Cover letter w/ application or at interview?

luvmy2angels · Jul 11, 2006

Hi guys, I'm a new grad and want to know when I should attach a cover letter. Should I turn it in when I initially apply along with my resume? Or after I hear back from the employer and set up an interview or whatever step is next?
See, I wouldn't know who to make the cover letter out to if I'm just going in and filling out an application and attaching a resume.

I only included a cover letter when I was sending my resume to someone in the mail (instead of going there to fill out the application). When I went someplace to fill out an application I just also handed them a copy of my resume. You can always address to Director of human resources or To WHom it May Concern.

Pupnshnooter · Jul 11, 2006

As a recruiter, I like to see a coverletter attached to a reesume when it comes through the mail, email or fax. It helps me to know how they heard about us, what position they are looking for and a little about themselves. A good letter of intent will include the above. There is however no reason to bring a cover letter with you at an interview, only a fresh copy of your resume.

Good Luck!:paw:

RedHeadRN2b · Jul 11, 2006

Be sure to submit a cover letter with your resume whether you fax, snail mail, email or apply online!!

Recently I spoke with a recruiter from a large hosptial here in the Dallas area that only accepts applications/resumes online and she said that adding a cover letter to your online application is absolutely critical. What you say in your cover letter is what will make you "pop" out from the other 500+ resumes they get for the same position. In fact, I had a hiring supervisor tell me that they do not even read the resumes they get - they read the COVER LETTER and THEN if they like your letter you get put in the short stack where they actually look at your resume. You should put just as much effort into your cover letter as you do your resume - make it genuine and specific. A recruiter can spot a "sample" generic cover letter that was copied from the internet a mile away.

Hope this helps!

BansheebabeRn · Jul 23, 2006

as a recruiter, i like to see a coverletter attached to a reesume when it comes through the mail, email or fax. it helps me to know how they heard about us, what position they are looking for and a little about themselves. a good letter of intent will include the above. there is however no reason to bring a cover letter with you at an interview, only a fresh copy of your resume.
good luck!:paw:

:confused: hello, i am 22 yrs old and just recently passed my boards to become a rn. i graduated back in december, but have encountered some health problems so i am late seeking employment. anyway, i am really worried that i will have trouble getting hired b/c i didn't have the opportunity to work on my temporary license to get any experience. i am getting ready to apply at a local hospital and was wondering whether i should fill out an application and attach a resume or just present the resume? also, any suggestions you could give me to add to the cover letter would be a tremendous help! thank you so much and please reply. :saint:

mydesygn · Jul 23, 2006

Hi guys, I'm a new grad and want to know when I should attach a cover letter. Should I turn it in when I initially apply along with my resume? Or after I hear back from the employer and set up an interview or whatever step is next?
See, I wouldn't know who to make the cover letter out to if I'm just going in and filling out an application and attaching a resume.

I always a attach a cover letter to any positon I apply for. The cover letter is your oppourtunity to expand on your experience. For instance, while volunteering, you may have done some counseling or worked with a specific patient population. Volunteer or community work isn't normally included with your application but the experience you gained would be valuable for an employer to know. You may have done projects or papers during a clinical which would be good to include. A cover letter is your oppurtunity to sell yourself and give specifics. Get in the habit of including a cover letter with any professional position you apply for.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jul 23, 2006

Yep, cover letters are an introduction and reason for the resume being sent...so they go together. No need to do one for an application or certainly not during an interview since you are there and can say what you would in a cover letter.

Also remember...a cover letter and a resume are what YOU want the employer to know...where as the application is what the EMPLOYER wants to know about you. Make sure you put down the things you wish to get across in that resume and cover letter...it is representive of you, and sometimes the only thing they see before choosing who will be interviewed...use that to your advantage!