I am looking for a summer job and have applied to retail stores such as Barnes and Noble. Usually I try to include a cover letter because somewhere I read that this was the proper etiquette. A friend told me this was a bad idea because most stores "wouldn't know what to do with it". I.e. they wouldn't expect for an applicant to make that much of an effort. Is he right? Should I just submit applications and forget the letter? I really want to make a good impression.
2007-05-25 02:04:45 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Other - Careers & Employment
So what if they don't expect someone to make that effort? I'm sure they will appreciate it and even if they don't, they will remember you as the girl applying with a cover letter as well :D
Listen...no matter the situation, the resume must always be accompanied by a cover letter:
http://www.cvtips.com/view_free_cover_letters.html
2007-05-25 03:08:22 · answer #1 · answered by lilo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you stop in at a store to enquire about a job and they hand you an application form to fill out, it's OK to just fill out the form without a cover letter, but certainly not wrong to include a cover letter when you return the application, and might make your application stand out.
Don't know what your friend means, "wouldn't know what to do with it". That's a really odd statement. They'd read it. Doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure that out.
As an applicant for a job, it never hurts to be seen as making some extra effort.
2007-05-25 02:43:33 · answer #2 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cover letter does play a big part, as it allows you to be a little more personal and not just list your qualifications. If the wording is right, you can get the interview at least. To make an even better impression, make sure to go down there personally and hand in the application to the manager or human resources if they have it. That shows already your drive in wanting to land the job...so the least they can do in return is give you the chance for an interview.
2007-05-25 02:10:31 · answer #3 · answered by gnomus12 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
EmploymentGuy knows what he is talking about, but if you are still stuck and need help, I'm in the business of writing letters for people. I can help you put together a winning cover letter. Cover letters are quite an art form. They should be short and concise and get across your interests and qualifications for a particular job as well as expressing a desire for additional contact from the potential employer. If you happen to have direct contact information for a specific person, address your letter to that person, but most companies like to keep that information private these days. I'm in the business of writing letters for people. If you need some assistance with putting a cover letter together, feel free to get in touch with me via the Yahoo Answers contact mechanism, and I'll provide you with my contact information.
2016-04-01 07:33:26 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will look more professional though make sure you cove letter is brief and to the point. Do not have them a three paragraph cover letter, they will not read it. The aim of the cover letter is to peak their interest in reading your resume so it has to make a big impact quickly.
Go online and look for some examples or get a good resume book from the book store.
Good luck!
2007-05-25 02:43:25 · answer #5 · answered by JobSearchWiz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should use a cover letter when there is no formal application and you are using your resume to apply for a job.
Cover letters always make you look better. They make it look like you are more willing to go the extra mile to do a good job, and employers are more likely to hire you over someone who doesn't write one.
2007-05-25 02:08:51 · answer #6 · answered by Jon C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For summer jobs it is not necessary. These are not career hires.
But at least try to find out the name of the person who is doing the actual hiring and address the letter to them.
Or save time and call them directly.
That alone will show more initiative and effort than most will do.
2007-05-25 02:11:33 · answer #7 · answered by Lorenzo Steed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make a cover letter. It's more professional. It also shows that you really want to work at that particular store. If you personalise the cover letter by addressing it to that particular store, they know that you haven't just dropped off your resume at 100 stores. It shows interest in their store which managers like.
2007-05-25 02:08:48 · answer #8 · answered by star_lite57 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes you should always include a cover letter. It's like previews before the actual movie. It gives the reader more insight into the person they might be hiring.
2007-05-25 02:08:47 · answer #9 · answered by Gir 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. A cover letter is always a good idea. There isn't much else to do with it other than to read it.
2007-05-25 02:13:19 · answer #10 · answered by awilliamj 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋