Posted on Jul 10, 2016
Is a strong Cover Letter with the Resume an important step in getting that “Second Look” from Recruiters Online?
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With the Online Job Boards being overrun with hundreds of resumes hourly the minute a job is posted, has the Cover Letter outlived its usefulness?
I'd like to get some Civilian Recruiters, as well as HR Experts on RP to respond to this question and let us know what they look for in today's market as a professional recruiter for companies.
Is the Cover Letter more important than the Resume?
I'd like to get some Civilian Recruiters, as well as HR Experts on RP to respond to this question and let us know what they look for in today's market as a professional recruiter for companies.
Is the Cover Letter more important than the Resume?
Posted in these groups: 
Resume
What Would You Do
Civilian Recruiter
Human Resources
Civilian Supporter
Resume What Would You Do Civilian Recruiter Human Resources Civilian Supporter
Edited 8 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 33
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Again being in the recruiting business and high volume recruiting business don't have time to look at the coverlet terms. Focus on the resume and networking so that you get referred to a role. That is where 70% of people at least get a look and possibly an interview
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You have to know your audience, industry and company. Cover letters may work well for a smaller company. When I am looking through thousands of resumes for multiple roles I am looking for the meat and the potatoes so I can get candidates over to Hiring Manager for review
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Interesting thing is USA Jobs won't allow for cover letters which are typically a bunch of hot air. Prior to USA Jobs, we had the HR side strip the package of cover letters as they were not part of the required submissions that are valid to review.
That said, on the outside, a decent cover letter can't harm, but isn't likely to do much good either. People still do them because they think is slightly better than 50/50. Bottom line, if you're anal about cover letters, your mind is in the wrong place.
That said, on the outside, a decent cover letter can't harm, but isn't likely to do much good either. People still do them because they think is slightly better than 50/50. Bottom line, if you're anal about cover letters, your mind is in the wrong place.
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SSgt (Join to see)
I work in IT as a software architect/developer. I have a 2 page resume, *not* laid out line after line like most resumes. Visually, there is "something different" than all the rest. Instead of a cover letter, I have a summary column parallel to my work history.
I've not been asked for a cover letter in nearly 10 years. On the occasion that I am asked, I start to dig deeper into either the recruiting company and/or the hiring company. Usually a sign of a much older management style, not one that is agile.
I've not been asked for a cover letter in nearly 10 years. On the occasion that I am asked, I start to dig deeper into either the recruiting company and/or the hiring company. Usually a sign of a much older management style, not one that is agile.
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CWO3 (Join to see)
maybe staple a $100 bill to cover letter, couldn't hurt, maybe? ok just kidding Sir
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