When to include a cover letter

[Rwy17]

Whens an appropriate time to include a cover letter in an application?

Obviously when asked you would include it, but would you include it when not specifically requested? What are the thoughts of sending the cover letter in the body of the email?

[Cessna 180]

Always

[BTD]

Agreed. Always. And tailor it to each potential employer.

[C-GGGQ]

Body of the email should be fine honestly. Realistically HR departments don’t read cover letters anymore anyways. Thats why you have to fill out a form and attach a resume etc etc. Its been screened already.

[co-joe]

Always. But know your audience.

[valleyboy]

resume 101 -- I thought that was taught

[Sailtime]

Yes; as mentioned above. Also mentioned above, be sure to personalize it. I have received quite a few resumes over the years and there have been a few that stand out. Some because they didn't change the name of the employer from one letter to another and the one then sent me the letter that was named for some one else....

[RedAndWhiteBaron]

The question is not whether or not to include a cover letter I think - the question is whether or not it is worth the time investment. Is the time you spend writing a good cover letter better spent sending off another five applications, or is it better spent figuring out why this place is the place for you, and attempting to convince them of that?

If you're using the pepper spray approach, don't bother; you're sending too many applications too quickly to possibly say anything of value. But if you're using a targeted approach, then absolutely. I've looked for work with both methods, and both have their merits.

There is no right answer. Use your judgement.

[rookiepilot]

Avoid HR departments. Find a way.

[digits_]

It's not so much a question of "should I include a cover letter", it's more a question of "do I consider my email a cover letter".

When I sent out resumes out of the blue, I would consider my email as my cover letter.
If I replied to a job ad online, I attached a formal cover letter to my email.

Both have been succesfull. In the end, I doubt it matters much.

[challenger_nami]

Avoid HR departments. Find a way.

+1


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