Regardless of how I submit a resume, I still like to include a cover letter - it's simply another sales tool!

posted August 2, 2010

When I did recruit, I did read the emails that people sent along with their resume's but truthfully, I was far more concerned with the profile that I filled out on them in order to qualify them.

I would think that a hiring manager is going to be far more interested in a cover letter than a recruiter in most cases.

posted August 2, 2010

A recruiter as far as I understand sends a 'sell note' to the prospective sales person or hiring manager. In this case, a cover letter serves a dual purpose not only to provide assistance with that sales note, but allows the candidate to expand on their resume with additional information on their skills and qualifications.

posted August 2, 2010

A cover letter is still important for most applications - although usually it is a cover email with CV/resume attached. No matter how customised to the job your CV/resume is there will be a few items that you want to highlight most and indicate how you fill the critical requirements of the job spec, and the cover letter/email is still the best place to do that.

posted August 2, 2010

Personally I'm a fan of *customized* cover letters. But most generic ones are horrible.

posted August 2, 2010

Laura,
It SHOULD go the way of the dinosaur, but like the FAX, it refuses to die.

Dan

posted August 2, 2010

I like cover letters. It reflects the personality of the candidate. Most resumes I see are pretty dry and have as much style as a jeans commercial from the seventies. One tip: The shorter the better.

posted August 2, 2010

The cover letter can absolutely increase your chances of getting noticed. True as a recruiter I will also spend a lot of time qualifying a candidate and matching him to the needs of my clients. However having evidence in the candidates own words of why they think they are right for the job and highlighting in more depth relevant experience is invaluable.

CV's are a snapshot and should give a good idea of what you have done and when. Cover letters also prove that the candidate has read the job description and really thought about why they should apply for the job as opposed to just sending his CV to any advert that has a relevant sounding title.

The cover letter should express more of your personality. While I feel that cover letters shouldn't be compulsory, I do feel that the extra effort put in writing a good cover letter does put the candidate in very good stead.

posted August 3, 2010

The cover letter has not gone the "way of the dinosaur." In fact, more and more employers today are first turning to covers more than resumes. And that's because it takes less time to wade through a cover letter than it does a resume.

So an employer can get through those huge stacks of applications quicker. In other words, the cover allows the employer to make a quickie "yes or no" decision. Something that helps reduce the piles of resumes down to more manageable levels. In addition, it shows whether or not that person can write well. Something that's become more important to lots of employers out there.

Ron Auerbach, MBA
* Author, "Think Like an Interviewer: Your Job Hunting Guide to
Success"
* Degrees in business and human resources
* Taught subjects from A to Z, including: job hunting & business
* Held jobs from providing support to supervising and training
* Has been downsized, outsourced, changed careers, & forced to retrain
* Book website: http://thinklikeaninterviewer.tripod.com

posted August 3, 2010

This question comes up on a fairly regular basis in the career services industry. I did some research with recruiters and hiring managers last year and found out that:

1. Recruiters generally don't read cover letters if they are emailed as a separate attachment. They will read the email, as long as they don't have to scroll down.

2. Hiring managers and hiring decision-makers are more inclined to read the cover letter, but usually only after they've seen the resume. If the letter isn't specifically tailored to the target job, or it's poorly written, an otherwise good resume goes into the circular file.

3. In a survey of 900+ recruiters and hiring managers, 30%+ reported that they wouldn't look at a resume unless it was accompanied by a cover letter. This survey was specifically targeted to to 6-figure salary crowd.

4. No recruiter or hiring manager will discard a well-written resume that is accompanied by a well-written cover letter, and some will give greater attention to a so-so resume with a great cover.

Based on these findings, I continue to recommend that jobseekers create a customized cover letter that is clear, succinct, and targeted to a specific opportunity. If they are emailing their resume, use the body of the letter as the email message. Make sure it fits in one screen view, and have a signature with all your contact info, including LinkedIn address.

posted August 3, 2010

I hope that people stop writing cover letters and strictly for personal reasons. Let's play the odds game. If you don't include a cover letter and others do then those who submit really good cover letters have a slight advantage.

I'm all for gaining an advantage over someone who, for whatever reason, didn't feel like taking a few extra minutes to write a cover letter. With so many people applying for the same job I think it's great that some don't write cover letters. If that helps weed the pile so be it.

We're always competing with others so either you're going to go the extra mile of separating yourself and getting into the final group or you're not. Why bother applying for something if you're over going to half-ass it? (unless of course you're playing a different type of numbers game and are applying to HUNDREDS of jobs)

posted August 3, 2010

If a recruiter will only spend 30 seconds reading your resume, why in the world would they take the time to read a cover letter that would up that time to 45 seconds or a minute? If you can get the letter directly into the hands of the hiring manager, it might make a good sales tool. As a former hiring manager, I'd rather have a resume showing your experience and accomplishments.

posted August 3, 2010

In my positions, I hear many people bemoan cover letters as old school and obsolete. What I have come to realize, however, is that such comments are usually offered by those who say they really want a job, but expend minimal effort to get one.

A cover letter requires more work so, obviously, there will be people dismissing its value to the job search. But, unless candidates are told specifically and explicitly NOT to include a cover letter, I always encourage candidates to send cover letters with their application materials.

Whereas resumes are industry specific, cover letters are company specific; therefore, cover letters can help candidates explain how the skills and talents they've been developing could be put to use in the particular organization. That alone can set some candidates apart: they aren't simply seeking *a* job, but *this* position.

Cover letters also give candidates the opportunity to showcase their writing/communication abilities--something that's harder to do in light of the countless services that write people's resumes. (I recognize candidates can also submit cover letters they didn't write; that, unfortunately, is a disservice to both the company and the candidate.) And, in a world of heightened competition for fewer jobs, candidates who can actually demonstrate their ability to present ideas succinctly and accurately may have the advantage.

All of this praise for and support of the cover letter does, however, assume that the cover letters candidates send are brief (keeps information to one page), relevant (highlights, rather than reiterates resume details), and reader-specific (exemplifies that the candidate knows something about the particular company); generic cover letter peppered with clichés and superficialities can have the opposite effect by simply wasting a recruiter’s time.

Over the years I have had countless people come back and tell me that, while their resume had impressive entries, recruiters have told them it was their *cover letter* that clinched the invitation to interview. Such comments reinforce the value of cover letters, when used purposefully and strategically.

posted August 3, 2010

I don't think so, especially if you are writing directly to a Hiring Manager re: a specific role or for a networking meeting. Many ATS systems give applicants a choice as to whether or not to include a cover letter germane to the job posted. It depends on the recruiter - either corporate or agency based - as to whether or not the cover letter is read. But as stated in several comments, it should be well written and specific. Generic letters are a turn-off and a waste of time

posted August 3, 2010

Hi Laura,

I like Karen's analysis and advice.

I'm sure that w/ today's focus on technology and email, fewer cover letters are being read.

But why take the chance and *not* send one? It seems too risky.

I always include a "qualifications" list of bullet points in my cover letters:

* you're looking for A, here are my A qualifications
* you're looking for B, here are my B qualifications, etc

It shows that your background meets the essential qualifications of the job.

Good luck to you!

posted August 3, 2010

A cover letter is not optional! This is part of your marketing and sales tool; it also demonstrates to the hiring manager or recruiter that you can write! The package (resume and cover letter) is not complete without both.

posted August 4, 2010

I review applicant materials each day, looking at both the cover letters (when submitted) and the resumes.

Often, the cover letters are more accomplishment focused (rather than task focused) than the resumes, which gives me insight into how well the individual would perform.

As the Managing Editor for one of the Internet's leading resume writing companies, I would suggest that cover letters definitely be sent along with the resume. Find and use the hiring manager's/recruiter's name (never address letter to Dear Sir or Madam or To Whom It May Concern). Additionally, use the T-style cover letter - in a two column table you list (on the left side) what the company seeks in a candidate, then on the right side column, you match your qualifications to those requirements.

It's a great sales tool and shouldn't be ignored.

Darlene Zambruski
ResumeEdge.com, ResumeEdge.ca, JobInterviewEdge.com Managing Editor
Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

Links:

• http://www.resumeedge.com/
• http://resumeedge.ca/
• http://www.resumeedge.com/blog

posted August 4, 2010

The "Cover Letter" is still not dead. Of course this depends on the culture and work environment. In France for example, many employers still insist on hand written cover letters in order to evaluate a person's character through their hand writing.

I agree that France is a "special case".

In general today, the "cover letter" has not disappeared; it has just changed styles and formats. Many people still do spontaneous candidacies only as you know the information is sent via email.

A cover letter "email" should be brief and to the point. If you capture someone's attention, they will open your word document CV if they feel so inclined. We receive many such letters at WCW. They can be quite revealing in what they do or do not say about the "candidate".

from Andrew Scharf

Links:

• http://www.whitefieldconsulting.com
• http://www.whitefieldconsulting.com/wordpress
• http://fr.linkedin.com/in/andrewscharf

posted August 4, 2010

I agree that the cover letter is not dead and many organisations still want to see one. I encourage my students to become proficient at writing them as much as putting together a CV.

posted August 4, 2010

If anything great cover letters are more and more important when there is greater competition for jobs. Why not use them to your advantage? When I was a hiring manager it was always an important part of my decision as to who earned an interview. Because many of the jobs I was hiring for paid six figures, I had to interview at least ten candidates for each opening. I actually found the cover letters to be a most valuable tool for measuring desire, dedication and passion before the interview.

Here is the real scoop (with proof) on cover letters straight from a hiring manager and resume writer who has seen them work well for thousands of clients...

Attention job hunters, read: "Cover Letters 101 -- Cover Letters 101 - Essential for Your Successful Hire?" and "Resume 101: One Big Myth and One Critical Miss Revealed." Links are below...8v)

Links:

• http://knol.google.com/k/darrell-z-dizoglio/-/2j3azmnrylm56/0?profile_edite...
• http://ezinearticles.com/?expert_bio=Darrell_DiZoglio
• http://RighteousResumes.com

posted August 5, 2010

The dfifereing viewpoints in these answers are interesting. As a rule while I like to see cover letters, I prefer that they be very short and to the point. I tend not to read much of a cover letter if it's over a paragraph long, simply because I am more interested in the contents of the resume and whether the information contained there matches my current specs. The cover letter can be effective if it highlights very quickly some element of my requirement (for example, a degree in finance). Also if a candidate is out of state, I am hoping that their cover letter references something about relocation intentions; otherwise I wonder.

I have received some cover letters which did the candidate more harm than good by revealing a poor grasp of grammar, multiple mistakes, generally poor writing skills or grossly verbose and superflous language (which leaves a negative impression). And for goodness sake, always check to make certain that if the cover letter references a specific title or company, that the title and company are correct (in other words, use caution when sending these out in form letter style; it's better to use the word "your position" than to quote a job title and forget to change it).

I am also aware that more and more candidates are actually paying someone else to write their cover letters for them. These are often easy to spot and they often sound rather overinflated. Personally I think paying someone else to do this is a cop-out because you are trying to present yourself to an employer, not someone else's version of yourself.

At the end of the day though, the resume matters more (at least to me), and a resume without a cover letter will not be received any more or less favorably than one with a cover letter.

posted August 5, 2010

Some employers place a greater importance on cover letters than resumes when selecting candidates. Why take a chance?

Links:

• http://www.adminresumes.net

posted August 6, 2010

Excellent Question Laura! My thoughts are that a cover letter should not go away, but be straight to the point! The cover letter is just as important as an excellent resume. They should always answer questions like what job are you referring to, where exactly did you find out about this opening, were you referred to us by someone specific, why exactly do you think you are a perfect match for my opening. Each cover letter should be tailored and addressed to the specific job and employer at hand. It should never just be a general cover letter. Each cover letter should be handled with care. It is the first stepping stone to the next step. They should answer, why should I take the time to look at your resume? My biggest pet peeve is when a job seeker just emails their resume and nothing else. No hello, how are you, my resume is attached for...???? What are they thinking when they do this? I know employers are thinking...DELETE!

posted August 7, 2010

I think the cover letter is even more important these days. People apply to multiple jobs and/or I have multiple open positions. Without a cover letter how do I know what you are interested in? The cover letter allows the candidate to focus on the specific skills that they think qualifies them for the open position.

posted August 9, 2010