Applying for a job but dont know if cover letter is important?

I am currently seeking another job but im not sure how much emphasis i should put on the cover letter. Some people have told me that company's dnt even look at it, others tell me thats what they look at since they dont want to read your resume. What are good tips to make sure you include in your cover letter that will catch the readers attention?

Using a cover letter with a resume shows you know how to play the game. Whether they read it or not is their deal..not yours. Show the potential employer you know what's professional.

Tips: Be sure to include where the job lead came from-companies want to know where their advertising is doing the most good.

Sell yourself in paragraph 2. Why should the reader make the effort to go to your resume? No one knows you like you. Don't be too shy, and don't be too bold-which can come across as arrogant if they don't know you. Be prepared to back up the words/phrases you use with examples from your work world. Be sure that if the ad or job description contains several key words that are important to the position, that you, too, include them in your resume or cover letter. GOod luck!

With the number of applications employers go through they really have no time to read cover letters, they just have a quick look at all the resumes. However I think you should still put effort into your cover letter, you never know.

If the company is a big popular one, and not really hiring, then I bet they're not gonna read it. But if they are hiring, I'm sure they're gonna read it. And it'll get you some points for the job. Good luck

yes absolutely is important!!!!!!!!!!!!...im in JMG so i really do know, it shows that you are respectful and take pride in ur work

Personally, I would never read a resume without a cover letter. A cover letter accents your qualities and tells a prospective employer WHY you want to work for them and why you are the person for the job. It is very unprofessional to omit a cover letter. The only time you can omit one is for a job that requires an application, not a resume.

The cover letter is VERY important. It is what you use to tell your employer the benefits of hiring you. The most important tip I can give you is to connect to the employer by telling them what THEY will get out of hiring you.

Even if they don't look at it put a solid effort summarizing who you are and your interests. If they do read it then you start off on the right foot, if they don't probably not the company for you.