Are cover letters really necessary when applying for a job?

I dread writing a cover letter. I’m uploading my resume when I apply to jobs, but can’t I just skip the cover letter — is it really necessary?

First, I want to commend you for being immersed in your job search! While a resume is typically a requirement for employers, a cover letter may be a “nice to have,” not a “need to have.” Some companies require them, others don’t, but many don’t specify so you may feel in limbo.

That said, it’s usually in your best interest to upload one as another way to get noticed. Think of it as a succinct, written version of an elevator pitch. When I worked in recruiting, although I didn’t have time to read every cover letter, when hiring managers asked for one, it was always beneficial having it readily available. Plus, cover letters can typically help, not hinder you (as long as you don’t have grammatical errors or typos, which imply a lack of attention to detail).

You may want to create a template so you’re not re-creating the wheel every time you apply to jobs. It’s OK to address it “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Hiring Manager.” Don’t overthink it if you don’t know anyone there. Focus on the content of the letter itself.

Your cover letter should express your interest in the job by referencing the job title. Next, highlight your top skills, experiences or achievements, indicating why they should consider you for the job — qualities that make you stand out.

If you have an executive summary on your resume, it’s OK to copy these top aspects and paste them. If you print your resume and take a yellow highlighter, what three things would you highlight? Include these highlights in your cover letter. Still unsure? If you’re at the gym chatting with an acquaintance who works for your dream employer, what top skills and experiences would you briefly mention to pique their interest?

In closing, thank them for their consideration and mention that you look forward to hearing from them soon. Definitely spell check and then read it, too. (Words like “jog” don’t get flagged on spell check when you meant to type “job.”) Save it and tweak as necessary by tailoring it to each job going forward. It should only take a few minutes and you’ll be good to go.

How should I answer a question if I get stumped during my upcoming interview?

Befriend silence. If you’re asked a question that you don’t immediately know the answer to, pause. Take a few deep breaths to gather your thoughts. What may feel like a few minutes is literally only a few seconds.

You may want to say something like, “That’s a good question, let me take a minute to gather my thoughts.” Take another deep breath, then proceed to answer.

Always answer honestly, but if you don’t know the answer, be transparent and then pivot. For instance, you may be asked how you learned SaaS programming when you’ve never actually done that. You may want to say something like, “While I haven’t had the opportunity to learn SaaS yet, I can talk to you about how I learned XYZ …”

Prepare for interviews by anticipating commonly asked interview questions and creating talking points. Think of several scenarios ahead of time so you can lean into them if the question is related.

— Tribune News Service