| Even if the recipient knows who you are and | | | | vacancy (ad response). Since they ran several |
| sees that your package was sent by you | | | | ads, they are still confused. |
| because of the return address label, they are | | | | |
| bound to wonder why you are sending the | | | | There is no objective at the top of the |
| package unless it is your birthday. | | | | resume because the job seeker did not want to |
| | | | lock himself or herself in to one position |
| Taking the scenario a bit farther, suppose | | | | and there is no accompanying cover letter! |
| you were a company sending them a package as | | | | Without the cover letter, the result is the |
| a marketing tool. Without a message included | | | | same as a job seeker showing up unexpectedly |
| in a card or in a promotional letter, they | | | | for a job interview. |
| would be confused. | | | | |
| | | | There are just too many unanswered questions. |
| Now pretend that you are a HR Manager in a | | | | How can we help you? Were you scheduled for |
| busy Human Resource Department of a large | | | | an interview with someone? In the event that |
| product distribution company that has over 15 | | | | the hiring manager were gracious enough to |
| divisions on a large complex divided between | | | | make your trip worth your while, and |
| four buildings. | | | | hopefully their while too, they still have to |
| | | | wonder what position are you interested in |
| This company is always growing, has many | | | | and what you have done to qualify for the |
| different types of job openings, a fabulous | | | | position. |
| website, and is constantly advertising for | | | | |
| new talent. As you can imagine, the resumes | | | | Unfortunately, in the case where you are not |
| that pour in by email, postal mail, and fax | | | | standing in front of them to answer all of |
| is overwhelming to say the least. Screening | | | | these unanswered questions, the resume is |
| these resumes is a full time job in itself! | | | | going end up in the trash. A busy company |
| | | | just does not have the time to call a job |
| Now, a resume is faxed over without a cover | | | | seeker to ask them what position they are |
| letter. It is very impressive. The person has | | | | interested in with their company. Nor do they |
| fifteen years of well-rounded experience that | | | | have time to figure it out. |
| includes five strong positions in the areas | | | | |
| of sales, customer service, billing and | | | | The only time it is acceptable to send a |
| collections, events coordinator, and computer | | | | resume without a cover letter is when the |
| trainer. Wow, they can do almost anything! | | | | company indicates to send the resumes only in |
| But what position are they looking for and | | | | their advertisement. Otherwise, it is best to |
| why are they contacting the company? | | | | send a cover letter even when it is not |
| | | | specified to send one. Remember, the cover |
| The company has many openings, so they are | | | | letter needs the resume and the resume needs |
| not sure what position this job seeker is | | | | the cover letter. Together they are truly a |
| applying for. The manager wonders if the job | | | | dynamic duo! It is your first impression. |
| seeker is exploring their options | | | | Make it count! |
| (cold-calling) or answering an advertised job | | | | |