Cover Letters

Is a cover letter required when you are sending your resume to a job opportunity on a job board posted by an employment agency?

It can't hurt. A lot of posters will say don't bother, they won't read it anyway, but what if you are send it to someone who thinks it's rude not to have one.

In general, the cover letter should give the recruiter a reason to read your resume, along the lines of:

Dear [Salutation]:

If one of your clients is looking for an accomplished _____ executive, my background will be of interest.

My strengths include ____, ____ and ____. I have had multiple successes in the __ industry, and worked for both smaller organizations and Fortune 500 firms.

I have (tell them your most impressive accomplishment).

Previously, I (tell them another money-making/saving result).

My education includes an MBA from ____, and a BA from _____. I have also attended numerous other courses to stay current in theory and practice.

My goal is a leadership role in a growing firm. I am interested in your analysis, and am open to your suggestions as to where I might fit best. I am willing to travel.
Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions regarding my background or objectives.

Best regards....

In my opinion, it is better to have one. It's the standard.

I will say this about cover letters. I have written professional cover letters, cover letters copied straight from books, very personalized cover letters from the heart, sent in cover letters written by a job coach, and very very short cover letters to the point( 4 sentences short ). The most responses I get are when I use the very short version.

I think, in my opinion, it works because companies want simple and to the point. I think that 1)they have no time to read the long version, 2)are tired of reading long cover letters that describes HOW GREAT a person is, and 3)my version is unique because no one else does it, thus, it grabs their attention.

I second Dean's comments regarding short cover letters. Your cover letter will probably be read first by an HR person, so approach it from that person's point of view.

That person is probably busy and doesn't relish having to read through stacks of candidate materials. A page black with prose may turn off that person. Help out that person by writing a brief letter. You can say everything you need to say in three or four paragraphs comprised of three or four tightly-written sentences.

By writing a short letter you'll also help out the hiring manager if your materials make it that far. My guess is hiring managers get sick of reading the same old drivel over and over. That person may also regard your letter as drivel, but the person will appreciate you coming to the point quickly.

Of course it goes without saying your cover letter must be grammatically and typographically perfect in every way.

Hope that helps some more. Good luck with your job search.

thanks waiting for more...............nice time.

You should not be shilling for business on Indeed's free fora to the detriment of its paid advertisers.

It's better to have sent in a cover letter and it not be required than to not send it and it be wanted.