How a Cover Letter Can Make the Difference

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I found it easy to have a generic cover letter and resume (aptly named GenericCoverLetter.doc and GenericResume.doc respectively) and when I tailor it to the job most of the work is already done, and all I have to do is put in a few bits about why I make a good match, and I customize the generic resume to match the skills and job duties that the job listing states. Doing this I spend half the time on working on the two, yet still make them custom to the job I'm applying for.

Laura of MT 3:08PM September 24, 2010

I have find myself looking for a job after working for a company for 10 years.
I had no idea what my resume needed or cover letter.
Alot of your tips have been very helpful and I will make my cover letter a little more personal. (Good Stuff.)
Thank you
Kim

Kim of NC 6:58PM July 19, 2010

I'm surprised by how stupid some of these comments are. If there's any chance that someone, somewhere in your application process, might read your cover letter, then why not write a good one? If you really want the job, it makes sense to maximize your chances by doing everything you can.

A of DC 11:48AM September 09, 2009

i jus wanna job not gonna do no resume!

Noresume of CA 5:37PM August 23, 2009

You MUST include a cover letter - it is key! Ignore that HR idiot who told you that - they probably make computerized resume reading systems for a living or something.

D TL of CT 5:34PM August 23, 2009

I can say that I have seen thousands of resumes but as an employer, I didn't care where you worked three years ago if it wasn't relevant. What I loved to see is when people used their cover letter to tell me either why they were a great candidate or how they excelled at other jobs/careers. Think of the last time you bought something from a salesperson. Many times the person that came across as a salesman just scares people away but the person that becomes a person to you rather than a salesperson is probably who you bought from. Your cover letter is your chance to become more than a piece of paper to an employer.

Bill of CO 11:58PM January 07, 2009

when one is applying for a certain job, say through Biospace,the option offered is to cut and paste your resume. So, how does one attach a cover letter under such circumstances?

Indira Krishnan of OH 2:01PM January 07, 2009

This is the problem...who to believe? I just recently read from another HR Manager to forget the cover letter. S/he said that they're seldom ever read anymore. S/he went so far as to say that including one, unless it's requested, indicates that I'm out of touch with the current times and old school.
Who do I believe?

Every answer has an opposite one on the internet... of WA 12:49AM January 04, 2009

Dear Alison,
I am a lady chef of 60 years old, italian. I have been working from Australia to Europe and I am still in France where I have been working for almost three years. I am looking for job but,referring to the covers letter, I would like to ask you what shall I write on it,having so many years of expertise. I find it very difficult to express myself regarding the career with the Company I apply for.
Please give me an advice how I can look for a job. The culinary art is my passion and I dont want to give up just for the age. I can give a lot in my field.
Thank you so much
Giovanna Nardelli

Giovanna Nardelli 11:39AM December 19, 2008

I'm just one of your readers and I admire you of what should the cover letter contents, it is the bases of how the human resources or hiring officer to decide whether candidate is qualified or not, but some people are not very good on their cover letter but on actual interview they are perfect, isn't it.
Base on my experience some company does not reply or acknowledge whether you are qualified or not even though you send them a thank you letter on respond to your resume/cover letter you emailed or mailed. I think that's their own practice not to respond or reply or too much in their part. I know that millions of applicants in different category that you encounter so what's the worst cover letter and which one do uou recommend.
just for thought.

jjgarcia 12:46PM December 18, 2008