You’re ready to get your dream job in fashion. So you sit at your desk and put down your resume. And you are applying for a job… but wait! Your resume is not enough; there is something else that needs to be done: your cover letter. This document is a crucial step of your job application that you should never skip. Here are three reasons why you need a cover letter to get a job in fashion.
Do Hiring Managers Read Cover Letters in Fashion?
Recruiters receive hundreds of resumes but far fewer cover letters. Actually, nowadays recruiters read cover letters more than resumes. Why? Because it’s pretty hard to know a person’s motivation just by looking at their resume. A cover letter, on the other hand, demonstrates effort, your unique qualities, and enthusiasm for the job. Hence recruiters are usually pleased to receive cover letters. It shows that the candidate made an effort to add something more to their application and they are really motivated to work at that particular company.
While it’s true that hiring managers only spend about 3 seconds scanning a resume, and they have to go through a time-consuming process of reading 500 applications on average, a well-crafted cover letter can capture their attention.
Should You Always Submit A Cover Letter?
While a cover letter may be optional for some positions, including one in every application you submit is a good idea. Don’t be tempted to send only your resume, even if it’s the only document a fashion company requires you to complete your application process online.
A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from the rest of the competition. Moreover, it’s the document that can make the shortlist for the job interview, so you want to use it to your advantage. That’s why you should always submit a cover letter, even if it’s not explicitly required.
Reasons why you need a cover letter to get a job in fashion
If you’re still not convinced, here are three reasons why you need a cover letter to get a job in fashion.
1. Resumes are cold, cover letters warm it up
Your resume is schematic, as it only lists your experiences, courses, and skills. It’s pretty cold to read. A cover letter, however, brings life to your application. It allows you to tell your story, express your personality, and showcase your enthusiasm for the job, company, and industry.
Hiring decisions often come down to a recruiter’s gut feeling and the connection they feel with a candidate; your cover letter is the first step in building that relationship.
However, to be effective, the content of your cover letter must offer fresh insights beyond what’s already listed in your resume. As I wrote in this article, if you use the cover letter to repeat the same information on your resume, you’re missing the chance to tell recruiters something else that can get you the job. The fashion industry hires based on potential, and a compelling cover letter can highlight your passion and ambition in ways a resume cannot. Recruiters want to know more about your personality and why you want to get the job and be part of the team. This is something you can only express through a cover letter.
2. Cover letters are a lifesaver when you don’t have experience
If you’re a student or recent graduate or have gaps in your employment history, you might feel like you’re not enough to get a job in fashion. So you can be easily tempted to add more things to your resume to make it more interesting. However, the truth is that recruiters understand that internship applicants don’t have any or little work experience. Therefore, they assess applications based on creativity, strategic thinking, and the ability to stand out. They base their decision on your (unconventional) application strategies that prove you think out of the box.
This is where your cover letter becomes invaluable. Use it to demonstrate your passion for the industry and articulate why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Show recruiters your why. Even without extensive experience, a well-written cover letter can blow them away and put you straight on the job interview shortlist.
3. Cover letters are personal
While I always suggest tweaking your resume anytime you apply for a new job by playing with the keywords in the job description, a cover letter is where you can really add personality to your job application. Sending a generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter is the most common mistake that people make. Your future employer receives hundreds of different cover letters for one job, and trust me, it becomes pretty obvious when you’ve simply changed the recipient and nothing else.
Hiring managers look for candidates who are interested in their company and the specific position—not just any job. Your cover letter should go beyond listing skills; it should highlight your passion for that specific company and role.
It’s absolutely necessary that you write a new cover letter anytime you apply for a new job so you can really personalize it to the brand. Employers use cover letters to get a sense of how well each candidate would fit in with their company culture. And it’s not just about the skills and experience. Take the time to research the company’s values and incorporate them into your letter. Explain why you admire the brand and how your skills and personality align with the job requirements. Tell them what you like about that brand, how you match that particular job, and why you are the ideal candidate.
A well-crafted, tailored cover letter demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and understand what the employer is looking for. It’s not just about showcasing your qualifications—it’s about proving that you’re the ideal candidate.
Ready to write your cover letter?
Read this article to learn how.
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