passionite

Hi

I'm in the process of applying software jobs. Just wondering if a cover letter is required while I'm sending my resume..

moneypenny20

How else is the recipient going to know what the resume is for if you don't do a covering letter?

BAY

Is the Pope Catholic ?

Shellyj

Most advertised jobs will have instructions on how to apply, and that will include writing a letter, follow them!

In the UK many employers will just ditch random CV's in the bin if not for an advertised post or if the other requested info is not included.

passionite

1. If CV is sent in reply for a job advertisement, isn't it obvious for the recipient what the resume is for?

2. If its a random email to an employer, isn't it enough to mention in the subject something like "Resume - C++ 10 years experience" ?

I'm not up to start a debate over this but just wish to understand if a 'cover letter' is essential for every job we apply?

I'm on a massive job hunt and just wondering if I have to compose a suitable cover letter for every job application?

Also, just curious that if so much information has to be mentioned in the cover letter, what is the resume for?

moneypenny20

If I, as an employer, received a resume with no letter, it would go in the bin. I would not know what job it related to and would assume the applicant was either stupid or just didn't understand the best way of getting a job.

You need to let them know what job you're applying for, briefly what your skills, abilities, benefits you would bring to the specific job etc etc etc. As has been said, the job advert should give details of the specifications required. That includes, normally, a detailed list of criteria requirements they want you to fulfil in that letter.

Dorothy

In your cover letter you say which job you are applying for and outline very briefly why they should bother to look at your resume. Your resume/CV goes into detail about your experience and qualifications.

Wandering Hotelier

It would be better to be more focused rather than sending masses of CVs which wont get read.

The letter is the opportunity to show where your skills and experience fit the specific needs of the employer. A CV doesnt really do that at a glance, the letter (and CV) helps you to get to the next step - the interview.

Mr Grumpy

If you applying online via SEEK or MyCareer then a cover letter most likely is not necessary as your resume is directly linked to that online application. I think too many people are stuck in the archaic mindset that you will be posting it.

Wandering Hotelier

but they pop out the other end in the HR office and someone has to read and sift them...

Big Galah

Correct - Cover Letters belong to the days of Letters of Introduction and the Old Boys' Network.

There is no need to include one unless it's specifically asked for. This usually occurs where an employer is recruiting directly - a rarity these days. In IT most jobs are filled internally, or through contacts with previous contractors, or through agencies.

If the standard of English in some agency-advertised jobs in the likes of seek.com.au is anything to go by, it's likely that some of the recruitment consultants wouldn't even know what a Cover Letter is.

So if you're sending your CV to prospective employers on spec, then include one just to let them know something about yourself. Otherwise it's unnecessary.

For agency-advertised jobs I'd usually phone them first.

Mr Grumpy

Well no actually. I highly doubt any HR office will be directly receiving them as overwhelmingly it will go to a recruitment agency and the online application is directly linked with a job reference number.