Cover Letters: Yay or Nay

Cover letters are proof that someone can write convincingly and that they’re detail-oriented. They set serious candidates apart. -P.

Candidates look very similar on paper when they're recent graduates. Cover letters can set you apart by adding a personal touch that isn't covered in a resume and showing that you put more effort into applying than just hitting the submit button. -A.

If your work history is in X field but you want to work in Y field, and you explain how you have transferable skills in the cover letter, you’re much more likely to be placed in the ‘maybe’ pile than just tossed out. We also use both resume and CL as an initial assessment of communication/writing skills. -B.

Most of what I need to know about you and your work ethic will shine through the BS usually written in those. -C.

No one reads them unless they are specifically requested. It would be better to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for than to write a cover letter. -K.

I am an HR professional and do not read cover letters. Your resume should tell me everything I need to know in 1-2 pages. -L.

Use the cover letter to tell a story about who you are, more than outlining why you want to work with us. -K.

If a company gives you the opportunity to provide one, you should. I recommend having a couple of generic cover letters that are in rotation depending on the roles you’re applying to and only tailoring when you really, really want the job. -T.

Keep it short and sweet and only touch on things that are specific to the role in which you’re applying. Too much fluff makes me skip right on past. -C.