TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: Using Resumes as a Test From:Ed Hoornaert <Ed -dot- Hoornaert -at- VENTANA -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 7 Mar 1995 09:36:08 -0700
Robert Plamondon wrote:
>.... I'd disregard cover letters, to a large degree, because I'm not
very
> interested in how well a writer writes when he doesn't have a purpose
> in mind.
In my experience, a fair number of cover letters exhibit the same kind of
"amorphous cluelessnes" (great phrase, BTW) that Robert complains about
in resumes. Truly incompetent letters go in the reject pile immediately.
On the other hand, I remember a writer who made a great first impression
with her cover letter. (She responded point by point to requirements
outlined in the ad, with personality.) By the time I got to her resume I
was hoping it was as good. Ditto when interview time came. She got the
job -- and while the cover letter alone didn't convince me to hire her,
it did get me rooting for her.
Ed -dot- Hoornaert -at- Ventana -dot- com
Disclaimer: Ventana Corporation should not be held responsible for my big
mouth
