Cover Letters – Does Anybody Read Those Anymore?
Jun 10th, 2010 | By Bill | Category: Cover Letters, Employment NewsIn a world where many job applications seem to disappear into a “black hole”, job seekers often wonder if there is any point in sending a cover letter with their application. The answer is absolutely yes! An effective one communicates to an employer why you’re specifically interested in the open position. With so many job seekers indiscriminately applying for hundreds of jobs, your application will automatically stand out if you can demonstrate that you truly have a personal interest in a particular position.
Effectively explaining to an employer why you want the job requires you to cite those qualities and skills that personally make you a good candidate. Generally, the likelihood that you would be a good fit for the position is directly related to your relevant experience and education; for example, a CPA could perform accounting duties for any number of companies. But, telling a hospital that you’ve considered obtaining a master’s degree in health administration makes your interest in the job personal.
In an attempt to personalize their cover letters, job seekers often research a company by examining its Web site. While it’s good to know things such as what a manufacturing company makes or the volume of business a store does every year, including facts like these in a cover letter is ineffective. Hiring managers already know all about their own company; what they don’t know is why you’d be an asset to them.
Your willingness to write one confirms for the employer that you have a serious interest in a specific position. However, to be effective it should demonstrate your knowledge of the company by relating your personal achievements and qualities to that specific business. The people reading your application don’t know anything about you. Your cover letter needs to sell you as a candidate, while your resume supports your assertions with details.
By: Jessica Holbrook. To receive a free resume analysis send your resume to info@greatresumesfast.com or visit us online at http://www.greatresumesfast.com
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Hi Jessica and Bill,
As a recruiter, I don't request cover letters with resumes and I rarely read them when I receive them. Thus, I have been curious about your title question for awhile. I did a little research to see if there was any research on this topic. I found two reliable studies from the last 10 years. Apparently, about half the people who receive resumes also want to receive a cover letter. You can see more details on the research results here: http://bit.ly/asyrE5.
Cheers,
Donna
You make a great point that while researching a company prior to writing a cover letter is great; including the info on the cover letter isn’t so great, as – you called it – the reader already knows that stuff.
Better time spent would be answer, “what can you do for me?”
Hyo