Is the cover letter a must or should?

gouki2005

Topic because i dont know if add a cover letter for my next company target ?
suggestions?

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Comments

cyberguypr

I love cover letters and here's why:

1. A customized one shows attention to detail. For example, you can show you researched the company and understand the position requirements
2. Additional chance to convey you are the best fit for the position. Example: how those certs + your experience are a perfect fit for the position.
3. You can expand on specific items from your resume that are not evident or require emphasis
4. In my eyes, the absence of a cover letter says "I don't have time/interest to put one together"

ChooseLife

Having been on the hiring end, I must say email applications without a cover letter (content explaining the purpose of the email, that is) look strange and not very appealing.

From: John Smith
To: Dream Job
Subject: Resume
Attachments: resume.doc

gouki2005

Ohh i see Thank you

blargoe

I never add a cover letter document if I'm emailing a resume, I just address what I would put in the letter into the body of the email. If I'm submitting a resume online or via the postal service, I'll do a "cover letter" usually.

N2IT

I never use them.

EuclidJones

Every position I've ever been hired for has been acquired without a cover letter. Most of the time when I apply I do take the time and effort to write one but it has been a wasted effort.

drew726

I write a 3-4 paragraphs on the body of the email. It doesn't take very long because most of the stuff is just repeat of what I've wrote before adapted to that certain company.

Deesiel

In a recent phone interview I attended, the person asked me if I was willing to relocate as the job I applied for is in a different state. I responded with 'Yes, I explained my willingness and time frame for relocating in my cover letter.'
Their response... 'Oh... we don't read cover letters.'

Zartanasaurus

I always do. I don't lose anything but a few minutes to write one. If they just toss the cover letter, that's fine. If the person prefers cover letters, I'm covered.

cyberguypr

Deesiel wrote: »

In a recent phone interview I attended, the person asked me if I was willing to relocate as the job I applied for is in a different state. I responded with 'Yes, I explained my willingness and time frame for relocating in my cover letter.'
Their response... 'Oh... we don't read cover letters.'

Extremely unprofessional. Even if they don't read them they shouldn't be openly admitting it.

Mishra

I'll just say that I glance over them when looking through resumes for a few seconds.

When I have picked out my candidates that go through my first round, I pay attention to their resume/cover letter a lot more.

The more information in your resume/cover letter, the more I can determine what kind of person you are.

It can be a good thing and a bad thing.

networker050184

cyberguypr wrote: »

Extremely unprofessional. Even if they don't read them they shouldn't be openly admitting it.

Why is that unprofessional? Would you rather them sugarcoat it?

To the OP, I agree with blargoe if its an email just go ahead and put something in the body of the email and don't worry about attaching something extra. If its snail mail then go a short cover letter should be fine.

BradleyHU

I usually submit a cover letter, unless they specifically say dont, or the site doesnt have an option to add a cover letter.

Everyone

BradleyHU wrote: »

I usually submit a cover letter, unless they specifically say dont, or the site doesnt have an option to add a cover letter.

^^ This.

A well written cover letter can get you a call before they even read (or finish reading) your resume.

If the job listing says not to send one, then don't. If the application website doesn't give you an option to include one, don't worry about it. Otherwise, take the time to write one for each position you apply to.