can you apply for a job without a cover letter

APPLICATION WITHOUT COVER LETTER – IS THAT POSSIBLE?

CLASSIC PURPOSE OF COVER LETTERS FOR JOB APPLICATIONS

Are applications possible without a cover letter ? To answer this question, one should put oneself in the shoes of the applicant and the recruiting company. In the conventional sense, cover letters are used by companies to ascertain the applicant’s motivation . If the applicant is motivated to take up a new position and can express him/herself well in writing, the recruiter has a very good first clue regarding the invitation to an initial interview. So far, so good!

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF APPLICATIONS WITH AND WITHOUT COVER LETTER

Mandatory cover letters: stumbling blocks in the recruiting process.

What happens if the case described above does not occur? What are the consequences for companies and candidates? The following scenarios are conceivable:

• The applicant is suitable and willing to change, but does not manage to clearly express his/her motivation in the cover letter – or submits an application without a cover letter. He/she is therefore n ot considered further in the selection process .
• The applicant feels addressed by a job offer and would be a very good fit for the advertised position. However, the person has no concrete ambitions to change jobs. Due to a mandatory cover letter, the hurdle for an application seems too high , so the potential candidate refrains from applying.

OPTIONAL COVER LETTERS: CHALLENGES IN THE SELECTION PROCESS

What are the consequences of applying without a cover letter ? Objections from recruiters who have so far successfully recruited with obligatory cover letters are understandable:

• If the applicants are free to decide whether they want to attach a letter of motivation, the selection process may become more complex . By removing the hurdle, a higher number of applications can be expected.
• In the first step, the applicants are evaluated mainly on the basis of their CVs and thus – on paper – initially on a more superficial level. In order to check the motivation of the candidates, the number of initial interviews is often increased as a result. By dispensing with an obligatory cover letter, an additional effort is to be expected here.

In both cases, the compulsion to provide a cover letter or the resulting relevance in the selection of applicants means that there is no further exchange between the candidate and the company despite suitability. This inevitably reduces the pool of relevant applicants.

OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR COMPANIES

How companies should behave with regard to the requirement of a mandatory cover letter must be decided on a case-by-case basis. If a company is searching for new, suitable employees in the “war of talents”, it should be made as easy and convenient as possible for potential candidates to submit an application. Additional expenses in the selection process are to be “gratefully” accepted at this point. If these cannot be handled internally, companies can also call on external recruiting support .

However, if the company is in the fortunate position of receiving a large number of applications from suitable candidates, the requirement of a motivation letter can be a useful instrument to regulate the flood of applicants.

In our experience, there are currently hardly any companies that are embarrassed by having to reduce the number of applications they receive. At HR factory, we also like to go the extra mile for the right talent and are happy to get to know our applicants and their motivation and suitability in an interview.  That’s why we have been using a streamlined application process since 2018 – without a mandatory cover letter.

OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR APPLICANTS

If a company allows it, the application can be sent without a cover letter without a guilty conscience. A sensibly structured CV that succinctly describes all important career stages is – with or without a cover letter – the most important factor for further consideration in the selection process anyway. Good cover letters can positively underline the application documents, but are only a “nice-to-have” in open application processes.

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• Career Planning
• Finding a Job
• Cover Letters

Do You Need a Cover Letter When It's Not Required?

When You Do (and Don't) Need a Cover Letter to Apply for a Job

Why Write a Cover Letter?

Reasons to include a cover letter, reasons not to include a cover letter.

• Tips for Writing a Cover Letter

Do you really need a cover letter if a company doesn't ask for one? Writing a lot of cover letters during a job search is often both challenging and time-consuming. Because of this, it's not surprising that applicants often hesitate to include a cover letter when it is not explicitly required by an employer.

If you're wondering if you should include a cover letter, the short answer is yes. That said, there are a few exceptions. Here's what you need to know about the value of cover letters, along with the situations where you can skip a cover letter. 

You should almost always submit a cover letter, even if the company doesn't ask for one. 

If you're serious about landing the job, a well-written  cover letter  gives you a chance to sell yourself to the employer in a narrative format and explain why you are an ideal candidate. Taking the time to  match your qualifications to the job  can help you get selected for an interview.

All of your efforts in the cover letter will help hiring managers do their job of screening applicants, and may get your resume a closer look.

A cover letter also affords you the opportunity to highlight your strongest qualifications.

An effective, well-written, and  customized cover letter  also makes it clear that you are highly interested in the job. That's because it shows the hiring manager that you want the job enough to go the extra distance.

To Share Extra Information

A cover letter allows you to include details that your resume does not contain. For example, if you are applying from a distance, your cover letter will enable you to present a rationale for relocation and mention that you will be in the area shortly for a possible interview. 

To Explain a Gap

Gaps in employment  with reasonable explanations can also be addressed in your letter. A cover letter is also an ideal place to provide specific examples that prove you have the skills and experience listed on your resume.

The Employer May Expect One

Additionally, some employers expect to receive cover letters even though they do not stipulate that a cover letter is required in their job advertisements.

Candidates who don't take the time to compose a letter are often viewed as less motivated for the job.

In many cases, employers won't even look at a job application that doesn't contain a cover letter or letter of interest.

For some jobs, you won't need a cover letter to apply. Some employers don't accept cover letters as part of the application process. For other positions, there may be no way to submit one. If a cover letter is optional, it's better to skip it if you don't have the time to compose a well-written one.

When the Employer Doesn't Want One

If the job application instructs that you should not include a cover letter, then it's definitely best to follow directions so as not to annoy your potential employer.

When You Don't Have Time

No letter is much better than a poorly written one. A well-composed cover letter serves as a sample of your writing ability, but the opposite is also true. If you don't have time to write a well-crafted cover letter that pitches your skills and positions you for the job, forego the effort.

When There's No Way to Submit One

Also, if the company asks you to submit your application through an online platform, and there is no place for you to submit a cover letter, don't worry about it. 

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter That Will Impress

When you do include a cover letter with your resume, it's important to make it a good one. Here are tips for writing a cover letter that will make the best impression and add value to your application.

Kelly Miller. / The Balance

• Make it targeted.  Be sure to compose a  targeted letter  that is written with the job listing in mind. Focus on the skills and abilities you possess that make you a strong fit for the specific job.
• Keep it short.  Make sure that your  letters are concise  (no more than one page topping out at five paragraphs) and that every statement you make conveys something significant about your qualifications for the candidacy.
• Go beyond your resume.  Avoid simply repeating your resume. Provide examples not listed in your resume, and expand upon things mentioned only briefly in your resume. Your cover letter should have a distinct purpose regarding your application.
• Edit, edit, edit.  Errors in your cover letter  can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Errors make you look sloppy, or worse, not educated. Be sure to thoroughly read your letter before submitting it. Consider asking a friend or colleague to read it as well to check for typos, grammatical errors, and confusing language.

Key Takeaways

• Writing a cover letter makes the hiring manager's job easier, by highlighting exactly why you're the right match for the role. That gives your application an edge. 
• Even if the company doesn't specifically request a cover letter, it's a good idea to write one if you're interested in the role at hand. 
• Skip a cover letter if the employer says not to write one, or if there isn't a place to include one in an online application form. 

Related Articles

Is It Bad To Apply Without A Cover Letter? (Career Advice)

The short answer is: yes, it’s fine to apply without a cover letter. You don’t need one, and they don’t even get read by most hiring managers. It’s also fine to ask questions in an interview or change positions within the same company. 

]I’ve done both before, and neither hurt me when it came time to be evaluated for my next job (or promotion).

Table of Contents

Is It Bad To Apply Without A Cover Letter?

If you’re applying for a job, whether it’s your first or your tenth, you need to understand that the cover letter is crucial. It is the first impression of your application, and it deserves as much attention as your resume.

If you think about it for a moment, a cover letter can be seen as both an interview and a resume itself. It allows employers to see what kind of person they are dealing with by reading the words we choose and how we write them down on paper. 

They want to know who they will be working with if they hire us! This means that our cover letters should always be written with care and thoughtfulness and NEVER sent without first being reviewed by someone else (for example me).

When it comes to job applications, a cover letter can be just as important as the resume itself. In fact, many employers consider it a requirement. To learn more about why cover letters are so important, check out our guide on how important a cover letter is when applying for a job .

Is It Bad To Ask Interview Questions

In short: no, but there are some caveats. To be a successful candidate in the interview process, you should be prepared with a list of questions that demonstrate your qualifications and interest. 

It’s important to note that these are not necessarily the same kinds of questions you would ask if you were interviewing for a job. 

Asking too many questions may make an interviewer feel like they’re being tested or grilled instead of being given the chance to shine their light on their expertise and experience. 

Is It Bad To Change Positions In The Same Company

Yes, it can be. Employers want to see stability in your career, so if you jump around too much, you may lose out on promotions and raises that would have been available if you had stayed with one job for longer.

Is It Bad To Use The Word I In A Cover Letter

It’s true: the word “I” is powerful. It helps you explain your accomplishments and explains situations that might be hard to convey without them. 

But don’t go overboard with the self-praise! If you use too much of this personal pronoun, you can come off as arrogant and entitled not qualities most employers are looking for in an employee.

That said, there are ways to use this word in your cover letter that will make it more effective at getting read and getting hired. Here are some examples:

I am applying for the role of an intern because I have extensive experience working with nonprofit organizations in my community and would like to expand my knowledge base by learning from one of the industry’s leading companies.

My experience working with small businesses has taught me how important it is for employees to feel valued as well as appreciated for their contributions; this type of environment has always been important to me.

If you’re wondering whether you should bother with a cover letter when applying for a job, you’re not alone. Many job seekers wonder if it’s always necessary. To get the facts about cover letters and when they’re required, check out our guide on whether a cover letter is always necessary .

Is It Better To Apply For A Job Online Or In Person

Your cover letter is just as important as your resume. It’s an opportunity to introduce yourself and show off your personality, so it needs to be tailored specifically to the job you’re applying for. 

You should always make sure that any cover letter you submit matches up with the resume that goes along with it because otherwise, it will look like you didn’t care about what you were submitting and no one wants that!

Is It Better To Go In For An Interview Or Apply Online

As with most things in life, you should be aware of the circumstances surrounding your job hunt. Some jobs require a face-to-face interview, such as for sales and customer service positions. Other jobs require you to fill out an application online the majority of these are management positions where a lot of writing is involved.

If it’s not clear whether or not a job requires an in-person interview but they let you know what they’re looking for in the email that asks you to apply online (for example: “We’re hoping someone who has excellent communication skills would apply”) then go ahead and do so! 

On the other hand, if it seems like there will be no contact whatsoever between yourself and the company without applying first, and especially if this is your dream job it might be best to go in person rather than miss out on this opportunity altogether.

Is It Better To Not Have A Gpa On Your Resume

Yes, you can still show that you are a good student without listing your GPA. And yes, it is better than having a low GPA. If you don’t have a GPA listed on your resume and they ask for one in the interview process, then tell them that it wasn’t available from your school. 

You could also be upfront about why you chose not to list it and say something like: “I didn’t want to put my GPA on here because I don’t think it accurately reflects my ability or how great of a student I am because”

Cover letters can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve never written one before. But don’t worry – with a little guidance, you can create a compelling cover letter that gets you noticed by employers. To learn everything you need to know about cover letters, check out our comprehensive guide on all you need to know about cover letter .

Is It Better To Say I Look Forward To Hearing From You Or I Look Forward To Working With You

You should always be positive in your cover letter. That means you should use the phrase “I look forward to hearing from/working with” rather than “I look forward to hearing from/working with.” The first option is more professional and less likely to imply that you are seeking employment, even if that’s what you’re doing.

• I look forward to hearing from you
• I look forward to working with the team at [company name]

Is It Better To Stay At One Company Or Work For Several Years

The answer is that it depends on your career goals. If you want to advance in your current position and grow into a leadership role, then it may be better to stay at one company for several years. However, if you are more interested in diversity and variety in your career path, then it is better to work for several different companies throughout your working life.

Is It Good To Be Honest On A Resume

It’s better, to be honest than it is to lie.

The job market is competitive, and there are no guarantees anymore when it comes to finding a new job. 

When you apply for a position that doesn’t require one, you should be honest about the fact that your resume doesn’t have a cover letter attached; it makes sense that an employer would expect candidates who submit applications without them to also send in their cover letters upon request or at some point during the hiring process.

If you have any questions about whether or not it’s okay for you or someone else in your position (like me) to apply without a cover letter attached, please feel free to ask us!

If you’re new to cover letters, you might be wondering how they work and what you should include in yours. The good news is that cover letters follow a fairly standard format, and there are some key elements that you should always include. To learn more about how cover letters work, check out our guide on how do cover letters work .

Is It Good To Follow Up After Applying Online

It’s good to follow up after applying, but there are some rules:

Follow up a week after applying. This shows that you’re interested in the job and haven’t forgotten about it.

Follow up a month after applying. This also shows interest and lets them know you’re still around if they need more applicants or if they want to contact you for an interview at any time during the process.

Don’t follow up on the day before the deadline or two days before the deadline. It’s very unlikely that anyone will respond so close to their deadline, especially if they already have enough candidates (or don’t want any more). 

Instead of annoying people with your last-minute email barrage when they’re busy with other things like pulling together a shortlist of finalists for interviews, schedule another time when you know everyone will be available like six weeks from now!

Is It Good To Include Linkedin Profile On Resume

Just because you’re not LinkedIn verified doesn’t mean you can’t include your profile.

So, if you are looking to add a little something extra to your resume, consider including a link to your LinkedIn profile. While it’s true that the company prefers hiring managers and recruiters to use their platform for hiring decisions (and so far no one has been able to get away with just submitting a cover letter), having an unverified account is better than not having one at all.

Is It Good To Include Your Email Address On Your Resume

It’s okay to include your email address on your resume. As long as you do so in a way that doesn’t make it seem like it’s asking for feedback or advice, you can include an email address at the bottom of your resume. It’s also fine to add this information at the top of your resume, but only if there are no other contact details included on that page.

It’s okay to include your phone number on your resume if you’re applying for a job with very little contact with potential employers (for example secret shopper). 

If this is not the case and there will be frequent contact between yourself and potential employers during their hiring process, then it might be better not to include this information until after they’ve accepted one of those offers because if they find out later than they wanted someone else instead…well…that wouldn’t go well!

You should never list any home addresses or other personal information anywhere on any type of application materials unless specifically requested by an interviewer after reviewing them all together carefully beforehand 

So everything looks professional enough when viewed publicly online afterward too-even though most people don’t realize how easy it would be just by scanning through past resumes posted online looking for something specific like someone who might want another job now due perhaps due to health issues etcetera.”

If you’re serious about landing a job, you can’t afford to skip the cover letter. A well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in getting your foot in the door with potential employers. To learn more about why a cover letter is so important for job seekers, check out our guide on how important is cover letter to land a job .

Is It Good To Lie About Your Gpa On A Resume

It’s tempting to lie on your resume to make yourself look more qualified, but there are some ways in which it is best not to do this. 

When you lie, someone could easily find out that you’re lying and then they will no longer trust anything else you say or do because they’ll be afraid that any information they receive from you is also false. If people don’t trust what you’re saying, then it’s going to be difficult for them to work with or around you.

If you lie about having a certain degree or certification that wasn’t true when applying for a position, then the company may discover this later on and decide not to hire anyone from your department because their reputation could have been damaged by hiring someone dishonest about their education level/certification status. 

This would mean no one from your department gets hired at all!

Applying for a job without a cover letter is not a good idea. A cover letter is your chance to explain why you’re the right fit for that position. If you fail to include it, then an employer will assume that you don’t care about the job at all.

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about cover letters:

Are Cover Letters Necessary? (Zety) : This article discusses whether or not cover letters are necessary in today’s job market, and provides tips for how to write a compelling one.

When to skip the cover letter and when not to, according to a hiring manager and expert (CNBC) : This article provides insights from a hiring manager and a career expert on when it’s appropriate to skip the cover letter, and when you should always include one.

Should You Include a Cover Letter if It’s Not Required? (The Balance Careers) : This article provides advice on whether or not to include a cover letter when it’s not required, and offers tips for how to make your cover letter stand out.

Q: Are cover letters really necessary when applying for a job?

A: While some employers may not require a cover letter, it’s generally a good idea to include one. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and demonstrate your interest in the position.

Q: What should I include in a cover letter?

A: Your cover letter should introduce yourself, explain why you’re interested in the position, and highlight your relevant skills and experience. It’s also a good idea to mention any connections you have to the company or industry.

Q: How long should a cover letter be?

A: A cover letter should generally be one page or less. Keep it concise and to the point, and focus on highlighting your most relevant qualifications for the position.

Q: Should I customize my cover letter for each job application?

A: Yes, it’s a good idea to customize your cover letter for each job you apply to. This shows the employer that you’re specifically interested in their company and position, and that you’ve taken the time to tailor your application to their needs.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a cover letter?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid include using a generic cover letter that doesn’t address the specific job or company, making spelling or grammar errors, and focusing too much on your own needs rather than the employer’s.

Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.