Is a cover letter necessary?

Lena122

Is a cover letter necessary when applying to administrative assistant or other entry level administrative type jobs? I have a resume with an objective but I am seeking a major career change.

Thought? 

SaranJonathan

Yes a cover letter is necessary. It takes 15 to 20 minutes max to work on it.

rodiesmum

yes it is necessary. It also lets you highlight your qualifications.

jennynorene

Yes!

CrazyToast

YES!

katlizabeth

I would say yes, but I've never applied for a position in that field, so that's just my opinion. 

MNgirl326

yes.  It highlights your skills, and gives them an introduction to who you are.

It takes 15 minutes to write, and you would hate to get passed over because everyone else wrote a cover letter and you didn't. 

 

LoCarb

Yes, I think the cover letter is necessary and a great opportunity to explain you are seeking a career change in fields.

carig63

I won't interview people who don't "bother" to write a cover letter. Even if I'm only hiring a temp employee for the summer. If you can't take a half hour to tell me why you're a good fit for the job, you don't want it badly enough. I won't waste my time with someone who cares so little about the job.

everam01

A cover letter is always appreciated. 

Strunella

Having just written my own cover letter, I would say yes!

MirandaHobbes

ALWAYS- I do hiring for my law office, all levels are expected to produce a well-written, thoughtful cover letter. Poor or no cover letters are an automatic rejection.

easjer05

Meh.  We require them, so in that sense, they are necessary to be considered, but to be honest with you? What I notice is not what people say, really (they are largely pro-forma), but whether or not they are spell-checked, grammar-checked and how well written the sentences are.

My boss showed me a cover letter today for an open position in the division in which someone talked about their children's accomplishments.  That person is not getting an interview.

So, if you do a cover letter, take it seriously.

finhope11

As a former recruiter, yes it's necessary, and take it seriously. Do not pull something right off the internet, if we suspect, we google and find it.

Administrative Assistant jobs mean you may have a job that requires you to write professional communications. This is an opportunity to highlight that skill and show you know proper grammar etc. 

MyaMaternity

Yes!!!