Cover Letters - Yay or Nay?

[raangoli]

I'm going to apply for a position that is in an area that I would love to transition into from my current role. The position that is posted is in what I feel is an area that adjacent to what I already do, but it would be a bit of a pivot. I'm going to write a cover letter that I plan to use as an introduction and explanation as to why I think my experience would be beneficial to the organization I am applying to.

I've made sure to update my resume to tailor it to this position and to highlight that many of the things I currently do would translate to the new organization, so hopefully that helps a bit as well.

But I'm wondering if people read cover letters anymore? Are they just scanned for key words and if it doesn't meet a threshold, it's tossed into the decline pile?

[azalea]

I'm a hiring manager and I, personally, read cover letters if they are available. It typically doesn't sway me much. Unless it's terribly written... Then I am more likely to reject the candidate Only a small percentage of applicants in my field (engineering) submit cover letters, but if you are trying to pivot into a different career path, it may make sense to have one.

All of our resumes are pre-screened by HR and I doubt HR reads them. They are more likely to do a keyword search / quick scan or resume.

[welly01]

I can't speak to whether cover letters are actually read anymore but I haven't written a cover letter in years. Mainly because I'm so terrible at it, lol. Either way, I don't think it will hurt to include the cover letter.

[raangoli]

welly01, I am terrible at it as well. I am not good at self promotion which I think is a part of it. Plus I'm trying to write it at like 8PM at night after a long day of work and home life, and I have nothing. I just stare at it and hope it writes itself

[Deleted]

I would do it, particularly since you're looking to make a pivot. I think cover letters are good if they explain something that's not evident from your resume, which is what it sounds like would be the case here.

I actually once had an interviewer tell me my cover letter was the reason I got the interview. The job involved writing, and he was impressed by my letter.

IME, it seems they can either be helpful or neutral. Sometimes they get ignored, but I can't imagine being penalized for including one. Or maybe I'm just an old fuddy duddy?

[mbcdefg]

IDK the answer to your question, raangoli (and you know my job woes so I wouldn't suggest listening to me anyway ), but I really loathe cover letters. I'm not good at writing them and I don't really see how they enhance my resume in any way.

I avoid sending them unless the job description specifically requires that I submit one. 

[followyourarrow]

I almost always read cover letters when I'm filling a position, but I read it secondary to the resume.

[msmerymac]

I used to have a pretty rote cover letter, but I worked with a friend and my SIL to really tailor mine to a particular job I was longing for. It may be coincidence, but I did get an interview (two in fact) for that job, and I think my cover letter must have stood out.

Also, the askamanager blog always recommends unique and well-tailored cover letters.

[dr.girlfriend]

Yes, I definitely read cover letters. And have thrown out applications where they couldn't be bothered to actually customize the cover letter (e.g., "I am ideally suited for the position in your school district" when I work at a children's hospital). And, please, when you are submitting your stuff, title the attachment with your name! I get like 25 files all named "cv.pdf" and "coverletter.pdf" from HR and have to click each every one of them to match them up.

[Roc A Bee]

In my experience, I use them if I can’t tell if the person meets the minimum qualifications based on the resume alone.

[raangoli]

Thanks all! I did go with the cover letter and submitted tonight. I am sure I have zero chance but it’s worth a try.

And @drgirlfiend the file naming is a huge pet peeve of mine. All of my files have first and last name in them

[LoveTrains]

I immediately trash Amy resume that comes without a cover letter. It's essential but my field is very specific.

[konapoppy]

Good luck!

I am glad you did the cover letter. Some people read them and it can make a huge difference. My coworker and I interviewed someone a few weeks ago and every time we talk about the candidate she brings up the amazing cover letter.

[yentl]

I received a couple applications for a position this week and both included CLs which I read. They were too long, though, IMO. You sound like you have a specific purpose in mind for yours which I think will be helpful. Just keep it tight!

[notsopicky]

I just did a big round of job applications--I sent a cover letter for every single position I applied for. Since I am sort of a career switcher (going from teacher to librarian) I felt it was necessary to explain how I will use my teaching skills in a new way. I was also able to bring in elements of the schools to which I was applying--to show the hiring managers/leaders that I knew something about their populations, their programs, etc. I accepted the position of the second interview I went on.

[cabbagecabbage]

I always read cover letters when I was hiring and when I worked in HR. They gave great insight into wrinting ability and often offered clarification. Like I’d someone was applying from another state or changing industries. Even if the resume was “perfect” I read it. No cover letter was a red flag and probably an instant rejection. That’s part of the game.

FWIW, I always found if weird when applicants applied by email and wrote a short note and then attached the resume and attached a separate cover letter. Dude, just send the letter and attach the resume.

[sunshinedaydreams]

Good luck!

Back when I was newly graduated and looking for my first job, I had four different people tell me they'd extended me an interview solely because of my cover letter, even though I didn't meet the job requirements (I'd had an internship, and they were looking for 3-5 yrs experience). With that in mind, I've never submitted without a cover letter. Maybe they trash it, but maybe it'll be the difference between an interview or not.