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Old 08-21-2014, 11:13 AM
 
Location: Candy Kingdom
5,155 posts, read 4,594,376 times
Reputation: 6629

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Hi everyone,

I just sent a resume to Kelly Temp Services about a temporary position, but I didn't have a cover letter attached. Is that bad? Should I have sent a cover letter as well? I know the last temp service I used, it didn't matter... but, I'm not sure if it'd matter with other companies.

Thanks.
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Old 08-21-2014, 11:59 AM
 
Location: Des Moines Metro
5,103 posts, read 8,554,597 times
Reputation: 9793
Nay.

I look at the cover letter as a writing sample. It's necessary for many degreed career positions, especially a 4-year degree and beyond, but it's seems to be dropping out of favor in other places. I wouldn't use one for a temp agency or anywhere else where a job application gets filled out, unless they say otherwise in the ad, or you could phone them and ask a supervisor!

I might use one for a small, privately owned company if I knew the CEO wanted someone with solid traditional skills.

That also goes along with the trend of eResumes. When sending one of those, a long, detailed cover letter probably won't get read carefully. Less is more! In that case, I recommend using several persuasive sentences in the email showing the candidate is qualified so that someone actually reads and considers the resume:

"Jane Brown recommended that I apply for the computer tech II opening. I have five successful years of working at a Help Desk and will graduate with an AS in IT next month. I have attached my resume." (for this example, Jane Brown is a known employee with a good work ethic)

That's those sort of short message that will sell a candidate.
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Old 08-21-2014, 12:02 PM
 
Location: Southern California
12,713 posts, read 15,420,698 times
Reputation: 35511
No cover letter but a paragraph or two on what you are looking for. Put this in the body of an email with a resume attached.
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Old 08-21-2014, 12:08 PM
 
Location: Candy Kingdom
5,155 posts, read 4,594,376 times
Reputation: 6629
Thanks everyone. In the career objective I wrote, "Looking for a temporary only position as career exploration for my skills in writing, planning, and organizing." In the e-mail I introduced myself and told them I was looking for a temporary position.

I figured as much. I'm looking for something here as a filler until I can move (of course, I won't say that). That's great to know as a general rule as well. When I send out my relocation packet, I often wondered how many employers read the cover letter.

Thanks again!
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Old 08-21-2014, 12:34 PM
 
Location: Des Moines Metro
5,103 posts, read 8,554,597 times
Reputation: 9793
Quote:
Originally Posted by jessxwrites89 View Post
In the career objective I wrote, "Looking for a temporary only position as career exploration for my skills in writing, planning, and organizing."
I would use a job objective. A career objective is more for upper level salary positions and yours sounds a bit young. Not trying to be insulting! But you are up against laid-off workers in their 40s and 50s.

Job Objectives:

Temporary Office Assistant
Night Clerk at Motel 6
Maintenance II Worker at Lutheran Hospital

In these examples, they are the job titles from the ad.
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Old 08-21-2014, 12:36 PM
 
Location: Candy Kingdom
5,155 posts, read 4,594,376 times
Reputation: 6629
Quote:
Originally Posted by Meemur View Post
I would use a job objective. A career objective is more for upper level salary positions.

Job Objectives:

Temporary Office Assistant
Night Clerk at Motel 6
Maintenance II Worker at Lutheran Hospital
Thank you for all of your help. I appreciate it.
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