A cover letter is a personalized form of communication, which you may like to send to the hirer, based on the requirements mentioned in the job advt. A CV without a covering letter, gives an impression that you are not paying that special attention to the job, while applying…

Therefore, a few reasons given here can help you to make your decision for sending a good cover letter with your CV

• Cover letter is your personal message to the hirer

You can mention in your covering letter all those attributes, which are not fully mentioned in your CV. This is more so when you are detailing your skills with reference to the specific job. While doing so, you can go bit further and add a little flattery to your writing style, for the prospective employer. This is not possible with your CV, which is a formal document.

• Most hirers look at the cover letter only

With little time at their disposal and large number of applications coming in, the hiring managers find it difficult to scan through all the resumes. The cover letter is one document that can make them interested to have a look at the detailed CV as well.

• Cover letter can be job specific

While your CV can be a formal document giving the details about your qualifications and work history, a cover letter can be written keeping in mind the specific job and its particular requirements. Your cover letter should mention the skills you have that match the job details. You can emphasize in the cover letter about any research projects or other work finished, that has relation to the particular job. This is more important for PhD students conducting research on various topics.

• Cover letter addresses to specific job query

Many employers put in the job advts.certain queries with regard to the job details and your particular skills matching it. The cover letter can reply to such specific points raised by the hirer. You have to mention in the cover letter many points, which show your capability and confidence to successfully undertake the job responsibilities, if hired.

• Absence of a cover letter may deem you a lazy person

And to some extent, it is true. If you are not making an effort to write a cover letter to your resume, how can you be expected to complete certain unfinished tasks, when hired, left by your predecessor?. Therefore, the absence of a cover letter with your CV can certainly convey the impression to the hirer that either you are not seriously interested in the job, or you are a lazy bum.

The cover letter is a must and it should be written with more care and attention. You have to be specific and precise in the cover letter, with reference to the points raised in the job advt. PhD students can devote more time to the cover letter writing as this is the chance for them to speak about various thesis finished by them.