UVM Career Services Blog

Is the Cover Letter a Thing of the Past?

Posted on February 23, 2012 with No Comments

In a world where time is of the essence, many students ask whether or not they should use a cover letter for an internship application. Over the last few years this question has also been a discussion with Human Resource professionals and Career Counselors alike. At the end of the day, the answer is still up for debate. Below are 5 reasons why you should use a cover letter for your applications:

1. Writing a cover letter gives you the opportunity to reflect on the many reasons why you are a qualified candidate before you go into an interview.
2. It’s a marketing tool to help you explain why you are a good fit for the position and how your experiences qualify you.
3. It will demonstrate your communication skills, which is the #1 skill set employers look for.
4. It builds rapport between you and the organization.
5. And finally, a solid cover letter allows you to tell your story in a fashion that is unique and personalized which in the end, can help you stand out from the crowd.

The only time you wouldn’t send a cover letter is when a company has specifically asked you not to. This is a tricky way to see if you can follow instructions, so be mindful of this when applying.

For more tips, watch this video about cover letters.

~Danielle