Should I send a cover letter with my resume?
Great question. This is a continuing debate among talent acquisition leaders.
Here are three issues to consider before deciding whether to include a cover letter.
- Some employers want a cover letter. Call it old school or just another dimension to their screening process, but customize it to the employer and the specific job if you include a cover letter. Some recruiters and smaller businesses are in this group.
- Do not include relevant information in your cover letter that is not in your resume. Once the interviews start, your cover letter will probably not be provided to interview team members.
- Submitting a cover letter with your resume online can confuse the applicant tracking system scanners. This confusion can result in the ATS eliminating you from consideration. We advise you not to send a cover letter for online submissions unless requested.