I have a few questions regarding cover letters:
1) Are cover letters/emails dead?
There seems to a lot of conflicting information regarding this subject. For example, I read an article yesterday (can't remember where) stating this exact sentiment...that cover letters and emails are dead. It also stated if we insist on using a cover letter to use a "T" formatted cover letter. I should caveat the article I read was written by a recruiter.
This is not the only article that has explicitly stated this and then there is the other side of the fence stating that if you don't use a cover letter/email then we are killing any chance we remotely had of being considered for the position because it seems lazy, etc.
What are your thoughts?
2) What are your opinions on writing cover letters for a job, if they're not dead, using a "play on words" towards the company business sector.
Here's what I mean; not to long ago I had applied for a job as a Production Supervisor, with a company that makes mufflers. Initially I thought I would be witty and use a little word play in my cover letter. Now I can't remember verbatim what I had wrote, but it went something like:
Don't exhaust yourself by reading this letter and don't let a piece of paper muffle the skills and traits I have that would be beneficial to your company and this position. Lets talk, how does that sound?
I did not submit this letter as I wasn't sure how it would be perceived and it was written much more professionally than what is above this.
Thoughts on this? The reason I ask is because I will be applying to a few jobs in the aerospace industry and have considered doing this. I don't know how it will be perceived and I will err on the side of caution.
Thank you for your time and input!
Shane
Answers
Hi Shayne-
I think cover letters are still important. The important thing to remember is to describe why you want to work for THIS PARTICULAR COMPANY. You mentioned working for an aerospace company - so for example if you are responding to Lockheed Martin say why you want to work for them specifically. This will show them that you have done your homework and understand as much as possible about them and where you might fit in.
Jim Watson
Shane,
I agree completely with the need for a cover letter. I think the key is that the letter be short, to the point, and tells me something that the resume doesn't. Why are you the person who I need in this position? What are you going to deliver day one? Why are you unique?
I also think the word play can be a great attention grabber, especially if it is intelligently done. Again, it goes to showing me a part of you that the resume does not. I like to think of the letter as the elevator speech. What would you day in the ride up to the fifth floor with the hiring manager, if they said "Thanks for the resume. Why should I hire you?"
Hi Shane. I too believe cover letters are a must. Yes, there are some companies who don't look at them, but many still do. Better to send something they don't want then not send something they do.
I too would love to get a witty cover letter. Anything that makes you stand out is a good thing. A sense of humor would almost definitely get you a call from me. You are on the right track. No reason to doubt yourself.
Shane,
First off, thank you for your service.
As a person who has had to hire people and sift through boring applications, a cover letter is a must. As a writer, I say "kudos" to you for your play-on-words for your muffler job. Very clever! I would love to receive such a letter. It would show me that you: A. Took the time to learn about the company. B. Have a creative brain. C. Have the energy to put in the extra effort. D. Have a sense of humor! E. Have good writing skills.
I understand why you would hesitate. Coming from the military, it's very serious stuff. I think the muffler industry is neutral enough. I would think the aerospace industry would appreciate any "puns," too.
Good luck, let us know how it goes!
Good Morning!
Yes, cover letters are important!
When I was looking for a new job I had to tweak my cover letter and resume to use language that was in the job description. When I wasn't doing this, I wasn't hearing back. When I started to adjust my resume and cover letter to use the company's terminology, mission statement, overarching goals, etc, I started to get replies. It's labor-intensive and a lot to keep up with but it worked.
Good luck to you and thank you for your service.
Alisa
Shane: I agree on the cover letter. However, being "witty" depends upon your audience. Several ways to research a company are through "Glassdoor.com" and Indeed.com. Realize that some people are upset (former employees) when posting to these websites, but it can give you a feel into their culture.
I once wore a suit for a job interview with a company that created computer games. BIG MISTAKE! I realized after interviewing that it would truly be a fun environment....but I just didn't look the part.
Any company that doesn't look at cover letters has a very poor hiring model. If they are basing everything on only a resume chances are they are hiring numbers and statistics and are not as interested in individuality.
My personal view of using wit is the opposite of others on this string. Why do it? If your main objective is to catch a recruiter's eye, why not use that precious cover letter space (always keep it short) to state why you are, quite simply, the right person for the job?
Edward and Krystal,
Thank you both for your answers! Cover letters are still a go and wit/sense of humor is good if done intelligently and professionally!
The next application/cover letter I submit I am going to give it a shot.
Thanks again!
Shane
Hello Kimberly,
It was a honor and a privilege being able to serve our country! Thank you for the feedback as well. I like taking risks and I am willing to give this a shot. As you stated though it's serious stuff which makes me hesitant about doing it. I would say what have I got to lose, but the answer to that would be a paycheck! :-)
Puns - yes, that was the word I was searching for [mentally] when I was typing this up earlier.
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