Chapter 6. Cover Letters and References
Back in the days of typewriters and snail mail, cover letters were nearly as widespread as résumés. Candidates dutifully banged out a custom note, affixed their résumé, and sent them off in a stamped and sealed envelope.
With virtually all résumé submitted electronically nowadays, cover letters are often optional. However, if you are contacting a recruiter or hiring manager to submit your résumé, your e-mail is your cover letter and should adhere to the standard cover letter format.
Your cover letter is a key marketing document; a strong cover letter will make someone open up your résumé to learn more.
Why a Cover Letter?
Cover letters serve two purposes. First, they enable a recruiter to quickly glance at a document to see if you match the position's requirements. Second, they allow the company to ask for a writing sample, without directly asking for it.
Why isn't your résumé good enough? Your résumé is a list of accomplishments broken down by job. Your biggest accomplishments may have to do with building a team to create a new feature, or resolving an issue with a major supplier. That lets the recruiter know that you can accomplish great things, but it doesn't necessarily inform her of your specific, relevant skills. She may be looking for data modeling, or statistical analysis, or something more "warm and fuzzy" like strong management skills.
Your résumé lets her know that you can get things done; your cover letter demonstrates your relevance ...
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