3 Responses to “when applying for a job online, should the cover letter be the body of the email or attached like the resume?”

1. Job Search Pro says:

   July 28, 2010 at 3:42 am

   In the body of the message to give them a reason to open up your resume file.

   Include:

   * job title of the job you are applying for
   * any identification number it might have associated with it
   * where you saw it (specific website, newspaper, etc.)
   * the date you saw the job posting
   * the specific experience, skills, and education you have that they have asked for in the job description

   Put yourself in their shoes, if you can, and provide them with the information you would want to have if you were reading a large number of e-mail messages from people who want to be hired. Be easy to hire.

   Edit:

   When someone I don’t know sends me an email with 2 files attached, purportedly a cover letter and a resume, and they don’t give me a reason to open them, I usually don’t open either one. Why?

   1 – I’m in a hurry. If I can see something in the e-mail that makes it worth my while to take the time to open an attached file (like a resume), I’ll do it.

   If there’s no indication that I’ll find something interesting and useful by taking that time, I’ll decide to wait until I have more time (which I usually don’t). Or, if I’m in a hurry and feeling kinda cranky, I’ll just assume that the person sending the message isn’t too clear on the process, and I’ll move on to the next message from the next applicant. If I have the time to go back, I may, but I don’t often have the time.

   2 – File attachments can be unpleasant. I need an incentive to open them. Why?

   Attachments can contain viruses, particularly Word documents. They can also contain porn or advertising or something else that is a total time waster.

   If we open anything, we may open the resume file and skip the cover letter file. So, you’ve completely lost your chance to sell us on your resume.

   Make your e-mail message your cover letter – enticing the recipient to open up your resume file.

   If you feel you must demonstrate some technical expertise required for the job, you can ALSO attach the cover message as a Word doc (or a PDF file), but make opening your e-mail message a rewarding experience for the recipient.

   Good luck with your job search!
2. LadyBug says:

   July 28, 2010 at 3:49 am

   I would attach it in a file that way they know you know the proper format for creating a cover letter (margins, etc.). But in the body of the email I would say something like:
   Dear Mr. (or Ms.) so and so:
   I am interested in applying for the position of (name) that I saw (where you saw it). I have attached a cover letter detailing some of my qualifications as well as my resume outlining my education and work history. I look forward to hearing from you.
   Thank you,
   Your name
3. dtccareerservices says:

   July 28, 2010 at 4:09 am

   I would do both since you don’t know which will be read my whom.

   The body of the email should look like an email to your boss.

   Dear Sir or Madam:
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   Sincerely,
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