If a job posting requests a cover letter and a résumé, and a job seeker sends just his or her résumé, that job seeker is no longer competing for a position. Responding to a job posting is the first chance to display the ability to follow direction.

Employers scrutinize every move that is made. My oldest son who is in 10^th grade stated that in his readings for History the teacher told a story about an executive who took out interviewees for dinner and notes how they eat. For example, he truly believed that if a person added salt to his food without tasting meant something. 

So the job seeker who sent a résumé without a cover letter is looking for an immediate response, the employer will interpret what he wants by not responding.

Here are some pitfalls to be avoided when sending out a cover letter. Send one even if it is without the prompting of a job ad or ask for one. Cover letters are the best introduction a resume is not designed to give:

1. Summarizing the résumé. A cover letter is a chance to say and highlight eye-catching accomplishments of a career that does not appear on a résumé.

2. Grammar and typos. Like the résumé, cover letters need to be perfect.

3. Long paragraphs. Write paragraphs that are no longer than two or three sentences.

4. To Whom It May Concern. Excuses in not finding out the name of at least the contact HR person or hiring manager will only put you in a crowded pile. Use the internet and networking contacts to find key people.

5. Saying that a candidate is great without proving it. Using adjectives are dangerous, as well as unsubstantiated claims that can’t be proven. Cover letters are an opportunity to include quantifiable accomplishments and results. Take advantage of it.

Don’t forget to include bullet points to highlight accomplishments. An easy to read cover letter will make it easy for YOUR best qualities to be noticed. Remember, a cover letter is not an essay, nor a short story about yourself.