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Quick Question about Cover Letters

Started by April 25, 2007 05:46 PM
3 comments, last by frob 17 years, 7 months ago
I read that you should end a cover letter with a polite version of "if you don't call me, I'll call you", but the game industry seems to be so in-demand, this doesn't seem appropriate to me. Is it? Thanks in advance.
I wouldn't put that as we get so many cv's that we can't possibly get back to everyone.

If I saw that on a cover letter, I'd view that as a little pushy(read negatively) by the candidate.

Most companies will let you know either way though if you get to the step of having a face to face interview.

All said, for me, its just like putting "references available upon request". Its just a waste of time, and should be implicitly understood:)
CheersChris
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Your cover letter should state your personal motivations for wanting the job. I'm a CS grad, and I generally don't bother putting a cover-letter on my resume (and yes, I do have a good job now). A cover letter is a good place to go into detail about things in your resume, but don't lie or get really sappy on them. Once you get work experience in your field, the cover-letter becomes much less important as people can see that you'll work hard (hopefully).

Back to your original question, I would not say anything about contacting them in the cover letter - most companies won't let you talk to hiring people directly, and even if they did, most resumes will get culled by a computer filter, so theirs a good chance that no one would have looked at it. The company has already made its decision, so a follow up call will, at most, get you a "Sorry."
Recruiting is not a selection process but an ELIMINATION process. In companies that receive hundreds of applications per month (i.e. Ubisoft), the HR guys don't have time to read lenghty cover letters. They will at best read your credentials and see if there is somewhat of a match between what they require and what you offer. More than likely, confused resumes with 2-pages cover letters end up in the bit bucket.

Your cover letter is to make it easy for the HR rep to quickly determine if you match what they asked for so you don't end up in the NO pile.

The best cover letter template (at least the one I found scored the most success) is the two-column format. Example here: http://www.quintcareers.com/sample_two_column_letter.html

It's simple & straight-to-the point.

-cb
Quote: Original post by cbenoi1
Recruiting is not a selection process but an ELIMINATION process.


This little idea is so basic, but I am always surprised at how rarely people realise it.

You SHOULD include a cover letter, which should be short and concise. Your résumé is your historic evidence that you may be able to do the job. The letter is your few paragraphs that try to convince me that I should interview and hire you instead of the other guy.

Is isn't strictly necessary, but it is much better than a blank email with an attached file named "resume.doc". Imagine what you would like to see in an email. Would you really like complete strangers sending you their work and school history without any real message, or perhaps just a generic "this resume is in response to your job posting. Thanks."? Of course not! Use at least a little basic courtesy to your fellow man.

Which reminds me, name it something like "John Doe - programmer II - resume.doc". If you actually are considered, there is a good chance the document will be separated from your email at some point, and that tiny bit of effort really does make a difference.

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