In my previous article, Get Emplyed Fast Insider Tips, I discussed the three hidden hurdles job seekers often stumble upon, along with practical advice to gracefully leap over them. Now, let's shift our focus on cover letter - should you write one or skip it when it's optional?
Let's face it: crafting a cover letter can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark. You want it to be the golden ticket to your dream job, blending humility with assertiveness and confidence. So, after hours of writing, rewriting, and a fair share of hair-pulling, many of us end up sending our final draft with fingers crossed. It's the classic writer's block meets job hunting, not a pleasant experience, I might add.
So, what do you do when a job description casually drops "cover letter, optional"? Do you breathe a sigh of relief, do high five and skip it, or do you buckle down and draft one anyway even though you know it's slog.? The debate rages on, with opinions on both sides.
I'm firmly in the "write it anyway" camp. Why? Because a cover letter is your chance to add a splash of color to the black and white resume. It's your opportunity to show off your unique personality, skills, and fit for the role. Think of it as your personal cheerleader, championing your cause to the recrutiers and hiring managers.
Here's a little story from my Silicon Valley days. I applied for a job at a startup, pouring my heart and soul into customizing my resume and cover letter. Fast forward to after I got the job: I learned that the hiring team prioritized applicants with cover letters. Why? It demonstrated extra effort and stronger interest, two key ingredients in the recipe for a desirable candidate.
So, if you're pondering over "cover letter, optional," I say go for it. It might just be the secret sauce that gets you that interview. Plus, it's a handy tool when they ask, "Why should we hire you?" during the interview.
Dreading the cover letter challenge? Fear not, Jobs Guru is here to save the day! We craft cover letters that embody you – but with a sprinkle of magic to catch the hiring manager's eye. Ready to write your perfect cover letter? Join our Early Aceess Program for FREE JobsGuru and step up your job search game!
Coming soon: Next article -- Been Ghosted? Should You return the favor?
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