Whenever a job description lists that a covering letter is ‘optional,’ that means it’s really not optional for you. Not if you want to give yourself the best chance to impress the recruiting team and get your shot at an interview.
Since the advent of the Internet and subsequently social media, our personal and professional lives are at risk of becoming totally intertwined. Not only that, the size of the web we have cast through our many online profiles is dizzying, leaving many of us unable to recall where and when we have shared our personal details. Whilst employers realise that their job candidates have separate social and professional lives, a simple Google search can undo your executive resume in a matter of minutes.
In an increasingly competitive job market, standing out in your resume is vital. And as the first point of contact for a recruiter or employer, some job-seekers embed a tag line before their professional summary to make an impression.
The Australian job market is getting more and more competitive, leaving unemployed job seekers struggling to get a foothold in even entry-level positions.
There are countless resources and templates out there regarding how to write, frame, and style your resume / CV – but the same can hardly be said for covering letters. While a vital part of the job-seeking process, it can be largely overlooked due to its ‘optional’ nature at times, depending on certain roles.
