Do I Really Need to Send a Cover Letter With My Resume

Do I Really Need to Send a Cover Letter With My Resume Do I Really Need to Send a Cover Letter With My Resume Some career experts say deckblatt letters are an absolute must and that the notion of omitting the cover letter is absurd. Others, however, believecover letters are dead or dying slowly.Studies have shown that cover letters dont matter all that much to many employers. According to Addison Group, a Boston-based employment agency, only 18 percent of hiring managers rankthe cover letter as important. fruchtwein hiring managers feel interviews, resumes, and references are much more important.Its clearthat the emphasis on cover letters has decreased throughout the years. So do you really need one anymore?It depends.If youre spending time submitting job applications online and anemployer asks for a cover letter, I say CYA and write the cover letter.But if youre smart, and you agree with me that you shouldfind people, not jobs, then the traditional cover letter may not have a plac e in yourjob search process. What youll need is an introductory note instead.What Is an Introductory Note?An introductory note is what you write when you have been referred to a hiring manager or have found your future babo through research and are ready to reach out to them directly.Of course, youll attach a resume, but in the body of the email, youre going to write an introductory note which is quite reminiscent of a cover letter, although shorter.But its 2017 Who has time to actually read their emails?Skimming is the name of the game. Thats why you want to keep your note short and sweet. You need to get right to the point and cut the fluff. Your note should pack a real punchWhere your traditional cover letter may have started off with a paragraph about where you found the job ad and how delighted you were to learn of the opportunity (blah blah blah), the modern-day introductory note or eNote conveys your value in a meaningful way, shows the benefit of having you on board, and a sks for a follow up conversation in 200 words or less.Here are some ideas of what to say in your note, in caseyou need help gettingyour creative juices flowingHighlight accomplishmentsWithout repeating whats in the resume, including quantifiable achievements is a great way to portray your unique value. Just remember to make it meaningful and relevant to the new role.Mention why you are a good fit for the companyEach business has a certain culture and takes pride in a set of core values. If you were drawn to certain aspects of the companys business model, mention this and show how your work ethic aligns with itsvision.Demonstrate your industry knowledgeMentioning aa historical fact or recent happenings related to your chosen field or target company shows your interest level and enthusiasm not to mention its also impressive.Add the reason for your career change If you are looking to pursue a new career, this could be an ideal place to discuss the reason you want to get into this new area and how your background has prepared you for a successful vocation in the new industry.You could go a few different directions with this note, but make sure you understand your audience (the person youre emailing) and appeal to their specificneeds.With the eNote, you have an advantage. Because you knowexactly who will be reading your note, you are in a much better position to appeal to them and speak in their terms. For example,writing to a hiring manager (your future boss) is much different from contactingan HR representative.I alwayssay go for the future boss they will be most impressed with your skill set and background. Since they are closest to your day-to-day work duties, they can appreciate your capabilities, achievements, and passion.So, my take on the cover letter debate?It may appear to be dying, but it certainly isnt dead. Its somewhat of a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, morphing into something much more beautiful and inspiring than before.Melanie L. De nny is president ofResume-Evolution.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. Were SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.