Career Blunders: Ignoring Business Etiquette

Clients often ask whether they should bother with a cover letter in certain situations, and a few have asked if they should even bother with a cover letter at all. The answer in almost all situations is "YES!"

Many surveys show that cover letters are read only about half the time. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't include a cover letter. Taking the time to prepare a cover letter, even if it's less important or won't be read, is good job search etiquette. Managers who don't read cover letters usually expect to see one anyway, and if it's not there, they regard it as a lack of regard for basic business etiquette.

Use your cover letter to specifically explain how your background and skills are a perfect fit for the job in question. In other words, use the cover letter as a "bridge" between your resume and the job requirements. Always include a cover letter when faxing, emailing, or hand-delivering your resume. Don't prepare a cover letter for interviews.

Other areas where job seekers often breach business etiquette include following up after the interview, communicating by email, and more.