Should I include a cover letter with my resume OR not ?

Question

i have a resume made recently , and i was inclined on the fact that I must write a cover letter no matter what the case.

Yesterday during the thanksgiving party I was talking to my cousins who works at the same position i want to work.. it seems they didn't give much importance for cover letters at all. I don't understand how that's possible..

he said he don't remember what he wrote in his cover letter for the job where he's currently working in . and my other cousin said he didn't write a cover letter.

Now I am confused

what do you think I should do?

p.s: I am looking for an entry level electrical engineer position. Could that be the reason why cover letters are less important.( cuz of the profession)?

Answer 1

I am an Engineering Manager with a BSEE. I say you must include a cover letter. You must sell yourself in the cover letter so that you don't lose me in the resume. Your one goal of the cover letter is to get me to look at your resume. Your one goal of your resume is to get an interview with me. Make sure your both are not generic and at least have something to do with the job you are trying to get.

You can also get a book called What color is your parachute or google cover letters. Don't pay for anything online use the free stuff there is an overwhelming amount out there.

The best way to get the job you want is to figure out what job you want and go after. Mail in a resume on heavy paper don't just email it like the other 200 applicants did. Research the company more than anyone did if you get the interview.

Good luck get the book... Check with your library...

Answer 2

Include a cover letter, Just one page, and doesn't have to be full - it can be maybe 10 sentences - don't write a book. Say something to say you are interested in their company, or in a particular job with them.

I've been on the receiving end of a lot of resumes for technical positions, and it's kind of strange when one comes in without a cover letter although maybe 5% or so do come in that way.

Answer 3

Cover letters - always
the cover letter is your personal introduction and will show off your personality.
It also gives you the opportunity to answer those questions they put in the adverts...
must have...
should know...
The way I do it is as a table:

You want: How I meet your requirements:
xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
yyyyyy yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
zzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Etc.
It is often the difference that makes the difference.
A colleague of mine who has particularly good hand writing always writes his - he says people are so used to types - they enjoy reading a handwritten one
also chose your paper carefully - do not use cheap printer paper - invest in some good stuff

Good luck
http://www.rapidbi.com/mikemorrison

Answer 4

No matter what you do, or what job you get, you should always write a letter in the persuasive essay form. It dramatically increases one's chance of being selectively chosen.

* It improves one's image and his/her abilities.

* It gives a well-receiving first impression to the person one is interviewing for.

* It is a major part of who you are and a part of how bosses choose candidates for a job or profession.

Your cousins probably got lucky because either they were good at the job and got the actual good talents on the resume, or a combination of bad competition or the other candidates did not even write a cover letter themselves.

Answer 5

Cover letter always.
It's part of how you tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. It's where you introduce the idea that you've done your homework and know what the company is and what they do.
Remember - resume on one page; do not list references. Resume and cover letter should invite some questions so they're curious about you.

Answer 6

Yes, you need to send as much information about your self. The cover letter will let people see how well you write. When they look at you resume and are interested they will read more about you.