Cover letters still an essential tool in job search

When it's essentially possible to apply for a job in 140 characters, the concept of a cover letter may seem more obsolete than that case of floppy disks collecting dust in your file cabinet.

Cover of what? And what's a letter, for that matter?

The truth is, you still need a cover letter, even if it's not the cover of anything and isn't actually printed on paper.

Job seekers often have the misconception that the cover letter is just a formality, but in fact, it's an opportunity to give the hiring team information they would otherwise only get in an interview.

Pete Leibman, author of "I Got My Dream Job and So Can You," said he always encourages job seekers to include one, even if it isn't requested.

"The main purpose is to bring your resume to life, and to answer the two main questions employers have: Why do you want the job, and why should they hire you?" he said.

In addition, it's an additional opportunity to showcase communication skills - one of the top assets that today's employers look for in new hires.

Read on for some of Leibman's other tips on composing the perfect cover letter:

n Always write one. Always.

"I always tell people they should go above and beyond the requirements of the application process," Leibman said. "You'll stand out if you write a good one and it's not required."

n Customize. Employers can tell if you have sent a form letter and, more importantly, not tailoring the letter to the specific position means you are missing an opportunity to give details about why you want the job and why you are perfect for it.

n Keep up appearances. Your letter should look professional, in standard letter-writing format, with no typos. Leibman advised keeping it to one page, as anything longer can get cumbersome for the reader.

n Be creative, within reason. In today's tight job market, there's a lot of pressure to stand out.

But where's the line between outside-the-box and downright weird? Leibman said you can take a cue from the type of company and the nature of the job.

"With Google, you can be a little more creative than if you were applying at Goldman Sachs," he said.

n Build credibility through references. Leibman always advises job seekers that "the best way to brag is to get the right people to brag for you."

If you have a letter of recommendation or LinkedIn endorsement that's particularly stellar, or comes from an important player in your industry, include a one- or two-sentence quote in your cover letter.

n Enlist someone else to review the letter before you send it off. Two pairs of eyes are better than one.