Sending your CV to a company without a cover letter is like shaking someone's hand without having a chance of introducing yourself.

Here are 9 reasons why you need a cover letter.

1. ​It makes a good first impression.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
2. When your cover letter attracts interest, employers read your CV to confirm a positive first impression.                                                                                                                                             
3. It’s a sales document; an attention-grabbing bit of writing to make the employer want to meet you.                                                                                                                                             
4. In this competitive job market, you may not get the chance to explain yourself at an interview, the cover letter increase your chances of being accepted by answering the questions a hiring manager may have when your CV is reviewed.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
5. A cover letter demonstrates your ability to understand, formulate ideas and fulfill a company’s specific needs.                                                                                                                                             
6. It shows that you are smart enough to master the company’s products, services, markets, and employment needs by correlating an employer’s requirements with your top competencies and skills, your knowledge, your work experience.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
7. The cover letter proves that you can communicate your thoughts in writing.                                                                                                                                             
8. A cover letter is evidence that you’re able, knowledgeable, talented, and that you take pride in your work. By contrast, a poor and boring letter suggests that your work will be poor and boring.                                                                                                                                             
9. It may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your CV ignored.

By Ahmed El Sherbiny

Human Resources Operations Senior Advisor; Microsoft Egypt