Do employers really read cover letters?

By: Charlotte Weeks

I’ve heard this question many times before. The résumé is recognized as the more important document, with cover letters often being an afterthought. However, according to a 2008 survey, 86% of senior executives at the nation’s largest 1,000 companies still find cover letters valuable. Of course, there are always going to be employers who won’t read a cover letter, or will read it after the résumé captures their attention. Still, with approximately 33% of employers reading the letter first, it’s worth spending the extra time to make yours stand out.

Some things to keep in mind:
•    The cover letter should complement, not rehash, the résumé.
•    The cover letter should include keywords.
•    The cover letter should be personalized for each company.

No matter what, a cover letter should always be included, especially if asked for in an advertisement. Assuming employers won’t read the letter, many people only send in a résumé. In addition to losing an extra opportunity to sell yourself, it can appear that you don’t have enough interest in the company to write a customized letter. To give yourself the edge over your competitors, not only should you submit a cover letter, you should submit an outstanding one!