Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

Hey Brian,

I like the tips you give here on the website, like calling to follow up on mailed resumes.

Now, if a job posting says "NO CALLS," I guess it's pretty obvious we should skip the follow up call, because it will severely annoy whomever is hiring (right?).

My question is a little more subtle, though. I never see a job posting that says "NO COVER LETTERS," but I frequently see "submit resume" and sometimes "submit resume AND cover letter" (emphasis added). As the useful marketing tool you paint it to be, it seems I should send a cover letter with all resumes, regardless of whether the hiring firm specifically requests one or not. I don't run the risk of annoying someone like that, do I?

Thanks.

From: Justin Kennington, Senior, Rice University


ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Justin -

Good question. Yes, you should always use a cover letter, whether requested or not.

A cover letter provides you with an additional opportunity to sell yourself to a particular employer. You should always take the time to do your research to make sure that your cover letter "covers" your resume for the specific needs of that employer. I can always see through a stock cover letter, but, at the same time, I can always recognize (and appreciate) when someone has taken the time to personalize the cover letter.

And I know I am going against the grain on this one, but any job posting that says "NO CALLS" means that you will be the only one to call. Follow the drill, send your resume, but if you don't get a call within a week, call to find out whether they received it and whether they have any questions. Then close by asking about the timing of next steps. By doing so, you will have earned the permission or right to call. Might it annoy some? Possibly. But if they aren't calling you, they sometimes need to be annoyed to take action.

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All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.