Who read cover letters, anyway? Well, we might never know the answer to that question, but for decades cover letters have accompanied resumes, and for decades job seekers have been neglecting cover letters.
That’s right — I’m talking about you. You’re wondering if a cover letter is necessary because you don’t feel like writing one, or because you don’t think you have much to write about. However, there are a few reasons you should absolutely submit a cover letter, when applicable (And it’s applicable unless the employer indicates otherwise).
Cover Letters Give Your Resume Personality
There’s nothing personal about a job application or a resume. Sure, you can submit a headshot or family photo on a ministry resume, but in the end it is a list of facts of your life, your beliefs, education, and credentials. A cover letter, however, is the one personal portion of a resume. You can, briefly and professionally, discuss personal topics; an example of your ministry excellence, a way God used your sermon or Bible Study in someone’s life. Also, because a cover letter is more than bullet points and lists, your personality will shine through the words you write.
Cover Letters Show Your Writing Aptitude and Critical Thinking Skills
If every sentence of your cover letter has a mis-spelled word, that says something about you. However, your resume does that as well. What your cover letter does that your resume expressly does not do, is illustrate your writing skill. Resumes are meant to be short, to the point, simple lists — and that says very little, if anything, about your ability to write or put thoughts on paper. As a pastor, ministry worker, or non-profit administrator, much of your communication will be written, whether through email, thank you cards, writing up announcements, or even writing ministries within your church, your writing skills may be imperative to your job, and much of those details never make it on a job description, because they are simply “part of the ministry.” For this reason alone, write a professional cover letter that shows your ability to form sentences, use correct punctuation (the dots and squiggles used to help you break down long paragraphs), and show off your ability to entertain, interest, and draw readers in. Most good speakers can draw their audiences in with the spoken and with the written word, as long as proper attention is given to your work.
Cover Letters Are Expected
From high profile careers to middle management jobs, cover letters are expected as a part of the professional resume. Sure, in many companies they are never read or considered, but they’re expected nonetheless. Some churches receive hundreds of applications, and the mundane process of weeding through the resumes truly can be sorted out by “who followed directions?” Your cover-letter-less resume could find its way in to the trash because you didn’t submit one, especially if the pulpit or pastoral committee or church administrator is straight-laced and old-school. Go the extra mile and submit your resume with a cover letter because some people expect it. No one will not consider you because you did submit a cover letter (unless that’s part of the instructions for submitting your application).
Cover Letters Could Be Your One in a Million Shot
Finally, you should submit a cover letter because you could (unintentionally) write something in your letter that simply stands out to the reader. A joke, a comment, a Scripture reference at the end, the fancy adjectives you used in your writing — who knows what might stand out. For tips on how to write a cover letter, check out our blog post on that very topic.