@Carrie Goldbeck, I think cover letters are SO important! In fact, if I was giving advice to a younger professional who was job hunting, I would tell them to absolutely write one. In a world of online resume submission where you can click, click, click and send your resume in a minute, a cover letter that's tailored to the organization and role you're applying for helps establish you as a serious candidate. I recognize that this may feel less critical in a hiring market like the current one where there are lots of open positions and job seekers have the advantage, but it can't hurt, right?
As a hiring manager, I appreciate that cover letters give me a chance to see the candidate's writing style. (So when you DO write a cover letter, make sure it's written well! And make sure you spell the hiring manager's name correctly... Not that I had to learn this from personal experience or anything. Ha!)
Equally important to the cover letter is the post-interview thank you. The best thank you messages reference the interview discussion and can subtly reinforce why you'd be a great candidate for the job.
In my opinion, the cover letter and a thank you message are absolutely worth the time it takes to write them.
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-Brianne
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-19-2023 13:00
From: Carrie Goldbeck
Subject: Is a cover letter necessary for a job? I'm not sure.?
While it may not be necessary to write a cover letter when applying for a job, I think it's a good idea to include one.
A resume is a great way to show off your accomplishments and skills, but the cover letter allows you to demonstrate how you communicate, and gives the hiring manager a better idea about who you are and what you're like. Plus, it shows you took the extra time to craft a message directly to your potential new boss. Is it necessary? Probably not. But in my experience as an applicant and a hiring manager, I think it helps.
What do you think about cover letters? Has anyone had a bad experience when including a cover letter?
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Carrie Goldbeck
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