Should You Attach Your Cover Letter or Write It in Your Email?
You've spent hours crafting the perfect cover letter, and now it's time to hit send. But wait! Should you attach the letter as a separate document or write it in the body of your email? This age-old question has long perplexed job seekers. Don’t worry; we’ll be tackling that question in this blog post. We'll explore the pros and cons of both approaches and answer this often-asked question. Let's dive in and settle this debate once and for all!
Attaching Your Cover Letter a Separate Document
Pros:
More Formatting Options: Attaching your cover letter as a separate document allows for a wide range of formatting possibilities, enabling you to create a visually appealing and professional-looking letter.
Ensures Visibility: As a distinct file, your cover letter is likely to be noticed and acknowledged as an important part of your application.
Clear Separation: Keeping the cover letter separate from the email body delineates it as a formal document, distinct from the email which can be more casual.
Cons:
Less Convenient for Hiring Manager: The hiring manager has to take an extra step to open the attachment, which can be seen as a hassle, especially when reviewing many applications.
Risk of Being Overlooked: There's a chance your attachment might get lost in a sea of emails, or not be opened due to technical issues or strict email filters.
Writing Your Cover Letter in the Email Body
Pros:
Convenience for Hiring Manager: The cover letter is immediately visible upon opening the email, making it quicker and easier for the recipient to read.
Immediate Impact: Writing in the email body ensures your cover letter won't be accidentally overlooked or lost among other attachments.
Simplicity: This method is straightforward and doesn't require the hiring manager to download or open separate files.
Cons:
Limited Formatting: The email body restricts your ability to format the text, potentially making the letter less visually appealing.
Professionalism Concerns: Some recruiters might perceive a cover letter in the email body as less formal or professional.
Difficulty in Saving: Recruiters who prefer to save cover letters might find it more cumbersome to extract your letter from an email.
Should You Attach Your Cover Letter or Write It in Your Email to The Hiring Manager?
The answer largely depends on the employer's instructions. If the job posting or application guidelines don't specify a preference, attaching your cover letter as a separate document is often a safer bet. It presents your application as organized and professional. However, always pay careful attention to the employer’s job application instructions. Some employers might request an email cover letter, or they may have a hiring portal where you can attach your cover letter file or copy-paste it into a text box. In these cases, it's crucial to follow their instructions rather than choosing your preferred method because following their guidelines demonstrates your attention to detail and willingness to follow instructions, which are valuable traits in any potential employee.
