TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Resume and Coverletter Game From:Tracy Boyington <tracy_boyington -at- OKVOTECH -dot- ORG> Date:Thu, 4 Feb 1999 16:10:32 -0600
>So I'm asking the other hiring managers out there, have any of you
>ever seen a cover letter that has influenced your interviewing decision
>positively? And what percentage of cover letters do you view as being
>positive, neutral, and negative?
I'm not a hiring manager, nor do I play one on TV, but I have been in
that position once or twice. I think a cover letter can be helpful when
something in the resume needs to be explained. For example, I've
mentioned the applicant who had a different job every year for several
years -- if her cover letter had mentioned that she'd been following a
military spouse, and that he was out now, she might have stood a chance.
Or the one whose resume listed work history and a career objective that
had *nothing* to do with the job she applied for -- if her cover letter
had indicated she wanted to change fields, it wouldn't have looked so
much like she accidentally applied for the wrong job. Personally, I
would still include a cover letter, just because it's still done here in
the middle of the US. Those on the edges may disagree. And of course I'd
need something to explain what all those writing samples are. ;-)
