Posted on Jul 10, 2016
COL Mikel J. Burroughs
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With the Online Job Boards being overrun with hundreds of resumes hourly the minute a job is posted, has the Cover Letter outlived its usefulness?

I'd like to get some Civilian Recruiters, as well as HR Experts on RP to respond to this question and let us know what they look for in today's market as a professional recruiter for companies.

Is the Cover Letter more important than the Resume?
Edited 8 y ago
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Responses: 34
CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
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Again being in the recruiting business and high volume recruiting business don't have time to look at the coverlet terms. Focus on the resume and networking so that you get referred to a role. That is where 70% of people at least get a look and possibly an interview
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Sgt Ian Richmond
Sgt Ian Richmond
8 y
Thank you for the information. I appreciate it.
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CW3 Dylan E. Raymond, PHR
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Edited 8 y ago
You have to know your audience, industry and company. Cover letters may work well for a smaller company. When I am looking through thousands of resumes for multiple roles I am looking for the meat and the potatoes so I can get candidates over to Hiring Manager for review
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SPC Erich Guenther
SPC Erich Guenther
8 y
BINGO
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CAPT Kevin B.
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Interesting thing is USA Jobs won't allow for cover letters which are typically a bunch of hot air. Prior to USA Jobs, we had the HR side strip the package of cover letters as they were not part of the required submissions that are valid to review.
That said, on the outside, a decent cover letter can't harm, but isn't likely to do much good either. People still do them because they think is slightly better than 50/50. Bottom line, if you're anal about cover letters, your mind is in the wrong place.
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CWO3 Us Marine
CWO3 (Join to see)
8 y
maybe staple a $100 bill to cover letter, couldn't hurt, maybe? ok just kidding Sir
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SFC William Stephens
SFC William Stephens
8 y
Sir, I don't know what USJOB.com your looking at but it allows me to post any documents that that are professional for the job package. Now when you log into documents it ask and list if you want to post a cover letter. I think in my profession the cover letter and resume work together.
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CAPT Kevin B.
CAPT Kevin B.
8 y
Hmm, used to be no cover letters but times change.....
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Jenn Moynihan
Jenn Moynihan
8 y
CWO3 (Join to see) - You may be on to something!! Lol.
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