Cover Letters

[Tastey]

How essential are cover letters to the hiring process?

Sometimes I include them when applying for a job and sometimes I don't.

However the few times that I have included them I have not gotten interviews so as far as my personal record is concerned I only get interviews when I don't include them.

What should/should not be in them?

[SeaDuceme2]

A cover letter should be a brief personal introduction of yourself (tooting your own horn), stating how your skill and qualifications are relevant to job your interested in. no more than a page long.

[Pamalicious]

I've found that if you also 'speak' with a slightly cocky edge it might get noticed more. The hum drum buzz of you outlining what is already on your resume can become boring especially when there is a tight employment market like there is today. You have to make it short (no more than three SHORT paragraphs) and make it POP and put yourself in the position.

When I am doing resume's and coverletters for friends I usually put the job they are applying for in the first paragraph/sentence letting them know that's why the person is writing - I then in the second paragraph let them know that based on the job description outlined whereever they posted (newpaper, internet) they are a perfect fit based on XYZ, where I pull three top line correlations from thier job history to the job they want to apply for.

The last paragraph/sentence is a way to contact the person.

[ice-c]

i wouldnt send a cover letter unless it is a senior level job...OR they ask for one.

because of that ONE page rule of resumes.....i wouldnt want to force them to turn a page an search for my qualifications.

[mystkev]

I'm working on this now. I hate writing cover letters.

What about when you apply directly through a company's website? It's not like they have any specific contact information. Are they still a necessity?

[davinci]

i wouldnt send a cover letter unless it is a senior level job...OR they ask for one.
i agree. most HRM's i've talked to don't read them unless they need to assess your writing/communication skills which they can do in the interview.

you won't get the interview unless that resume is applicable.

and they've said that most folks don't realise what acutally should go in a cover letter, i.e., name dropping, research of the company...stroking stuff.

[Iris21]

I have hired for small companies, trade organizations and started years ago as Asst. for H.R. managers for some of the largest U.S. and Worldwide companies out there in every field....

Cover letters do matter. The only time they don't are for fast food, customer service positions or if the job is being held for someone else (i.e. we gave the job to someone else but the law says we still have to interview folks)

People make it much harder than it is. If it is NOT a senior level position (and truthfully even if it is)... all you need is the following:
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Intro section: My name is____ and I'm applying for ________position. I background is in __________, ______________, _____________ and _________ and I think this would match well with your company.

2nd section: Outline in a couple of sentences your background pertaining to the position. i.e. In my role as a customer service representative, I maintined call sheets, serviced in-bound and traffic, submitted weekly reports and developed client lists. As a former marketing assistant, I helped develop press releases, media lists and supported marketing executives.

3rd section: BULLET POINTS. HIT 5-10 bullet points of "TASKS PERFORMED"

4th section: Closing: I welcome the opportunity to speak with you further. I may be reached at 555-555-5555 or tasteyneedsajob@aol.com.

Sincerely,
Tastey
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That's the formula. I have developed covers and resumes for people for the better part of 10 years. This works 100% of the time. If you are going for a entry level position...limit the 2nd section to 1 sentence and 3rd section to 3-5 bullet points.

NOTE: If it is a senior level position, add another bullet point section (mine is broken up 1st section management, 2nd section marketing and in between the section I have this:

I am also experienced in marketing and communications. Over the years, I have produced, authored and designed:

But truly, it is not rocket science, it's not difficult to do or write. Hell even my own cover letter is only 3/4 of a page...in this formula, it is very simple...follow the formula and you'll be fine.