Sorry, I probably won’t read your cover letter

Rich, Thanks for the advice on CLs. Definitely a new direction I hadn't considered before (although a year plus being unemployed does a number on your sanity and what you thought you knew). My personal favorite is the online applications where it is REQUIRED that you list your job experience in detail (especially when they give you a limited space to do so), and THEN ask you for either a resume or CL, or both...Ahhhhh! Why is such a supreme redundancy required? I get the move towards ATSs for corporations, and I'm on board with it. But why make me spend double the time to include the same thing twice?

Rich, I have to say that my initial reaction when I see "Send resume with cover letter" in a want ad is "UGHH! Why do they need a cover letter when they can clearly see by the resume what I have to offer?". I've thought about this. My opinion is two-fold. One, perhaps a resume is overkill, meaning the owner puts too much "essay fluff" in their job description making it hard for the reader to actually ascertain just how this person might be qualified for the available position. On the other hand, maybe the resume is not detailed enough due to a lack of work experience and this is an opportunity to add some qualities about yourself or your goals that you normally wouldn't put in a resume. Recent college grads have this problem and should utilize this small request as best as possible! Personally, my resume is probably overkill, however, considering the field that I come from (Software QA), a 3-4 page resume is not out of the question. Additionally, my getting a job depends highly on whether or not I have the right keywords in my resume for the recruiter's database to even recognize that I may be qualified to fill a specific requirement. I do preface my resume with a Qualifications Summary page. It outlines the major qualifications I possess at a glance, this way a recruiter can skim down the page quickly and see what I have to offer. I also include a matrix at the end detailing the different software applications I am familiar with and have hands on experience, as well as the industries I have applied this knowledge. I know I have these items in my resume, but the person requesting it doesn't until they see it. So I just grin & bear it when asked for a cover letter. I would rather comply with a small request than lose out because I blatantly ignored it. The latter may very well be the difference between getting a job or not.

It's interesting that you mention not pasting the resume into the body of the email. I've heard other HR folk say that this is the best to do it, as it puts the resume front and center, saving everyone time (not that it's so much effort to open up an attachment). In my job hunt, I've gone back and forth on what I do. Paste in the body, use an attachment, back and forth. There have been bites for both styles. If you had to guess at it, how popular do you think your methodology is?

Interesting that you don't read them. In applying for publishing jobs, I've found that a lot of companies' HR sites won't even let me proceed with the application until I copy/paste in my cover letter. It's frustrating, because I know that, like you, a lot of recruiters won't even read it!

One question or thought that I am playing around with as I am searching for a job is this: what is the best way to stand out from the crowd? I know, a very original question. However, in speaking with a friend about our mutual job-hunts, we got to talking about the idea that perhaps an introduction and a shaking of the hand while hand-delivering a resume might be more effective. The idea being that employers and recruiters do not like the hiring process because there is fear around hiring the wrong person (I don't know this person they might not work out), there is a great amount of risk associated with hiring someone new. So how, as someone new to a company/organization/employer do I encourage them to take a chance on me when they don't even know what I look like or what type of Font I prefer when composing a CL? If they are not actually reading my CL, they are not getting a sense of who I am as a person and as an employee. They are simply reviewing my work experience to date. How do I stand out from the crowd, to land the interview?

Being an HR Manager with some recruiting duties I only read the cover letters if they are in the body of the e-mail. Additionally, that is the only way I will send my resume out. If I receive it as an attachment, I open the resume first and will then only open the cover letter if the resume is promising. Call it lazy, or efficient.

Cover letters suck. Period. I think they're useful for some high-level jobs or jobs that require a great deal of creativity. For the most part, though, recruiters could probably spare themselves the 15 seconds and not ask for one. As for the Anonymous LX guy, clearly he was expecting something a little more profound than cover letter advice. Maybe a job or something. Like I've said here and elsewhere, these trying times can demonstrate to recruiters and employers that you're resilient and you try hard. In any case, I think he was just frustrated, spied your blog, and decided to vent his frustrations out on you. I wouldn't take it terribly personally. Thanks for sharing Rich!

I believe you that recruiters don't read cover letters, especially when they are attachments (why wouldn't you paste into the body of the email?) But it kind of sucks because everyone still asks for the traditional resume + cover letter. So it seems like there is no alternative, because I still would have to write one, and I still want it to be good just in case someone reads it. So my question is, if people don't have time to read those cover letters, why continue asking for them? Why not just ask for a resume and decide from there whether you want to interview? Are cover letters outdated to the point where we need to change our thinking?

I'm HR and I *do* like cover letters for many positions. We are a faith-based social services nonprofit and covers work for my org because they allow the candidate to address the 'why' and express their passion for their work in a way that resumes don't. For example, a person may mention they were raised with a cousin with Down syndrome or convey their desire to work in a faith-based setting. (I'm willing to bet you don't include either fact in your resume.) Obviously we are a niche industry and many other recruiters and HR pros may not to receive, store and read additional documents that don't add value in their situations. I agree you should have a basic cover letter ready and customize it when it makes sense to include it. As others have said, don't create a second attachment and definitely follow application instructions. If the directions say "resume and cover," by all means, include a cover.

I appreciate everyone's thoughts. Really though Rich, you may not have been in the business long enough if one person expresses their frustration and you announce on Twitter that you've received "hate mail." ;) I think companies should also take into consideration that the right employees are often judging the recruiter/employer just as much as recruiters are judging applicants, and so they should. I am not really interested in working for a company if they are vague or expect me to guess, and are not respectful of my time. And it's incredibly condescending if those in the position of hiring take the "beggars can't be choosers" stance. Honestly these types of advice blogs are not helpful unless I am specifically applying to work for you or the companies you personally recruit for. Since all recruiters admit to having their own personal preferences, I'll go back to my original point and that is to please just be clear about your expectations or preferences in your job posting. And also be aware of how many scammers/spammers appear above or below your posting - it's getting very difficult to discern what's legitimate when there is no company info/website/clear instructions, etc... I don't think it's high maintenance to ask everyone to be respectful of people's time and efforts.

I think this is great advice - and honest, not condescending. The bottom line is, job seekers really don't know how the person receiving their application materials will receive them and how much time he/she might have to review them. I'm a college career advisor, so I tell students to write something brief and concise yet tailored and interesting in a cover letter included in the body of an email. By keeping it brief, the student/job seeker is not spending an excessive amount of time on a document that may never be read, and they are saving the recruiter/HR/hiring person time as well. Only if someone is applying to a position where a search committee is likely involved, which means emails may be forwarded on to several decision-makers (this happens a lot when applying for jobs in higher education), do I suggest including the cover letter in the body of the email as well as attaching it. That being said, I can see lx's point that it's not that difficult to open an attachment, especially if it's someone's job to screen applicants and read that stuff. The reality is though, that when a job seeker applies for a position the recruiter/HR person/etc. usually has the upper hand, so it's best to try to make it as easy as possible for that employer to see how you are a good fit for the position/company.

In regard to cover letters, I will read it if in the email, I will not if attached. Similarly, I prefer the resume attached, and please, don't use a completely random format (ie, OS or platform specific) I also have issues when the email is the resume. That requires me to cut/paste your resume to print or import into my ATS. The key is to make the process as easy for the recruiter/person reviewing the resume as humanly possible. That is what gets you to step #2. As to Mr. LX - expressing frustration in that manner may be why the individual is having job search issues. Recruiters providing advice on how to get your resume read is VALUABLE. This is how we work, don't shoot the messenger, dude (or dudette). What exactly should Rich be telling you if this isn't what you want to hear? More fluff that can be found all over the net? That we will cater to the whims of random applicants? that we will interview you because you say you have "mad skills", even though we know your skills aren't what we need? My job is to find the most efficient method of locating the best candidates for a given position. My obligation is to the company, not the applicants. I will treat you politely, but I have no obligation to you, and if you are a high maintenance applicant, you WILL be a high maintenance employee. And good grief, I don't need any more of those.

Great post Rich! I usually put the cover letter and resume in the body of the email to make it easier for the recruiter/employer to see everything and attach necessary files as well. And on a similar note, how often do you click links? I usually provide a link to my portfolio, blog or extended resume if it's applicable to the position, but is it worth my time to do it?

Sorry, I probably won't read your column. Sir, you need to seriously re-consider your attitude and ideas pertaining to candidates for positions. Your advice/opinion is beyond condescending to the literate candidates searching employment and does a great dis-service to those qualified and willing to work. As a potential recruiter, state your preferences...such as: "don't send attachments." Although I must say, in the 21st Century if you're not willing to receive and open a Word or OpenOffice or .PDF attachment you are just simply lazy. Woe is you, you have 200 attachments to open. It's your job. Spare us the condescension and write up some relevant advice for job seekers.

My approach is a bit different. first: where I am coming from: (1) Retained executive recruiter w/ 10K hours interviewing execs and who knows how many resumes and covers. (2) Hiring for my own interests. I see the cover like an executive summary for a business plan. Resume or business plan will not be read without a thoughtful cover. Why, covers prove everything. Did candidate put effort to address me and show above and beyond homework has been done about me, my business and industry trends? A pithy cover that says why me? what is in it for you, so what and how wins. At that point I scan the resume for talking points. In other words, some of us READ the cover and only SCAN the resume. Man, it is tough to stand out...what to do, what to do...? Oh, I agree about the attachments so I offer this advice to candidates. Include the cover as page one in the attached resume and as the body in the email for convenience. My convenience.

What I would love is for all recruiters or anyone posting a vacancy to just tell job seekers in the job description exactly what you want. I've applied for probably close to 25 jobs in the last couple of weeks and each one had different application requirements or none at all. I'm not asking that there be a standard among all recruiters, except to not expect that job seekers be mind readers. We are super accommodating but not super-human. Job hunting is a full-time job in itself.

Number one thing I've noticed to be true that you mentioned: If your "cover letter" is the body of an email (rather than an attachment), it will be read. I wouldn't suggest taking advantage by writing a massive email, but I would take a note and write a quick and powerful email to accompany your resume. The question I have is this: If the body of your email acts as a cover letter, should you also attach a cover letter document to show that you did indeed write a cover letter? I've also used the "something crazy" to entice the reader into going further before - I wouldn't say it helped me in the long run, but it did lead to interest and a conversation...so I know they read it.

I'll read them if LOST or Dexter isn't on... In all seriousness, I like cover letters. I can get the jist of a resume in about 30 seconds, so I'll usually take the time to go through a cover letter because to me it can convey so much more about the person than a resume. Granted, all this is dependent on the job at hand. Anytime I've read resumes it's been to hire interns/entry-level type people. I can teach them to do the work if they're the kind of person that's passionate and wants to learn and those are attributes I can find in a cover letter that I can't necessarily find in a resume. Good diagnosis here Rich!

" When do I read cover letters? * Candidate says something ridiculous or interesting that makes me want to read further..." Ridiculous, like... totally off-base and inappropriate, and you'd show your colleagues and laugh and never want to hire that person? Or ridiculous like... quirky, funny, but otherwise respectable...an attention-grabber perhaps?

You just confirmed everything I thought about recruiters... EVIL !! :) just kidding. But in all seriousness, it's at least good to know that you'll read the CL if it's in the body of an email.

This is great info, especially because I'm getting ready to get serious about finding a new job. I had always spent a lot of time on my cover letters in the past and maybe now I won't worry so much. I have one question though, my cover letters tend to be very formal and stiff. I have actually gotten a better response from people when I'm more casual in writing to them, would anyone suggest this?

Rich, I'm glad you put this up. I have so many friends who are in bschool who spend hours perfecting cover letters to submit into the black hole (aka automated systems) and never hear anything back. As you know from our chats, I'm all about maximum return on the least effort and efficiency rules for me. I plan on sharing this with people next week when I give my speech at my alma mater.

I rarely read a cover letter... - I read one when you have a perfect CV but some type of restriction - like your not in my country then hopefully the cover letter will explain any relocation plans. - I read it if the resume is amazingly bad just for kicks - I read it if the subject of the email entices me to (ie - I was recommended to you by XYZ person I trust) I HATE cover letters as attachments. Generally cover letters are time wasters. If you are not offering value in your cover letter, dont include one.

I work in HR...though I started as an agency recruiter. I much prefer a cover letter in the e-mail. If there are two attachments, I open the resume first. If the cover letter is in the e-mail, then I will scan it - basically looking to see if the candidate says anything worthwhile and if not, then to make sure they don't say anything ridiculous. Why bother with a cover letter if you can't tell me why you are qualified for this specific job at this specific company? Tell me something I can't get from your resume. Those cover letters are the ones I do read! Those people are the ones who understand the need for the position and what value they can offer.

Like I say quite often, it is all about setting yourself apart from the crowd. What can you do to be a little different? With that, let's talk about a business plan either in place of the cover letter or to supplement it. I have used this method (for out of college jobs), and it worked well. Make a 30, 60, 90 day plan and then a 1 year goal. It doesn't have to drive into details but just let them know that you are passionate about the job. Sometimes it isn't about doing the most work but doing the most unique thing. Send me an email thesquab@gmail.com if you are interested in seeing my business plan I made and you can know what I am talking about. Thanks, Shane Mac @shanemacsays http://www.thesquab.com