Many people who apply for a job do not realize the importance of including a cover letter with their resume. Cover letters are important for a number of reasons and can also give you an edge over your competition.Why Cover Letters are ImportantBefore a potential employer sees your resume, he will see your cover letter. The cover letter is designed to introduce you to the potential employer and provide a little background about yourself that could potentially stand out to a hiring manager. For example, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to highlight any education and work experience that is relevant to the job before the hiring manager even looks at your resume.Another reason cover letters are important is because they look professional. Submitting a cover letter with your resume can show a hiring manager that you are truly interested in the position. However, when you use a cover letter, it needs to be tailored to match the job position you are applying for.Writing a Stellar Cover LetterIncluding a poorly written cover letter with your resume is possibly worse than simply not including a letter at all. Your cover letter needs to be grammatically correct, easy to read and to the point. You do not want to include a letter containing spelling errors or irrelevant information.When you write your cover letter, it should only be one page and should use the same heading as your resume. Typically, your cover letter should be around three paragraphs in length. Your first paragraph should let the hiring manager know what position you are applying for, as well as why you are applying for the position. The first paragraph can also include information you have learned about the company, as well as why you are the ideal candidate for the position.The second paragraph should include information regarding your education and work history. The second paragraph is also your opportunity to tell the hiring manager why your qualifications match exactly what the company needs. The third paragraph of your cover letter should express once more why you are an ideal candidate for the position, as well as a date that you plan on contacting the hiring manager to follow up on your resume.Including a cover letter with your resume could help you land a job. However, before you submit your cover letter with your resume, make it look and sound professional.