Quick application question

joanart

If a posting says "no cover letter required" do you send one anyway? Not sure if you should do it in order to stand out, or if they really don't want to bother with them.

mmw&lmd

I don't read them unless it's from someone who doesn't specialize in the field they are applying for.  But if I note not to send one, I won't read it even if someone does.

 

EDIT: But "no cover letter required" seems like more of a suggestion to those who might be too lazy or don't care to create one.  So IMO you could attach one with the expectation that it will be read, since chances are most people will take that as "I don't need to do this, so I won't". 

joanart

mmw&lmd:

I don't read them unless it's from someone who doesn't specialize in the field they are applying for.  But if I note not to send one, I won't read it even if someone does.

 

Good to know--thank you! 

ILoveRedVino

I wouldn't send one.  I'd take that to mean that all considerations will be based on the resume/application alone.

MarcyLT

I would read that as "cover letter optional". If it said, "no cover letters, please" that'd be one thing. But just because it's not required doesn't mean it wouldn't help. I'd send one.

joanart

MarcyLT:

I would read that as "cover letter optional". If it said, "no cover letters, please" that'd be one thing. But just because it's not required doesn't mean it wouldn't help. I'd send one.

 Hmm, that's a good point. I guess if they don't want to read it they'll just toss it and no harm done. And if they do read it then it's good for me. 

BlackDiamond3201

MarcyLT:

I would read that as "cover letter optional". If it said, "no cover letters, please" that'd be one thing. But just because it's not required doesn't mean it wouldn't help. I'd send one.

I agree. It would also depend on the field the job was in. If I were qualified but my experience was not directly in the field I would include one.