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