Does anybody still sends out covering letters?

[ngl09]

I've personally stopped sending out covering letters with my resumes because I realized that nobody reads it. I think it actually helps because recruiters don't have to feel burdened to read your cv AND your resume when they see your application.

Any thoughts?

 

[Willie5566]

I do send them out. I do not think this is a yes or no question. I believe in most cases you should send one. However, I do not believe cover letters are required for all applications like they used to be.

 

[papa kot]

You always send one. The goal of your resume is to provide a reference for your work history and some skills. It tells people what you've done. The cover letter tells people why you'd want a job.

 

[Joffrey]

It also allows you to provide some context to what the reader will see in your resume. I hate sending them, but I always do it.

 

[fuji]

Might not be the same in the states, but all investment banks and consultancies require them here in the UK.

 

[ter1413]

Should always send one.

 

[Willie5566]

It's a formality IMO. Without one you have eliminated yourself from contention. Let's face it we are in a job market where HR and recruiters are looking for reasons to narrow down their candidates.

That said I feel like cover letters do not hold much value anymore. Who's going to write that they are a terrible employee and like to sleep in? A lot of ads want you to show "a proven record of success." That's not very easy to do unless you get trophies and medals for everything you do.

I would definitely hold on to any email or other documentation of a job well done. I have had a couple of my former bosses write me letters of recommendation. Still, interviews are hard to come by. Welcome to today's economy.

 

[wj4]

I don't send them out unless they are required. Most places I've applied to didn't even have a place to upload a cover letter.

At my last place, I worked with HR and they just toss the cover letters and get to the experience and education part on the resume.

 

[Lord-Barrington]

I always send one.

It helps fill in gaps or particularities that you might not be able to easily explain in your CV and shows whoever is handling your application that you care enough about them to at least right a targeted letter.

 

[Risk_Reward]

Cover letters are pointless. Everyone knows why you want the job, for money. If you weren't doing it for the money it would be a hobby. I've never sent a cover letter nor read a cover letter. I want to know if you can do the job, the resume provides hints at that.

 

[Risk_Reward]

Also, as to your question, almost no one sends them.