A Platinum Resume
  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • CORPORATE
    • Our Newsletter
    • FAQs
    • Terms & Conditions >
      • Client Survey
  • SERVICES
    • RESUME WRITING
    • Executive Resumes
    • Professional Resumes
    • Military to Civilian Resumes
    • Federal Resumes
    • Military Spouse Resumes
    • Career Change Resumes
    • Graduate Resumes
    • Sample Resumes
    • Resume Distribution
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • PRODUCTS / SHOP
    • JOB SEARCH SUCCESS SYSTEM
    • CAREER RESOURCES >
      • Career Related Documents & Services
      • Reference Check Service
    • Gift Certificates
  • CAREER ACADEMY / DIY
    • Interviewing: The Gold Standard
    • Start Your Own Resume Business
  • CONTACT US
  • BLOG

​JOB SEARCH LETTERS - Do I NEED a Cover Letter?

11/18/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
The Modern Job Search in today’s digital world requires that job seekers prepare and target their career marketing documents specifically for each job opportunity. Two of the most popular job search letters are the Cover Letter and the newly evolved e-note.

One of the most popular questions I get from clients is: “Do I need a cover letter?” The answer is - well sometimes…but not always. Through my research, I have learned that some recruiters and hiring managers look for cover letters because it demonstrates the ‘proper etiquette’ when applying for a job.  Some could care less, and never read the cover letter, and still others read it before looking at the resume to find out your ‘story’ or why you are applying for the position. Many potential employers scan your resume, and if you have the right credentials, then they may read your cover letter. So better to have it and not need it, especially when you do not have any previous contact with a potential employer.

When to use a Cover Letter: Cover letters are the tried and true job search letter that introduces a candidate, details their desire and qualifications for a specific position, and asks for an interview. Cover letters are formatted with a heading and ‘tone’ to match the resume and provide contact information, along with the opportunity to personalize your job application. They are especially effective for career changers, new graduates, and military transitioning personnel to relay their ‘story’ and ‘enthusiasm’ for a position.  Cover letters are also appropriate for very senior level positions where the tradition and formality are an important part of the presentation.

When to use an e-note: When you are sending your resume to a prospective employer, recruiter, or network contact by email alone (not through a job board) - then an e-note is best. E-notes relay similar content as a cover letter; however, they are more concise and contain short bullets for a quicker read. Make sure to put the title of the job in the email subject line; craft a short introduction followed by 3 to 5 short key bullets directly related to the job, and close with referencing your enclosed resume.
End both your e-note and your cover letter with a call to action such as, “I look forward to discussing my qualifications for the position.” or “I would welcome and interview to discuss the specifics of the position.” Without a call to action - a cover letter is just a letter and an e-note is just an email.
​

Follow the instructions from the company website, job board, or recruiter when uploading your resume, cover letter, and any supplemental documents.
Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have about how to craft and use job search documents. 

0 Comments

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    January 2021
    December 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    October 2018
    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015

    Categories

    All
    7 Tips
    Aerotek
    Applications
    Career Counseling
    Dress For Success
    Follow Up
    Interview Tips
    Job Search
    Life Transition Coaching
    Local Job Fairs
    Open-ended Questions
    Professional Advice
    Recruiters
    Research
    Resume
    Rodrigo Alcaine
    Schedule Activities
    Staying Organized
    Thank You Note

    RSS Feed

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

​Our personalized service makes the difference.  
​
Call today to get started on your future: 

719-339-2659

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • CORPORATE
    • Our Newsletter
    • FAQs
    • Terms & Conditions >
      • Client Survey
  • SERVICES
    • RESUME WRITING
    • Executive Resumes
    • Professional Resumes
    • Military to Civilian Resumes
    • Federal Resumes
    • Military Spouse Resumes
    • Career Change Resumes
    • Graduate Resumes
    • Sample Resumes
    • Resume Distribution
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • PRODUCTS / SHOP
    • JOB SEARCH SUCCESS SYSTEM
    • CAREER RESOURCES >
      • Career Related Documents & Services
      • Reference Check Service
    • Gift Certificates
  • CAREER ACADEMY / DIY
    • Interviewing: The Gold Standard
    • Start Your Own Resume Business
  • CONTACT US
  • BLOG