Rich Long ⋅ Highland Park, IL McDonald's Corporation ⋅ 20 years experience

Chris - the question of cover letters is an age-old topic, and based on my 20+ years of career experience, and many, many situations where I was in a job search, the answer is still uncertain. I get all the arguments on its importance and ability to sell yourself and your resume. I agree 100%. However, I have also learned that whether it actually helps your candidacy I have seen first-hand is subjective. Some companies/organizations, and then the HR person themselves, may all have different opinions, so that one company may truly value it while another may not at all. I have also learned from experience that when applying online for some companies, they only allow you to attach one file. So, many times I have spent hours writing the absolute perfect cover letter only to find that I was unable to include it with my submission. First, confirm one way or the other in the online application (1) what words they use about cover letters (ie. required, optional, nothing) and (2) if you have the ability to even attach one or not. If unable to attach more than one file, then the answer is no. If it says it is required, then do. If 'optional' or they don't mention anything, then you have a choice to make. Bottom line is to use your judgement and instincts, and I suggest this criteria that I have used. If your interest in this particular opening is very very strong (not just casually interested to apply but THIS ONE is one of your top choices) and you also have the time available at that moment to write a strong letter, then I would include.
Because they may only list it as optional, I have generally viewed that that they don't place utmost importance on one and I then don't have regrets if I choose not to include one based on those reasons. Hope this is helpful and good luck!

Jeff Martin ⋅ Ashburn, VA The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ⋅ 25 years experience

I’d suggest that you network at the target company or industry. Use LinkedIn to find people already working there and reach out to them. Ask them the process they used to get hired and ask them to help you navigate the hiring process and if they are willing, ask them to submit you as a referral. These activities require much more time on your part but in my opinion would greatly increase your chances for success. Good luck!

Jerry Welsh ⋅ Middleville, MI Master Military Transition Advisor/HPS GPO ⋅ 30 years experience

June and Jose addressed the cover letter well. I also sold the cover letter as a way to tie your self to the company, your resume matches the job, but in the cover letter you can speak to research you should do on the company, maybe even your division of department.
Letters of reference, are a little outdated. Most companies ask for references at the end of an interview if they are interested, then you give them a list of GOOD ways to get a hold of the references. Also let the references know who might call. You want recommendations on your LinkedIn profile. Be sure that it is about the career you are search a position for. Many times you many be going into HR and a supply chain recommendation may not apply. HR folks look on LinkedIn for the recommendations. Thanks for your service and God Bless.

June Webb ⋅ Chevy Chase, MD JWebb Inspire ⋅ 17 years experience

Hello Christopher,

Yes, cover letters give you a chance to "sell" your resume, experience and show a sincere interest in the position.

June Webb
www.healthiesuccess.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/junewebb/

Jose Roman ⋅ Norfolk, VA Military Resource Center Regent university ⋅ 8 years experience

Yes.

Why a cover letter? Now remember a cover letter might come in the form of the E-mail you forward along with your resume to a hiring manager, HR person or Talent recruiter.

Successful cover letters go something like this:

Memorable introduction
Specific, organized examples of relevant work done and problems solved
Concise conclusion with a call to action

Its the bottom line up front intro to what you bring to the table.

ON the other hand your resume should be specific to the type of work you're applying for and directly related to the job description.

That said, you can bring a general resume to a job fair or hiring event. Find an employer or position that interest you. Introduce yourself and meet an HR or hiring manager and share your resume with them (using it like a calling card) but follow up with a specific resume that applies to the position that interest you with the person that you met at the event. In doing this you might of just bypassed step #1 and #2 of the hiring process and put your resume in the hands of the decision maker.