Cover Letters: Articles and Tips to Help You

Cover Letters — To Write or Not to Write

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Using Cover Letters Today:
Are cover letters now an out-of-date relic of a by-gone era?

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There is some discussion these days about whether a cover letter is even a good idea. Isn’t that just one more piece of paper for the person reviewing it to sift through? Does it just end up in the “circular file” with the other junk mail?

To answer that question, take another look at the job ad itself. Here are some clues to look for in making the decision about whether or not to write a cover letter:

1) Does the job ad ask for a cover letter? If it says “send cover letter and resume” then definitely write that cover letter. You will not be winning yourself any points by not following directions.

2) Is the job ad long, descriptive, and detailed? Then likely they are looking for the same amount of detail. The cover letter is a great way to provide that additional information.

3) Are your main qualifications scattered throughout the resume and may be hard to pick out in a single glance? In addition to considering a functional resume (which is another topic altogether), using a cover letter can help tie together the loose ends of how your volunteer experience, work experience, and education fit together to make you a perfect candidate for this job.

4) Were you referred to the position by an employee or know the hiring manager personally? A cover letter may be an important way to highlight your personal connection to the firm.

5) Are you sending this to an employer who has not posted a job opening? If you know you want to work at this company and are sending out your resume hoping to make some connections a cover letter explaining type of job you are seeking and why you are interested in their company is essential.

The bottom line is do you think a cover letter will add value for the person reading it? If so, write one. If not, save yourself and them the time.