Blog Post: Don't Forget the Cover Letter

Early in my career, I'll admit that I seldom used a cover letter - I wanted my resume to do the talking. As an HR professional, I often found little time to read every resume that came across my desk, I resorted to reading the cover letter. If that got my interest, I read on.

Key point: the primary objective of the cover letter is get the reader to turn the page and take a peek at your resume.

I know what you're thinking - in today's world of electronic resumes, keyword search engines, meta tags, and similar "find 'em fast" tools, it would seem that the cover letter is passe. Not so fast!

Cover letters can be customized for a specific job opportunity - just like your resume should. More importantly, they can provide an opportunity for you to showcase your command of the language and your ability to present yourself in a few short paragraphs. In short, the cover letter can say a lot about you - but in a very short space.

Phyllis Korkki, writing for Career Couch in the February 14th issue of the New York Times posted a good article about the importance of the cover letter. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/jobs/15career.html)  Phyllis reminds us that cover letters should be short, specific, and, duh - NOT contain typos and similar stupid mistakes.

And, for those few jobs you'd simply die to get, follow the electronic response up with hard copy. Let the employer know you're 'really interested' in the opportunity.