Discussion Thread

  • 1.  IMPORTANCE OF COVER LETTER IN JOB SEARCHING

    Posted 02-08-2021 10:46 AM

    Hi all,
    A good/fair suggestion on the topic is highly appreciated. Is it mandatory to provide cover letter along with resume? Many companies are providing options to upload cover letter although it is not mandatory.How far is the significance of the covering letter in career search.

    Thanks.

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    Dhanya K R Aff.M.ASCE
    Assistant Environment Manager, Coal India Limited
    Thrissur
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  • 2.  RE: IMPORTANCE OF COVER LETTER IN JOB SEARCHING

    Posted 02-16-2021 09:42 PM

    Hi Dhanya, 

    Great question!  My personal experience with cover letters is fairly limited, but cover letters are an excellent way to show that you have put some extra effort into your application. It also is a place to provide detailed information on why you are qualified for the job you are applying for and other information that wouldn't be covered in your resume. So while it is not mandatory, I highly encourage that you submit a cover letter when you are ever provided the opportunity. Hope this helps! If you or anyone else has any follow-up questions, please add them here in the thread!

    Sincerely,
    Dani 



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    Danielle Schroeder EIT, A.M.ASCE (She/her)
    Associate Engineer
    Pennoni Associates
    Philadelphia PA
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  • 3.  RE: IMPORTANCE OF COVER LETTER IN JOB SEARCHING

    Posted 02-17-2021 01:58 PM
    I would agree with @Danielle Schroeder.

    One thing I will add is that sometimes people will use ​a generic resume with a cover letter that is more specific to the job being applied for. While this can be a time efficient way to submit applications, it can be confusing to someone who is reviewing your job application, if the cover letter and resume information don't match.

    For example, say an applicant's cover letter says they want to progress their career in environmental engineering , but their resume only highlights structural engineering projects. It could be hard for someone reviewing that application to verify if the applicant has enough environmental engineering experience to be qualified.

    I think that having a resume specific to the job being applied for is important. Having a cover letter that works together with a job specific resume can really make that application stand out from others.

    I like to think of it as, a cover letter tells the story, and the resume shows the facts that validate the story.

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    Doug Cantrell P.E., M.ASCE
    Professional Engineer
    Durham NC
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  • 4.  RE: IMPORTANCE OF COVER LETTER IN JOB SEARCHING

    Posted 03-17-2021 09:24 AM
    Thank you for the suggestion.
    Just like we frame the resume , is there any specified format/ standard for cover letter? Or shall it be a formal letter which validate our resume?

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    Dhanya K R Aff.M.ASCE
    Assistant Environment Manager, Coal India Limited
    Thrissur
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  • 5.  RE: IMPORTANCE OF COVER LETTER IN JOB SEARCHING

    Posted 03-22-2021 03:54 PM
    @Dhanya K R,
    I would not say that there is a specified format or standard for cover letters. I have typically seen cover letters as Word or PDF documents that are usually one page in length​. Most of the cover letters I have seen are in a similar format to a formal letter, with a heading, body of text in paragraph form, and a closing with a digital signature.

    Even though a cover letter is a formal document, don't be afraid to let your personality show and tell your story in the body of your cover letter. Your resume shows that you are qualified to be an engineer, but your cover letter tells WHY you are an engineer. The cover letter is a way for you to personally connect with the reviewer of your resume to show what makes you the individual you are.

    I hope that helps!

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    Doug Cantrell P.E., M.ASCE
    Professional Engineer
    Durham NC
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  • 6.  RE: IMPORTANCE OF COVER LETTER IN JOB SEARCHING

    Posted 03-29-2021 02:48 PM
    Hi @Dhanya K R,

    @Stephanie Slocum, recently shared some great advice on this topic. Check out her 7 tips on making your cover letter stand out. ​​

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    Tirza Austin
    Manager, Online Community
    American Society of Civil Engineers
    1801 Alexander Bell Drive
    Reston, VA 20191
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