The Truth About Cover Letters
There is a lot of hype about cover letters and articles on how to write a proper cover letter. However, as a recruiter and someone who reads as many as 100 resumes per day, I’m not sure how important they are. In actuality, I bet most external recruiters do not read them, I know no one in our office does.
If you are working with an external recruiter, most of the time it’s not necessary to send one. A good recruiter is going to pick up the phone and call you to get the necessary information that’s not on your resume. The recruiter will then convey relevant information to the hiring manager directly. A recruiter’s job is to make it easier for the hiring manager. The less paperwork we send, the better. Consequently, recruiters typically send the resume and candidate evaluations that is it.
Let’s address when a cover letter may be important. If you’re applying for a position on-line, directly to the company, they often request a cover letter. In this method of applying for a position, you have no third party screening you, highlighting your attributes and addressing red flags from your resume. In this case, putting together a winning cover letter is very important. Companies are typically looking for a few key pieces of information: why you are looking for a position, why you’re interested in their company, salary and any outstanding accomplishments that set you apart.
The primary reason companies request a cover letter is to learn information not on your resume. They will use this information as a first screen. If you need to make $100,000, and the company is only paying $80,000, then you’re out of consideration. So be very careful what information you include. This is your opportunity to address any gaps on your resume and why you are looking for a position. For example if you are relocating or downsized, you can address it and any other concerns here.
The bottom line is, if you are working directly with one or more external recruiters, they will be screening you and sending notes to the hiring manager/company directly, your resume is the only thing needed to be submitted. If you’re sending a resume directly to the company you are applying for, get your cover letter prepared!
Keep in mind the importance of short but sweet. Only include information that is not on your resume.
