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Writing a Cover Letter for a job application

Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:28 pm
Posted by BamaHater
Houston
Member since Sep 2003
13536 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:28 pm
Do you still need to do this? I've read conflict things online about this from "experts". Some say they are not necessary anymore in this day and age and others say it is very important you need to do it. Most applications you do are via an online application system so who know if the letter you spent all the time on will be read. What is the O-T consensus on these. I know the O-T so in advance, cut the smart arse remarks.
Posted by JakeTheTiger
Biloxi, MS
Member since Jul 2005
3152 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:29 pm to
If you have the option, you should submit a cover letter.
Posted by Prosecuted Collins
The Farm
Member since Sep 2003
6604 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:29 pm to
Circular file, dont waste your time
Posted by cas4t
Member since Jan 2010
70903 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:30 pm to
quote:

Do you still need to do this?


yes
Posted by LSUEnvy
Hou via Lake Chas
Member since May 2011
12097 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:30 pm to
Ask HR of the company you're sending it to
Posted by Teddy Ruxpin
Member since Oct 2006
39578 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:31 pm to
quote:

Do you still need to do this? I've read conflict things online about this from "experts". Some say they are not necessary anymore in this day and age and others say it is very important you need to do it. Most applications you do are via an online application system so who know if the letter you spent all the time on will be read. What is the O-T consensus on these. I know the O-T so in advance, cut the smart arse remarks.



Think about it this way. You don't know if they want it or not, so if you send your resume without a cover letter, and they want one, you're SOL.

However, if you send one and they don't care for it, they'll throw that part away, and have your resume.

You feel me?
Posted by BamaHater
Houston
Member since Sep 2003
13536 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:32 pm to
I guess Cover Letter it is.
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
63302 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:32 pm to
I wouldn't do it if you're just applying to some online job hunting website.

I would if you're applying directly to the hiring company.
Posted by itawambadog
America, F Yeah!
Member since Nov 2007
21266 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:34 pm to
I've gotten interview with and without sending a cv. That said maybe it's a safe bet to go ahead and send one.
Posted by Tigerlaff
FIGHTING out of the Carencro Sonic
Member since Jan 2010
20864 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:35 pm to
A cover letter is your chance to show them that you understand that some things need to appear as if they weren't strung together by an inebriated 14 year old. Write one.
Posted by Tigerlaff
FIGHTING out of the Carencro Sonic
Member since Jan 2010
20864 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:35 pm to
quote:

I've gotten interview with and without sending a cv. That said maybe it's a safe bet to go ahead and send one.


You got an interview without sending a resume?
Posted by Goldrush25
San Diego, CA
Member since Oct 2012
33794 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:36 pm to
Why would you not send a cover letter? It may or may not be necessary, but provide it for them and let them decide if they want it. It can't hurt your chances unless you can't write.
Posted by TexasTiger01
Lake Houston
Member since Nov 2013
3215 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:37 pm to
The point of applying is to sell yourself, your cover letter is your sales pitch......
Posted by itawambadog
America, F Yeah!
Member since Nov 2007
21266 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:40 pm to
quote:

You got an interview without sending a resume?


cover letter I mean.
Posted by vuvuzela
Oregon
Member since Jun 2010
14663 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:43 pm to
Write the cover letter. It certainly makes a difference when I'm looking through candidates.
Posted by Feral
Member since Mar 2012
12410 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:44 pm to
quote:

Do you still need to do this? I've read conflict things online about this from "experts". Some say they are not necessary anymore in this day and age and others say it is very important you need to do it. Most applications you do are via an online application system so who know if the letter you spent all the time on will be read. What is the O-T consensus on these. I know the O-T so in advance, cut the smart arse remarks.


From my experience, most online submissions request a cover letter. If I were you, I'd Google some templates and examples, piece together bits you like, back in your experience and/or education, and make it generic enough to where you can edit the company and role.
Posted by Feral
Member since Mar 2012
12410 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:45 pm to
quote:

A cover letter is your chance to show them that you understand that some things need to appear as if they weren't strung together by an inebriated 14 year old. Write one.



Honestly, if I was a hiring manager or in a recruiting position, I'd require a cover letter for nearly every applicant with few exceptions, if anything to ensure the person I'm hiring is in possession of some semblance of grammar and written communication skills. I never cease to be amazed at the atrocious grammar and writing skills of a good number of my coworkers.
This post was edited on 3/13/14 at 4:52 pm
Posted by ellishughtiger
70118
Member since Jul 2004
21135 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:45 pm to
quote:

I would if you're applying directly to the hiring company.

Posted by John McClane
Member since Apr 2010
36690 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:46 pm to
Do it but be short and to the point.

I'm talking 4-5 sentences.
Posted by UGATiger26
Jacksonville, FL
Member since Dec 2009
9044 posts
Posted on 3/13/14 at 4:48 pm to
quote:

so who know if the letter you spent all the time on will be read.


If you are applying to similar jobs in the same industry, you should be able to craft a "master" cover letter and then just tweak it according to the company and job title you are applying for.
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