Is a Cover Letter Important?
A frequently asked question among job seekers remains, "Is a cover letter important?" In fact, it's not unusual for job seekers to treat the cover letter as an afterthought. They've put so much time and thought into their resume that they may view the cover letter as nothing more than a required but unimportant attachment. In actuality, this introductory document can be instrumental in helping your resume leap to the top of the pile. The importance of a cover letter cannot be overstated.
According to a survey from our company, 91 percent of executives polled said cover letters are valuable when evaluating job candidates. And even though the job application process has mostly moved online, the importance of a cover letter is still paramount. Seventy-nine percent of managers surveyed said it is common to receive cover letters even when applicants submit resumes electronically. So, is a cover letter important? Most definitely – especially if you want to be in the running against those who are taking the initiative to submit one.
http://www.roberthalf.com/job-seekers/career-center/resume/importance-of-a-cover-letter
