Cover Letter - Meaning And Significance | HRMantra HR Software

Cover Letter - Cover Letter Meaning And Significance | HRMantra HR Software

 5-6 minutes 

Definition of Cover Letter

A cover letter is a one-page document you submit to help tell an employer why they should hire you for an open position. All job seekers must write and submit a cover letter to be unique.

Is it not so that an application with the cover letter attached is the one that catches the focus of your eyes when you have a heap of applications for some kind of job posting?

The cover letter is a document to be written to express the candidate''s major qualities, skills, and desire for taking a position. Some companies consider it a major backup of the resume.

We know everything written in detail about the letters!

Cover Letter: Definition

This is, in other words, a personalized introductory note of a candidate. Even if it helps a candidate to explain who he is, the HR manager gets more insight into the candidate''s detail.

It caters more to the candidate than the companies/HRs/employers. Next slide, let''s discuss the same!

Among the various benefits that come with using a cover letter, one main benefit is that it gives the candidate an opportunity to make a strong and unforgettable first impression. An eye-catching cover letter will allow job seekers to explain what makes them different from all the other applicants while showing clearly that they have a genuine interest in the position the candidate has applied for.

And also, the HR managers can make the most out of such letters to find some extra detail of the candidates that were not mentioned in the CVs. All this can be used as an effective tool to select the right candidate for the company.

Types of Cover Letters

• Application Cover Letter: Tailored to a specific position, the letter ingeniously shows clear qualification and skills meant for a specific post one is applying for.
• Referral Cover Letter: The letter depicts a connection and support that is available through networking, where one is referred by someone the potential employer knows.
• Letter of Interest: This is the type of cover letter that embodies the job candidate who would like to know what the available employment opportunities are in the workplace, while still revealing to them that he or she is a suitable new hire for the company.
• Value Proposition Letter: It emphasizes more on the contributions of the invoking candidate and strengths than soft skills throughout the period of service. For example, ""I can help make 5X sales"" rather than mentioning time management skills.

Essentials of a Cover Letter

• Appropriate Voice & Tone: A cover letter should always sound real. The tone and voice of it must be in sync with that of the company. This surely reflects the fact that the candidate has gone through some serious homework about the company.
• Simple Format: Designing the letter should be standard, with a simple design that has high comprehensibility. The letter should also contain neutral colors like black and sans-serif fonts, so that the page looks professional and not distracting.
• Job Description Analysis: You have to check whether the candidate has gone through the job description. You can relate this quite easily by the search of those keywords that focus on strengths as skills and experiences. Some companies may require the answers to certain questions or some types of information in the job application cover letter itself. If you have issued any such directions, see whether the applicant has followed them. If yes, it shows that s/he is observing with keen interest and is prepared to meet the special requirements of your concern.
• Medley of Word Selection: Check if the candidate has used original words. Check if he has used more dynamic alternatives like ""tenacious"" instead of ""determined"" and began the letter with a bang.

There you are!

Covering letters are important not just from the point of view of the candidate, but also of the HR manager. While the candidates are reaching out to companies in a way that makes a lasting impression, so are the recruiters/HR professionals, who are shortening their hiring process. Do you know one more way of smoothening your recruitment? HRMantra—the simplest HR software!

HRMantra is software that makes the entire process, from documentation to onboarding, even easier. In just a few clicks, you can get everything done.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What to write in a cover letter? Just present yourself, write down that you are interested in the offered job, discuss your experience and skills, and so your skills can be of importance to the organization.
• Describe the purpose of a cover letter in the job application process. A cover letter is important when applying to a job due to the fact that it is the orienteer of the personalized application. It allows you to give a glimpse of who you are as a person.
• What are the typical mistakes to be avoided in writing a job search letter? Addressing the wrong person, overemphasis on yourself, and failing to tailor the letter for a particular job.

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