Is the Cover Letter Dead?

Oh cover letters – the source of much confusion. Do I attach it to the email? Who do I address it to? Do I need to send one? What should be in it?

As if resume writing weren’t complicated enough, right?

Fortunately, it’s not really that complicated, although I think many websites and career professionals sometimes make it seem so. Here’s the quick and dirty lowdown on your basic cover letter Q and A. 

Q: Do I really need a cover letter?

A: Probably not for a traditional application unless it asks for one. In the digital job age though, your email is your cover letter and you’d better bet it will be read. If a posting asks you to submit resume and cover online, do so – it’s basic, 101 following instructions. If you’re emailing a resume, use the subject line you are directed to or if no instructions, something compelling that includes the job req name and/or number. Make sure the juicy stuff is above the “fold” – in the top half of the email – so it will probably get read even if the HR person only looks in the preview pane in Outlook.

Q: Who do I address it to?

A: This is pretty simple. The person that you are directed to in the posting or Dear Hiring Manager. Try to find out who the hiring manager is using tools at your disposal such as LinkedIn, but if not – no sweat – just be polite and use your spell check.

Q: What do I say?

A: Give a BRIEF overview of your career, reference the posting you’re applying to unless you did so in the subject, and give a compelling, elevator pitch style synopsis of why you should be hired. Don’t repeat the resume word for word, but don’t stray too far from the personal brand you’ll continue to define in your professional resume.

Q: Should I attach it to my email with the resume?

A: NO! The email IS is the cover letter. This has changed slowly over recent years, but it’s now pretty standard that you don’t write a note in the email referencing attached CL and resume.

Q: Will someone really read it? Can it help me get the job?

A: Someone will probably skim it if it’s in the email. If it’s attached, it most likely will not get read. The cover letter probably won’t sway someone if you don’t have what they’re looking for, but if your personality comes through and it’s well written, it may help if they’re on the fence about interviewing you. A poorly written cover letter most definitely can hurt you, so be careful.