I hate filling out the beggars forms, etc.
One thing I need advice for is the cover letter.
Are they absolutely needed?
The job isn't anything special like CEO of Boeing or anything like that, so is it even really needed?

Ever since humans became "resources" and specialized positions, departments and titles were invented to administer and exploit those "resources", those HR "resources" themselves, created specialized forms and procedures to legitimize and justify their existence.

Each of those pieces of paper and the manner in which they are filled out are now used to weed out and pare down the number of applications that they would actually take time to review. Otherwise, each omission or error in your CV and cover is an excuse for the HR administrator to toss the application aside

I'd usually spend less than 10 seconds looking at each resume/cover letter on first pass.
Scan for something that stuck out as a reason NOT to hire someone and shitcan the paper.

Once I went through 280 resumes quickly and threw them all away, ended up hiring a cousin of a friend at church.

A lot of big companies do first sort with computers now.
Human doesn't ever see it unless it finds enough key words.

Yeah, if it's a big company load up the resume and CV with relevant keywords.

Looks like I really don't need the cover letter as one of the requirements for the job is where I'm working right now.
I touched up my resume with the buzz words they should be looking for.
Thanks all.

Synergism is my favorite.

Talk about how much synergism you'll spread through the office.


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I think it depends on the position you're applying for, and whether or not you're qualified.

If your resume doesn't stand up to the experience needed, but you can make a sales pitch as to why you would be good for the position, a cover letter might get you an interview - or at least some consideration. If you can give examples of how your experience, or enthusiasm applies to the position, it could be helpful. Also, if you're switching careers, explaining how your past experience applies to the job you're applying for is best done in a cover letter.

If you're well qualified for a position you're applying for, a cover letter isn't needed in my opinion.

Being over qualified scares recruiters. A cover letter might be good in this case.

As a hiring manager, I don't need a cover letter. What I do need is a well formatted resume. A resume that is well formatted tells me "this person can communicate effectively". A resume that is poorly formatted, or reads like a server log file makes my job harder. I do consider how the resume is written in addition to a candidate's experience. Don't forget your cell phone, email, and address (make it easy to contact you).

Tip - if you use LinkedIn and just click "apply" using your profile, your resume will look like crap on the receiving end.

It depends. But modern companies use sophisticated search terms and algorithms to screen applicants.

Hard to say generically. But for any leadership or senior position, then probably yes and tailored to that position.

I have a job for you Rick. C'mere.

THIS! Applying for jobs online is a waste of time. Creating profiles at companies is a waste of time.

The only way to get hired is to know somebody. In that case just have a decent enough resume so they can read it after they agree to interview you.

Unless you are applying for an internal position at your current firm, then they might want you to fill out all sorts of bullshit paperwork.

lower. lower. lower. right there

The friend was a senior VP at Boeing, and that's the kinda guy you want to do a favor for if you ever have the chance. Hahaha
Plus I knew he was a good guy with a stellar reputation and wouldn't sandbag me with a shitty employee.

Too late...
I applied without the cover letter.
One of the requirements for the job I have three times over.
It's not open to those off the street.

HR is not your friend.

It all sucks. Pretty much who you know.