The document discusses the debate between traditional recruiters and "new school" recruiters around the importance of cover letters. Traditionalists argue that a well-written cover letter can differentiate an applicant and provide a glimpse of their personality and skills not shown in a resume. However, "new school" recruiters focus more on faster applications that can be submitted on mobile devices, where candidates don't have as much time to submit both a cover letter and resume. Ultimately, the author believes that while cover letters may be a dying art form, candidates should write an authentic message in their cover letter to make a strong first impression in just a few words if they choose to include one.

1. Article Written and Owned by; Joseph P. Messina
Question: What do you think of a Cover Letter and do I need to write one anymore? In 200 words or
less……..
Recruiting traditionalist’s vs “new school” have constant debates on this topic and the importance of the
Cover Letter. Traditionalists: A cover letter, albeit vague, worded correctly can be highly impactful and a
differentiator from multiple other applications. It is like the clothing you wear, provides of glimpse of
who you are, your personality, and highlights skills a resume may not show. It’s the façade of a house
that makes it more welcoming or that tie you put on to show your personality. A cover includes; 1.
Short summary of your qualifications/link keywords from job description, 2. Summarize career/explain
gaps, 3. Your value, 4. Who you are, and 5. Contact information. On the “New School” side, cover letters
are a dying art-form, heavier focus on “candidate experience” or “going Mobile” drives for faster
applications, “on the go” messaging and candidate profile submittals, where candidates don’t have time
to submit a Cover/Resume combination anymore is becoming more wide spread and a trend which
looks to continue. However, stick with tradition, write an authentic message, let us know who you are
and remember, though seemingly vague, you have one chance to articulate and make a significant first
impression in only a few words.
****This is solely my opinion and was written in response to a probing question I received from job seekers. Food for thought, but deciding to
write a Cover Letter is ultimately your choice to do so (or not) and the above is not intended as career advice.****