Good question: Cover sheet application – yes or no? Whether you decorate your application documents with a cover sheet is entirely up to you. There is no unwritten law on this. Some HR decision-makers like cover sheets because they create an overview and give the application a personal touch. Look site with the best resume wording help – https://resumegets.com/. Others abhor them because they are superfluous, time-consuming, and meaningless. We compare all the arguments for and against the cover sheet in the application – and tell you what to look out for when you decide on one…
Cover sheet application definition
The cover sheet in the application is not a must, but an encore. It is sometimes known as…
- Cover picture
- Application cover
- Cover page
But already with the name, the misunderstandings begin. A cover sheet is not a cover sheet in the literal sense. It is not on top of the application folder but the top of the résumé. The cover letter is at the top of the application folder, then comes the cover sheet, then the résumé, and then everything else. It is the same with e-mail applications. In the application PDF, in which you have summarized all the documents, the cover letter appears first, followed by the cover sheet – if you have decided on one. Of course, the arrangement is in principle up to each applicant. You can also add the cover sheet to all application documents. But this could be a mistake. Because the free choice of your application is and remains – cover sheet or not – the application letter. In the cover letter, the applicant explains why he wants the job and what makes it stand out. The cover letter is always more important than a visually appealing cover sheet. A cover sheet, on the other hand, is always an accessory. It has a creative function, a decorative one. And it creates a first overview, serves for better recognition. The cover sheet can round off an application. If you decide on a cover sheet, you should also make an effort with the layout, design, colors, and content. Those who are not skilled in design matters, on the other hand, may prefer to leave it out entirely. Whether you decide for or against a cover sheet is entirely up to you. You should weigh up the following advantages and disadvantages…
Cover sheet Application advantages
These points speak FOR a cover sheet in the application:
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There is structure
A cover sheet can give an application structure. If it is well structured and designed, your application will appear a bit more thought-out and well-considered.
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It emphasizes your individuality
Each should be individual Be an application – you’ve probably heard that before. And it’s true too. A cover sheet can be the icing on the cake for your application and give it a special touch. You can use it to arouse interest and stand out from the competition. This is especially an option if you are likely to have a lot of competitors or only bad chances of getting the job.
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It creates space
In your résumé, you can now fully devote yourself to your career and successes. A cover sheet can create space and open spaces.
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It provides an overview
For the HR manager, clarity is a decisive criterion. Who is the applicant, what does he look like, what position is he applying for? The cover sheet is perfect for this.
Cover sheet application disadvantages
These points speak AGAINST a cover sheet in the application:
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It leads to duplication
A cover sheet can lead you to redundancies. This means the additional expenditure of time for the recipient – and nobody likes to lose time in a stressful job. It could also seem vain to put your own photo twice in the application documents – on the cover sheet and in the résumé. There is also no need to mention your name or address twice.
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It’s ballast
When you have put together a well-structured, clear application, you no longer need a cover sheet. Superfluous ballast! However, if you have any doubts, it could provide more clarity for the recipient.
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It irritates the recipient
Even if you are certainly quite an enchanting look: The prominent placement of the application photo can put off the reader. He may not like the tip of your nose, your hairstyle, or the clothes you wear. All of this comes into its own on a cover sheet. You should never underestimate the effect of the application photo – and your personal sensitivities in the application process!
Conclusion: There are some arguments in favor of a cover sheet in the application Cover sheet maybe a little more. The majority of HR professionals who asked the career blog on the subject saw it that way. The majority of them spoke out against a cover sheet. 75 percent rejected it, only 25 percent found it helpful. On the other hand, the yes-men make up a quarter. Especially if the application is very extensive and the cover sheet is well done, it will also attract attention – and can earn bonus points.
Cover sheet application content
That depends on the advertised position and your Personality. The main contents of the cover sheet, however, are always the same. These are:
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Heading
At the top of the page is quite simply: Application or application documents. The headline is highlighted.
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Position
Which position are you applying for? The desired position (possibly with a reference number) belongs on the cover sheet. The information is particularly useful when the employer is creating and posting a whole series of new positions. You can also find out who you are applying to here. Biggest plus point: This makes it clear that you have not made a mass application, but an individual application.
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Application photo
A cover sheet without an application photo makes only limited sense. If you can create extra space, make use of it. A photo gives your application a face and makes it more personal. Whether you place the photo on the left, right, or in the middle depends on the layout. Important: You should always look into the side of the photo and not out.
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Contact details
These are essential details that the Increase information content: name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, possibly your website or blog.
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Attachment directory
A list of attachments (or table of contents) looks great on a cover sheet. It creates an overview and structure. So list everything that is in your application – cover letter, CV, certificates, other attachments. And make sure that the order of the attachments you have listed corresponds to the order in which the documents can be found afterward.
Again the reference to the recognition value: Look at the HR manager on your cover sheet, then he might remember you more easily later. That can be an advantage. After all, an application is always about attracting attention and arousing curiosity and interest in the HR manager. The HR manager can use the cover sheet as an eye-catcher – and as an additional service. This is an added value for him. Note: HR managers also like it when work is done for them.
Cover sheet application tips
Cover sheet application: These tips can help you to create a completely successful cover sheet…
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Seriousness
Imagine you are writing a sparkling clean application and listing all the necessary qualifications. And then screw it up with an infantile wrapper. Basically: keep the cover sheet serious, clear, well-arranged. Do not overload it with content and avoid daring design gimmicks. These include bright colors, unusual fonts, or adventurous patterns. This is exhausting for the reader in the best case – and in the worst case, it is embarrassing.
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Reference
This is a real added value for every HR office. State the specific contact person in the company – and/or the reference number or code of the job advertisement. Preferably in a prominent, clearly visible place where the information cannot be overlooked. It makes work easier for the recipient.
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Contact details
Your own details should also be clearly visible on the cover sheet. And make sure you check that you have written everything correctly: name, address, email address. Is it possible that you twisted the letter (or number) in the mobile phone number? Then the HR manager will not reach you if he tries to. So: Check all the information carefully.
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Motto
If you have decided to stick in the mind of the decision-maker, then give your application a motto or slogan – and write it on the cover sheet. But choose carefully and do not fall into slapstick. And please do not use a hackneyed phrase or an inflationary quote – that could backfire.
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Test
How does everything look in printed form? With a cover sheet, in particular, you could get an unpleasant surprise if you print it and send it unchecked. Colors, structure, photo, size of the elements – is everything as you imagined? Better to be on the safe side, make a test print and look at it with eagle eyes.
This is how you collect plus points!
We have already mentioned the pros and cons. Some love wrapper pages, most probably not. But there is one more fundamental aspect that you should consider: Appearance is the key! The Ruhr-Universität Bochum found out in a survey of HR professionals that the look of the cover letter and résumé is an important decision criterion for two thirds. And that only 16.2 percent of them find the application portfolios they have submitted appealing. That means the external impression counts. With a cover sheet, you can sometimes significantly improve the look. A great opportunity for you! When it comes to cover letters, 65.3 percent of those questioned value formatting following DIN 5008. 84.1 percent consider it important that the cover letter is no longer than an A4 page. 65.4 percent are not at all impressed by spelling and grammar errors. The résumé, on the other hand, should first and foremost be clear. 65.4 percent of HR professionals prefer the American variant, so they want to see their current position at the top. 72 percent find short bullet points on the most important tasks and professional successes desirable. And the cover sheet? It is not one of the guarantees of success. But at least 31.8 percent of HR professionals – and thus almost one in three – see added value in this. Prerequisite: It is designed to be visually appealing. Applicants can therefore collect plus points with a cover sheet.
Cover sheet conclusion
First of all, the cover sheet is a tool for self-marketing. And secondly, a tool that should make the recipient’s work easier. Because it’s so concise, it also carries a risk: a bad cover sheet can create a negative first impression and significantly reduce your chances of getting the dream job. All in all, it’s a matter of taste. If you decide on a cover sheet, you should print it out beforehand and have it checked by friends or relatives – and ask for their opinion. Basically: invest enough time and patience in every single application – whether with a cover sheet or without.