Should You Include Links in Your Cover Letter?
As you sit down to write your cover letter, a question may cross your mind: "Should I include links in my cover letter?" It's a good question, and the answer is not always straightforward. The purpose of your cover letter is to introduce yourself and make a strong impression. Links can be a powerful tool in achieving this, but they must be used wisely.
When to Include Links in Your Cover Letter
Showcasing Your Work: If you're in a field where your work can be showcased online – like graphic design, writing, or software development – including a link to your portfolio or personal website is a great idea. It allows potential employers to see your work firsthand.
Professional Profiles: Including a link to your LinkedIn profile is often beneficial. It offers employers a more detailed view of your professional background, endorsements, and network.
Published Work or Projects: If you've been published or have noteworthy projects that you feel are really relevant to the position you’re applying for and that have not been included in your resume, then including a link to these can strengthen your application.
Note: If you have already included the links to your portfolio and LinkedIn Profile in your resume, then you don’t need to do it again.
Related Topic: Should You Attach Your Cover Letter or Write It in Your Email?
How to Include Links in Your Cover Letter
Keep It Relevant: Only include links that are directly relevant to the job you're applying for. Irrelevant links can distract the recruiter or come off as unprofessional.
Use Hyperlinks Wisely: If you're sending your cover letter electronically, use hyperlinks. You can hyperlink a relevant word or phrase instead of pasting a long URL.
Brief Description: When you include a link, add a brief description of what the link leads to. For example, “My portfolio, showcasing my recent design projects, can be found here.”
When Not to Include Links in Your Cover Letter
When It Involves Confidential or Sensitive Information: Avoid linking to any work that contains confidential or sensitive information. Always respect the confidentiality agreements of your previous employers.
When It Leads to Overloading with Links: Including too many links can be overwhelming. Stick to a few that are highly relevant and impactful.
When It Links to Broken or Outdated Content: To include no link at all in your cover letter is better than including broken or outdated links. Double-check that all your links are working and lead to current, updated content.
Related Topic: The Do’s and Don’ts of a Cover Letter Tone
A Note on Formatting and Tone
Your cover letter should be professionally formatted, even when including links. Maintain a tone that's professional yet approachable. Remember, the person reading your cover letter is just that – a person. They appreciate clarity, directness, and a bit of personality.
In conclusion, it's better to leave out links in your cover letter than to include them incorrectly. If you decide to add links, ensure they're used precisely and relevantly. A well-placed link can enhance your narrative, but a misplaced one can detract from your message. So, if you choose to include links, do it right – your cover letter's effectiveness depends on it.
