter to ensure it is received by the correct person, ideally the hiring manager, and make it clear which role you are applying for.

Outline your current job situation and why you want to move on 

Don’t be negative If you are currently employed, explain the reasons for your interest in the new role in the cover letter, whether that be career progression, personal interests, or even that you are just looking for a change. 

Show you’ve done your research

Being able to demonstrate an understanding of the company’s history, their area of business, and the work they do, for an employer, reflects your level of interest in the role.