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.

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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.