[ID:0421]EDITOR'S NOTE: The world of recruitment is changing. With the proliferation of online applications (where algorithms scan resumes for keywords), as well as social media and LinkedIn profiling, there may appear to be less need for a traditional cover letter. While it may be true that large companies with big HR departments don't review cover letters in detail, this is not the case when applying directly to a pesonal contact at a large organization, or to a small- or mid-sized employer. We believe strongly in the value of developing a good cover letter. No matter the format your future employer ultimately requests, the process of self-reflection and skill evaluation involved in developing a targeted cover letter will make you a stronger, more confident candidate. By going through the steps of creating such a document, you'll learn how to talk about your skills and your career potential, which can be invaluable during the interview and job search process.

Cover letters are important to the job search process because they are a visible part of your...