Job seekers are finding it more challenging to get noticed and get interviews. Employers now deluged with online applications and boilerplate résumés look for applicants that set themselves apart from the rest. So maybe it’s time to rethink that cover letter.

Are cover letters necessary? Yes and no.

The purpose of a cover letter is to highlight your qualifications and strike a match with a job opening. It is a sales tool to provide the employer a glimpse of who you are and how well you communicate. Consequently, it must be a part of your job search strategy.

A good cover letter can actually grab the attention of a hiring recruiter or manager of the company to which you are applying. It helps you stand out. However, there are times when a cover letter may not be necessary.

First, read the classified. If it says not to include a cover letter, then don’t. If you do, the hiring manager may interpret the inclusion as an inability to follow directions. Follow the author’s instructions.

You may be asked to fill out an application. Keep in mind, the application is asking for specific information and that is precisely what you need to supply. Often, in such requests, there is a section that will allow you to list extra things you have done; therefore, always have a paragraph written and prepared for such cases.

Typically, it is to your advantage to include a cover letter with your résumé. In popular positions, such as a customer service representative, it’s tough to get noticed. Construct sentences in your cover letter that job-match. A tool used by many human resources personnel is a digital system that scans letters and résumés for key words that match the job or ...