Should I Attach a Cover Letter to My Resume?

In the competitive job market, presenting a well-crafted resume is essential for landing your dream
job. However, the question of whether to attach a cover letter to your resume often arises. While
some may argue that cover letters are outdated, many experts believe they remain a valuable tool in
the job application process.

A cover letter serves as a personalized introduction to your resume, offering you the opportunity to
showcase your personality, highlight key achievements, and express your genuine interest in the
position. It allows you to go beyond the bullet points on your resume and provide context to your
professional journey.

Here are a few reasons why attaching a cover letter to your resume can be beneficial:

1. Personalized Introduction: A cover letter allows you to introduce yourself in a more

personalized manner. You can tailor your message to the specific job and company,
demonstrating your understanding of their needs.
2. Showcasing Soft Skills: While a resume focuses on your qualifications and experience, a
cover letter lets you highlight your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and
problem-solving abilities. This gives employers a more holistic view of your capabilities.
3. Addressing Employment Gaps or Career Changes: If you have employment gaps or are
transitioning to a new industry, a cover letter provides an opportunity to explain these aspects
and reassure employers about your suitability for the position.
4. Expressing Enthusiasm: A cover letter allows you to convey your enthusiasm for the job
and the company. Expressing genuine interest can set you apart from other applicants who
may have similar qualifications.
5. Demonstrating Research: Including information about the company and position in your
cover letter demonstrates that you've done your homework. It shows that you are genuinely
interested and invested in the opportunity.

When considering whether to attach a cover letter to your resume, it's essential to assess the specific
requirements and preferences of the employer. Some job postings explicitly request a cover letter,
while others may not mention it at all. However, even if not explicitly required, including a well-
crafted cover letter can enhance your application and leave a positive impression.

For expert assistance in creating a compelling resume and cover letter tailored to your desired
position, consider utilizing the services of BestResumeHelp.com . Their team of professional writers
can help you present your qualifications in the best possible light, increasing your chances of landing
that coveted job. Don't underestimate the power of a well-written cover letter – it could be the key
to unlocking your next career opportunity. Order your resume and cover letter services today at
BestResumeHelp.com .
Do you think its a good idea to combine both resume and cover letter in a single pdf file with cover
letter at the beginning followed by resume? For example, some applicants expound on technology in
the cover letter that is important for the current job opening. I have attached my cover letter and
resume for your review. Miss one detail and your job application could be thrown out of contention.
You can either write your cover letter as part of the email message or send it as an attachment. Cover
Letter Templates Find the perfect cover letter template. The proposal also requested additional
money to beef up security at the southwest border, but Republicans quickly decided that any new
money had to be linked to border policy changes. Let's now focus on how to maximize the impact of
your cover letter when it's part of your application. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your
consent. The Balance uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the
facts within our articles. If you are unsure about the cover-letter submission instructions, politely call
or email the hiring manager for clarification. Recruiters, inundated with a high volume of
applications, often favor the concise, data-driven format of resumes over the narrative style of cover
letters. Cover letters look more like any other written communication, conveying your message in full
sentences and paragraphs. What's most important is to follow the employer's instructions and send
exactly what they have asked for in the format it's requested. Hiring managers often want to go
directly to your resume to review your qualifications. For example, how should you submit your
emailed resume and cover letter. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide
the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your
documents and store your consents. If you're applying for a job through a networking contact who's
referred you to the hiring manager, including a tailored cover letter with your resume can make a
strong impact. Use a page break to keep the cover letter on page 1 and the resume on page 2. Don’t
do both. It is generally recommended that you submit both the resume and cover letter as file
attachments rather than having any part of them in the body of your email message. It's essential to
research and understand the preferences of the company you're applying to, but also be prepared for
variability in how your cover letter is received. If the online job posting includes submission
instructions, follow them to the letter. Avoid overloading your cover letter with excessive personal
stories or information that isn't relevant to the job requirements. Take the time to carefully proofread
the message before you send it. They allow you to show your personality and outline why you are
interested in the job. Learn why it may benefit you to choose a different phrase, and discover the
many alternative ways to tell hiring managers that you’ve attached essential documents to an email.
Both are important documents, but they are not interchangeable. Specialized technical positions For
technical roles in fields like engineering, IT, or scientific research, where specific skills or experiences
are crucial, a cover letter provides the space to elaborate on how your expertise aligns with the job
requirements. Led team-building exercises focused on collaboration and problem-solving within
machine learning challenges. As recruiters grapple with the sheer volume of applications, the brevity
and clarity of a well-crafted resume have become more crucial than ever.
This allows us to improve our Site and our services. I have worked in various libraries for the past 8
years and have enjoyed the work very much. Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5
minutes. Employers often hire for many positions at the same time, so include both your name and
the job title. This is where a cover letter can step in and bridge the gap. Cover Letter Builder Write a
cover letter that convinces employers you’re the best. Please look at the attached cover letter and
resume to learn more about my qualifications and previous experience as a manager. However,
including a brief sentence to tell the hiring manager you have included an attachment is still a good
practice. Want to know whether your resume has what it takes to capture a hiring manager’s interest.
The declining relevance of cover letters As the job market continues to evolve, the necessity of cover
letters in 2024 is a topic of considerable debate. Imagine you're transitioning from a career in
education to corporate training. Get a free resume review from our team of experts today. Some
employers may value cover letters more than others. Small companies might accept your cover letter
in the body of an email if your resume is attached. If your resume and cover letter are stored in a
different folder, click on the appropriate folder. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million
readers to our site every year. Focus on your most recent camp counseling experiences first on your
eye-catching resume, and move chronologically backwards. 4. Keep your camp counselor job
description clear and easy to read. I found out why I wasn't getting interviews and exactly what to
add to get past resume screeners. Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts. Please
enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. CV Format Pick the right format for
your situation. Putin declined to release Gershkovich now, to which Carlson said, “He’s a kid, and
maybe he was breaking your law in some way, but he’s not a super spy and everybody knows that.”.
Create a CV Cover Letter Cover Letter Builder Create a cover letter in 5 minutes. Let’s get right to
the main question here: should you combine your cover letter and resume into one document. I have
included my resume with this letter so that you can evaluate my qualifications and experience at your
leisure. Choose type of cookies to accept Analytics These cookies allow us to analyze our
performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Key
Achievement: Successfully led a group of campers in a county-wide environmental conservation
competition, placing first. If the instructions say to email your resume, you can choose to use the
body of your email as your cover letter. It shows you've taken the time to personalize your
application, reinforcing the good word put in by your contact. A camp counselor is a professional
responsible for the well-being and safety of campers in a summer camp.
The following tips can help: Decide which document you want the employer to see first Since the
cover letter serves as your introduction, there is a case to be made for putting it in the front of the
resume. Perhaps the only instruction is that your resume must be emailed. Sign up for the daily
digest chronicling the evolving media landscape here. I find the classes very enjoyable and I have a
high grade point average. Facilitated communication between the campers, resulting in a harmonious
and respectful camp atmosphere. After all, three regular season titles and three playoff
championships in 23 seasons are returns most NFL teams wouldn’t turn their noses up at. While
cover letters may have lost some of their luster, there are still instances where they can be a valuable
asset. Gone are the days when a job seeker would simply hand an employer a cover letter and
resume in paper form. At smaller companies, especially startups, they may read them much earlier.
Hiring managers often want to go directly to your resume to review your qualifications. All you
need to do is follow those 8 steps below and create an enticing camp counselor job description for a
resume: 1. When sending your cover letter and resume attachments, the first step is to save your
resume as a PDF or a Word document. Unfortunately, there’s been little effort to standardize
submission processes, and that can make it a little confusing for the average job seeker. After you
attach the cover letter to the resume during the application process, the ATS program may be putting
the document to use by picking out related keywords from sentences and paragraphs. For those new
to the field, a resume objective can do the trick. CV Help Improve your CV with help from expert
guides. Structure and format These two documents also have dramatically different structures and
formats. My Account You control your data We and our partners use cookies to provide you with
our services and, depending on your settings, gather analytics and marketing data. Certificates. Boost
your credibility by separately listing all your professional certifications on a resume. Others believe
that a cover letter is the only opportunity to show what you bring to the job in a way that you cannot
convey in your resume or online profile. How to Respond to an Interview Email Including a cover
letter with your resume shows off your communication and writing skills. Ken Chase, Freelance
Writer May 8, 2023 7 min read The internet has impacted virtually every area of life, including the
job search process. Of course, you also need to decide whether you want to submit a Word document
or a PDF file. You can either save your cover letter in document format or write it directly in the
email message. Get a Free Review Get a free resume review today Our experts will review your
resume’s grammar, layout, and ability to pass ATS— all free and delivered straight to your inbox.
Do you think its a good idea to combine both resume and cover letter in a single pdf file with cover
letter at the beginning followed by resume? Career Advice Improve your career with expert tips and
strategies. Crafting a camp counselor job description for a resume that captures the essence of your
outdoor leadership can be as challenging as navigating uncharted trails. In this article, we’ll explore
when to use a cover letter, industries in which cover letters can make a real difference, and how to
put together a cover letter in a way that maximizes its impact. You can either type your cover letter
directly into the email message, copy and paste it from a word processing document, or if the
company requests an attachment, send your cover letter and resume with the email message.
Cover letters look more like any other written communication, conveying your message in full
sentences and paragraphs. CV Help Improve your CV with help from expert guides. Other
employers might request that you send a cover letter and resume as one attachment, and you'll need
to combine both documents into single document. About Zety’s Editorial Process This article has
been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines. It can explain
the nuances of your technical skills and experiences in a way that a resume might not. After all, three
regular season titles and three playoff championships in 23 seasons are returns most NFL teams
wouldn’t turn their noses up at. Certificates. Boost your credibility by separately listing all your
professional certifications on a resume. These materials are provided under a Creative Commons BY-
NC-SA 3.0 License and in accordance with UW's privacy policy and terms of use. Focus on your
most recent camp counseling experiences first on your eye-catching resume, and move
chronologically backwards. 4. Keep your camp counselor job description clear and easy to read.
Avoid overloading your cover letter with excessive personal stories or information that isn't relevant
to the job requirements. Resume Checker Get your resume checked and scored with one click. For
example, how should you submit your emailed resume and cover letter. Some employers request
documents in the plain-text or ASCII format. Unfortunately, there’s been little effort to standardize
submission processes, and that can make it a little confusing for the average job seeker. The
chronological resume layout often works best, as it properly highlights your most important
achievements. Stick with the conventional cover letter format, including your contact information,
the recipient's contact information, salutation, three-paragraph body and closing. The subject line is
one of the most important parts of the email messages you send to apply for jobs. Key Achievement:
Under my supervision, the campers created a Music Genre Classifier, a model that can predict the
genre of a song based on its audio features. Learn how to write a CV with our comprehensive guide
and land your dream job today. When your personality is a key selling point In industries where
personality and cultural fit are paramount, a cover letter provides a unique opportunity to let your
individuality shine. Job Search Learn how to find the right job and get it. Recognize the digital abyss
In today's digital job market, your cover letter might not always make it past the application tracking
systems (ATS). Cover letter and resume: to combine or not to combine. Learn why it may benefit
you to choose a different phrase, and discover the many alternative ways to tell hiring managers that
you’ve attached essential documents to an email. The online job application is convenient and
expeditious for both employers and job seekers alike. The Balance is part of the Dotdash Meredith
publishing family. Depending on the job for which you're applying, you may need to email your
resume and cover letter to the hiring manager. Please make sure you have typed your email address
correctly so we can send you the checklist. We share knowledge, tips, and tools to help everyone
find their dream job. Executive and senior management positions For high-level roles, a cover letter
offers a window into your leadership philosophy, management style, and vision.
A Word document is easily read by the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that employers use to
manage job applications. Simply state that your resume and cover letter are attached. Coordinated
recreational activities for an average of 25 campers per group, enhancing their summer camp
experience. This makes it easy for anyone with your special link to access these files while saving
valuable space. It should be compelling and impressive but not a carbon copy of your resume. Focus
on your most recent camp counseling experiences first on your eye-catching resume, and move
chronologically backwards. 4. Keep your camp counselor job description clear and easy to read.
Customer-facing and client-engagement roles Roles that require strong interpersonal skills, such as
sales, client services, or hospitality, benefit greatly from a well-crafted cover letter. Cover Letter
Help Boost your chances of having your resume read with our help. CV Help Improve your CV
with help from expert guides. When you apply for jobs via email, the employer may require you to
send your resume and cover letter as an attachment to an email message. Resume Worded's Coached
email series is my secret weapon to trick them though. Refer to the job ad, see the responsibilities
listed there, and present your expertise by including those you've successfully performed. 7. Begin
each bullet with action verbs. For example: JohnSmithResumeCoverLetter.docx or
JohnSmithResumeCoverLetter.pdf. Use proper formatting When you paste each document into your
combined file, make sure that you retain the original formatting. Get proven strategies on how to
unlock your career's potential, meet VIPs in your industry and turn your career into a rocketship. We
share knowledge, tips, and tools to help everyone find their dream job. I believe that I am a strong
candidate and possess the level of experience your company is looking for. For other employers,
you'll apply online or via a job board. If you are unsure about the cover-letter submission instructions,
politely call or email the hiring manager for clarification. When your personality is a key selling point
In industries where personality and cultural fit are paramount, a cover letter provides a unique
opportunity to let your individuality shine. Other employers might request that you send a cover
letter and resume as one attachment, and you'll need to combine both documents into single
document. But I thought, maybe keep them in one document for all applications. Be sure to save the
file with an appropriate file name. Key Achievement: Under my supervision, the campers created a
Music Genre Classifier, a model that can predict the genre of a song based on its audio features. This
could be when you're applying through a direct referral, emailing the hiring manager directly, or using
platforms like Upwork where cover letters are key. Ensured the safety and wellbeing of campers by
adhering to the camp's safety regulations and procedures. Resume Help Improve your resume with
help from expert guides. Including languages in a resume can be beneficial, but only if you do it
right. If you are attaching a cover letter, your email message can be brief. You can do your part to
protect the company’s network by keeping your files safe. Miss one detail and your job application
could be thrown out of contention.