wmuflyboy

do you guys sending out resumes still send out cover letters along with them still? do you believe they help at all?

USMCFLYR

I can't tell you WHY I am using cover letters, but yes - - I am adding a cover letter along with the resume. I guess the idea is that it is the first contact - the overall picture to grab the employers interest. Then if they are interested they can look for more information, more detail, on the resume.

USMCFLYR

rickair7777

It is expected at the higher end, and shows that at least you took the time to get the name of the hiring manager. Shows a little more specific interest than mass-mailing resumes.

Cubdriver

If I see a job I wish to apply for then I definitely do that although it is pretty much a formality, and as Ricks says it points out nothing other than I took the time to research the job and draw up the letter. Most people just carbon-copy a formal letter they already have in their files for this- no big deal.

If I think an employer really wants a personal statement from me on how well I will fit their job I compose an essay for this and include it as a separate document with the other things on the application email (job application form, resume, cover letter).

Such an essay is a 30-second chance to influence how the HR contact and possibly the chief pilot thinks about you, so it should be well thought out and carefully done. It may take days to compose such an essay, so take your time and make sure it is what you really intend to say. Read it several times over several days time, and have someone whom you trust critique it and suggest possible changes you should make to it before sending it to them. The effort spent up front on things like this is surprisingly important.

__________________
Turn the heat O-F-F!

kalyx522

Unless I don't really care whether I get the job or not (or a cover letter REALLy isn't necessary), I would never send out a resume without a cover letter. That is just me. I think it shows to the potential employer that I cared enough to write one, but more importantly it gives me an opportunity to sell myself beyond what's in the resume.
I just spent the entire day and night writing up a cover letter for my dream job, then reread it/tweaked it like 80 times. Like someone said, most higher end positions require one, so you may not even have a choice.

laluna1223

Yes, I have been absolutely sending a cover letter with each and every job application I submit for. If I can send it as an attachment then I will. It gives me the opportunity to sell myself and highlight my qualifications.

Believe me there are times that I don't want to...but I have it down to about five minutes now because I have been typing them for so long. I even memorized some of the paragraphs.