About the author

Darren Cronian, the author of this guide, has spent nine years securing remote jobs and building a successful freelancing business. His goal is to help people find remote work. Read more >
Last Updated: 31 July 2023

In remote job hunting, the term ‘cover letter’ carries significant weight. A cover letter is a document you send alongside your resume when applying for a job. Why do employers ask for it, and why is it so crucial? What does it cover that a resume doesn’t?

These questions may seem basic, but understanding the role and purpose of a cover letter can be the key that unlocks your dream job’s door.

This guide will delve into the essential purposes of a cover letter and why it is a vital tool for your remote job application.

What is the purpose of a cover letter?
Your Introduction to Potential Employers

Firstly, a cover letter serves as your introduction to a potential employer. It is your chance to present yourself professionally and personally, giving a glimpse of who you are as an individual, not just an employee.

You should express the position you are applying for, your interest in the company, and how you learned about the job opening.

A well-structured introductory paragraph can spark interest and motivate the employer to continue reading.

Highlighting Your Skills and Experience

A cover letter is your stage to highlight your specific skills and experiences, aligning them with the job requirements.

Your resume indeed lists your roles, responsibilities, and achievements, but it’s in the cover letter where you can tell the story of your professional journey.

This storytelling approach allows you to articulate how your past experiences have groomed you for the potential role, showcasing your abilities and suitability in a way that a resume alone can’t.

Demonstrating Your Understanding of the Company

Notably, a cover letter provides a platform to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its needs. By customizing each cover letter to the specific job application, you show the potential employer that you’ve researched their organization and understand their requirements.

Your knowledge about the company’s goals and culture, reflected in your cover letter, communicates your interest and enthusiasm for the role, giving you an edge over other applicants who submit generic letters.

Explaining Potential Resume Pitfalls

A cover letter also allows you to address any potential red flags in your resume, such as employment gaps, frequent job changes, or career shifts.

These aspects, which might raise eyebrows if left unexplained, can be clarified in your cover letter. You can provide context, explain the circumstances, and show that you have maintained a steady career progression despite these issues.

Adding a Personal Touch to Your Application

Finally, a cover letter adds a personal touch to your application.

It allows you to express your personality and passion, which can help you stand out from the crowd – by communicating your excitement for the role and how you align with the company’s values.

A cover letter, therefore, plays a multifaceted role in your job application.

It serves as your professional introduction, an avenue to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, a tool to demonstrate your understanding of the company, a medium to address potential resume pitfalls, and a channel to add a personal touch to your application.

What is the Purpose of a Cover Letter?

Ultimately, a well-crafted cover letter is not just a supplement to your resume—it’s a strategic document that can significantly increase your chances of being noticed by a potential employer.

Therefore, investing time and effort into creating an effective cover letter can substantially impact your job application success.

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