shams040:
Please while submitting cv is it compulsary to add a cover letter if it nt stipulated?

Regardless of if it is compulsory or not, your job is your job.

shams040:


BT y are Nigeria HRs like dat?

I am tempted to weigh in at this point.

All HR personnel globally are faced with one major challenge and that is getting the absolutely right fit for an opening and a variety of tools and variables are used to ascertain the suitability or otherwise of a particular candidate for a role.

Experience (I speak for myself here) has revealed that your words as stringed together if well examined reveal your personality traits, confidence level and to some extent your integrity. I can tell you that in the majority of cases my selection of a candidate to a very large extent is mostly predicated on the feelings that I draw from reading the cover letter. A truly well written cover letter is a delightful read and will get one foot in the door(my personal disposition again).

You will be amazed at this fact but it holds true for many HR units. The CV over the years has become a stereotype and on could copy and replicate others but in all honesty writing style and presentation remains unique to every individual. My advice is that whenever you are seeking employment and you need to show what stuff you are made of, please add a well written cover letter. Understandably, this applies more to experienced hires.

It has proven to take many to the next stage.

EdoBoy90:
.

It is not compulsory except when required or stated. Some companies will ask you for an application letter not cover letter. It Depends on the company or the HRM.

Globacom on going recruitment, they only asked for a CV with attached password photograph.


Two jobs I have gotten so far (I left the first one and rejected the second offer), I didn't write any cover or application letters but the one I am currently I wrote an application letter.


Companies like GE, Cummins Inc, Siemens etc you have to write a cover letter and upload it on your created profile. A column is created the cover letter and CV to be uploaded.


It depends on the companies as clarified with my statement and experience.

Stop using machine manual OK as a yardstick to justify your 50%answer.

We rule the world of machines and engines.

so in d case of globacom are u advising we shouldn't add cover letter wen sending d cc?

pweedyuz:

Honestly, i don't know if it's compulsory or not

But i ALWAYS add a cover letter whenever I'm sending my cv to any company whether asked or not.

I just feel sending only my attached cv on an empty mail is me being Lazy.

Even this glo recruitment, i was with friends and we were all applying, i was d only one drafting a cover letter.

Do what suits you. Cover letter or not, a job that's yours will be yours

.


Without cover letter, you can write something on the body mail. I'm

Yemmysworld91:

so in d case of globacom are u advising we shouldn't add cover letter wen sending d cc?

.

Simple instructions and they must be obeyed.

All through my experience, any company or organization that needs cover letter or application letter will require for or ask for it.

Check my previous posts, you will see where I gave some examples with some companies above.

EdoBoy90:
.


Without cover letter, you can write something on the body mail. I'm

Pls, is the cover letter not same as wat is written on the mail b4 attaching ur CV.
If nt pls clarify the diff for me.
Thanks alot

shams040:
Please while submitting cv is it compulsary to add a cover letter if it nt stipulated?

The cover letter in the majority of cases is so significant that you have no idea.

The CV is a a very mechanical and impersonal evaluation tool. The cover letter reveals a lot about the personality through the choice of words, presentation style, thoroughness, vitality, confidence and even attitude. A common thing like a spelling error can spell doom for you by expressing your kind of person(OP you may wish to check up the spelling of 'compulsory'.

I will give you an example of how important a cover letter is.

In the hey days of banking, a particular high flying new generation bank procured us to recruit entry level graduates for their Graduate trainee programme. We advertised and short-listed and then mailed the successful applicants inviting them for an aptitude test and the venue was the new UNILAG Amphitheatre.

On the appointed we arrived there and behold both invited candidates and more 'gatecrashers' were awaiting the test. This was a difficult situation as we invited only 200 candidates but we had over 3,000 young people. We were in a 'situation' because it was apparent that if we tried to go by the invitation letters we would experience a crisis. So we quickly thought out a solution which was that everyone should sit for the test in batches. We however changed the test content and structure.

We distributed plane sheets and requested that each person write an application letter seeking absorption into the Graduate trainee Scheme.
They would then attach copies of their resumes.

We packed all applications and hired the Test Development Division Of WAEC to evaluate them and the results were sent in.
You will not believe that less than 32 application letters hit the 85% cut-off mark. Very depressing experience.

Many Nigerians can connect with the above. We really do not have the humility to admit the glaring fact that our writing is seriously impaired.

We need to correct this anomaly. And soon too. Its the only way to go.

oshe111:
Pls, is the cover letter not same as wat is written on the mail b4 attaching ur CV.
If nt pls clarify the diff for me.
Thanks alot

Yes and no.

A good cover letter should be typed on MS word and attached separately just like your resume/cv.

It is detailed yet concise.

At best what you write on HTML should just be a brief introduction.

careerpluzz:


Yes and no.

A good cover letter should be typed on MS word and attached separately just like your resume/cv.

It is detailed yet concise.

At best what you write on HTML should just be a brief introduction.

ok. Tanx alot!

careerpluzz:


Yes and no.

A good cover letter should be typed on MS word and attached separately just like your resume/cv.

It is detailed yet concise.

At best what you write on HTML should just be a brief introduction.

.


Thanks for the answer.

careerpluzz:


I am tempted to weigh in at this point.

All HR personnel globally are faced with one major challenge and that is getting the absolutely right fit for an opening and a variety of tools and variables are used to ascertain the suitability or otherwise of a particular candidate for a role.

Experience (I speak for myself here) has revealed that your words as stringed together if well examined reveal your personality traits, confidence level and to some extent your integrity. I can tell you that in the majority of cases my selection of a candidate to a very large extent is mostly predicated on the feelings that I draw from reading the cover letter. A truly well written cover letter is a delightful read and will get one foot in the door(my personal disposition again).

You will be amazed at this fact but it holds true for many HR units. The CV over the years has become a stereotype and on could copy and replicate others but in all honesty writing style and presentation remains unique to every individual. My advice is that whenever you are seeking employment and you need to show what stuff you are made of, please add a well written cover letter. Understandably, this applies more to experienced hires.

It has proven to take many to the next stage.

Hello sir,

Your submissions have been very expository and enlightening. I initially wanted to read-and-pass, but i really was tempted to contribute too.

To re-iterate what you have said already...

The chances of landing an interview increases significantly when your CV is accompanied by a passionate cover letter. CVs are fast becoming a cliche now, but your cover letter would personalize your application, giving it a voice and making you appear human. I mean, in this days of AIs, it is possible for bots and robots to send in CVs. Cover letters would also offer you the golden opportunity of emphasizing your skills, strengths and experience - an opportunity your CV cant afford you.

I will give my personal experience.

As a fresh NYSC graduate that year, i was eager to start up with just any job so that i can start building my experiential portfolio. A friend intimated me of an internship role he just turned down coz of proximity. Luckily for me, the coy was a bus away from my house and it was less than 2days since he turned down the offer, so i guessed they would be yet to make a replacement. The very next day, before 9am, i was at that office decked in one my best official wears and armed with my CV and well-worded cover letter i crafted the night before. When the management saw my cover letter, they were really impressed and decided to give me a try. Even though i didnt stay long on the job, i learnt acquired new skills

Summarily, whether or not it is instructed in the job vacancy, it is recommended you accompany your CV with a passionate cover letter. It wont cost you anything at all. Just take some minutes, or an hour at most, to match your skills and experience with the requisite job responsibilities you are applying for. If a mail address was provided for you to send your CV, attach your cover letter as a second document. If the recruiters decide to ignore it, fine! But they will never disqualify you because you attached a cover letter

The job hustle is real! You just have to figure out a way to stand out from the pack. A cover letter really could make all the difference.

CC: shams040 biafranbushboy Edobo90 missyojo

odimbannamdi:


Hello sir,

Your submissions have been very expository and enlightening. I initially wanted to read-and-pass, but i really was tempted to contribute too.

To re-iterate what you have said already...

The chances of landing an interview increases significantly when your CV is accompanied by a passionate cover letter. CVs are fast becoming a cliche now, but your cover letter would personalize your application, giving it a voice and making you appear human. I mean, in this days of AIs, it is possible for bots and robots to send in CVs. Cover letters would also offer you the golden opportunity of emphasizing your skills, strengths and experience - an opportunity your CV cant afford you.

I will give my personal experience.

As a fresh NYSC graduate that year, i was eager to start up with just any job so that i can start building my experiential portfolio. A friend intimated me of an internship role he just turned down coz of proximity. Luckily for me, the coy was a bus away from my house and it was less than 2days since he turned down the offer, so i guessed they would be yet to make a replacement. The very next day, before 9am, i was at that office decked in one my best official wears and armed with my CV and well-worded cover letter i crafted the night before. When the management saw my cover letter, they were really impressed and decided to give me a try. Even though i didnt stay long on the job, i learnt acquired new skills

Summarily, whether or not it is instructed in the job vacancy, it is recommended you accompany your CV with a passionate cover letter. It wont cost you anything at all. Just take some minutes, or an hour at most, to match your skills and experience with the requisite job responsibilities you are applying for. If a mail address was provided for you to send your CV, attach your cover letter as a second document. If the recruiters decide to ignore it, fine! But they will never disqualify you because you attached a cover letter

The job hustle is real! You just have to figure out a way to stand out from the pack. A cover letter really could make all the difference.

CC: shams040 biafranbushboy Edobo90 missyojo

.


I didn't say they shouldn't write a cover letter when applying for a job. Check my previous posts.

Now, GE, Siemens, Cummins Inc etc will ask you for a cover letter. A company I submitted my CV that year with a cover letter, told me they needed handwritten application letter and two passwords. I was shocked.

Shell graduate recruitment this year, they didn't ask for cover or application letter. Shell has conducted best aptitude test in Nigeria, it was online with your system or smart phone.

You just gave one example and it worked for you. What work for you, might not work for another person vice versa. Life is not linear. It varies.

I have given a lot of examples here in my previous posts with cover letter and application letter.

Are you now saying companies don't ask for application letters again? Yes, they do. Graduates have written a lot of cover letters, yet no body called them. Some wrote and were employed. Some didn't write a cover letter but were employed.

In conclusion, Ecclesiastes 9:11 says, " I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. "

odimbannamdi:


Hello sir,

Your submissions have been very expository and enlightening. I initially wanted to read-and-pass, but i really was tempted to contribute too.

To re-iterate what you have said already...

The chances of landing an interview increases significantly when your CV is accompanied by a passionate cover letter. CVs are fast becoming a cliche now, but your cover letter would personalize your application, giving it a voice and making you appear human. I mean, in this days of AIs, it is possible for bots and robots to send in CVs. Cover letters would also offer you the golden opportunity of emphasizing your skills, strengths and experience - an opportunity your CV cant afford you.

I will give my personal experience.

As a fresh NYSC graduate that year, i was eager to start up with just any job so that i can start building my experiential portfolio. A friend intimated me of an internship role he just turned down coz of proximity. Luckily for me, the coy was a bus away from my house and it was less than 2days since he turned down the offer, so i guessed they would be yet to make a replacement. The very next day, before 9am, i was at that office decked in one my best official wears and armed with my CV and well-worded cover letter i crafted the night before. When the management saw my cover letter, they were really impressed and decided to give me a try. Even though i didnt stay long on the job, i learnt acquired new skills

Summarily, whether or not it is instructed in the job vacancy, it is recommended you accompany your CV with a passionate cover letter. It wont cost you anything at all. Just take some minutes, or an hour at most, to match your skills and experience with the requisite job responsibilities you are applying for. If a mail address was provided for you to send your CV, attach your cover letter as a second document. If the recruiters decide to ignore it, fine! But they will never disqualify you because you attached a cover letter

The job hustle is real! You just have to figure out a way to stand out from the pack. A cover letter really could make all the difference.

CC: shams040 biafranbushboy Edobo90 missyojo

I had to read this again and again in the course of the day.

I must admit that this is one of the better written responses on Nairaland.
Incidentally, his write up already conveys the following;

1. A profound thoroughness as evidenced in the presentation style.

2. Mastery of the language as can be observed in his grammatical expression

3. The confidence he exudes as reflected in his authoritative stance on the subject matter.

A trained and experienced HR professional can to a reasonable extent zero into his personality traits and abilities.
he may not be a 100% correct all the time but I assure you that he is more prone to be right than wrong.

A well written cover letter in many cases holds the aces. i wish to confess that in my career I have been swayed by a good cover letter many times over. Suffice to state here that my decision is immediately formed by a the letter and not the CV and qualifications.

I will give you a tip about how irrelevant a CV can be;

A typical contemporary cv now carries an insertion tagged 'career objectives'. My favourite question in the elimination stage is to ask each applicant to quote his career objective as stated ominously on his/her CV. You can best imagine the consequent fidgeting and stammering that follows that simple request.

Learn to write a good cover letter. It will come in useful at some point in your career span.