Calvin Said:

Why do some jobs ask for "cover letters" when it's IMPOSSIBLE to write one for EVERY job ad?

We Answered:

There is a reason it is called a "cover" letter. It is not intended to cover every detail of every job. A resume describes the employee and the cover letter defines the applicant. Not only are job specific resumes needlessly time consuming, four to six sentences are not enough to adequately "baffle" the reviewer. Also, the more you say provides opportunity for a misinterpretaion of anything you have added. Keep it simple.

With it's computerization, an inductive assumption has un-necessarily complicated the application process. Even though domestic recruiting procedures are basically the same as they were since Camelot, many applicants choose a "feel good" presentation rather than a "do good" offering.

As has always been the case, Miss Manners is one of the best resources in social situations. As proper as these may be, the effectiveness of injecting them into the employment process is minimal, if not pointless. Pre-interview schmoozing and thank you notes can be recognized for what they are by even the most novice recruiter. The best possible exception to this would be telephone follow up.

A cover letter with butter is not necessarily better. Good Luck.