by
Renae Richardson , Education Coordinator/Director , Oxford Learning Center
It is my understanding that currently employers use a process wherein they weed out applications based on keywords. If there are500 hundred applicants a good many of those applications will never even reach the hiring manager.
I worked for someone once who was looking for something specific in the applicant. This individual would skim through the applications that had made it to her desk to see if that specific skill or attribute was included. If not the application went straight to the waste bin. Only if that key indicator was present would the hiring manager take time to peruse the entire application.
If you application happens to be one of those that actually makes it to the hiring managers desk then I would say a cover letter is a good way to make an effort to make it your point to stand out.
by
Attiquah Rahim , General Manager Operations , Best Buy Trading
Well cover letters usually are a way to match your skill set to the position's requirements. For instance you may want a career change but have no experience in your new career choice. A cover letter can be used to make your intentions known as well as highlight your success in previous work experiences that would be a contributing factor to your success in a new industry or position. In my opinion employers skim through cover letters so be original and creative. If it comes down to a short list your cover letter may just get you an interview.
