Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 36.
While the cover letter has become a divisive topic among employers and job seekers, many employers still think cover letters are important. According to a 2023 study by employment website Zippia, more than a fourth (26 %) of employers ‘always read cover letters’ and think they’re an important factor of the hiring decision. And almost half (45%) said that not including a cover letter could get your application rejected. So, in most cases, it’s best to be cautious and include one. It can help you stand out from the crowd. As a result, if you have similar abilities as other candidates, a cover letter allows you to highlight your personality and special skills. In short, including a cover letter is truly useful for job search. Here’s how:
• It shows that you are willing to put in extra effort. Looking for a new job requires a lot of work, so it might be hard to write different cover letters for different positions. However, according to the Zippia study, 61 percent of hiring managers consider a customized resume (including a cover letter and portfolio link) as the "top method for applicants to increase their chances of getting a job."
• You can solve any biases that may exist. In an ideal world, employers wouldn'T judge you based on things like gaps in employment or frequent job changes. Career coach Marlo Lyons suggests using your cover letter to explain any gaps and provide context for these situations, so employers don't get the wrong impression.
