Simple answer, yes.

It really is the first impression for me. I begin to develop my views as to whether or not the applicant can communicate in an effective and compelling way. When I hire, I assume I need to teach some job-specific skills (especially related to in-house tools), but I really dislike teaching communication skills. Applicants can overcome a lack of specific experience if they have demonstrated the ability to learn quickly and communicate effectively.

I do, and I read them.

Proof read yours carefully, and make sure the cover letter is not a form letter. You might use the same resume for all applications, perhaps with a few tweaks, but the cover letter should show that you did some research on the company and the position.

Absolutely, yes.

If you don't include a cover letter, chances are very high that you'll go to the bottom of the pile.

If your cover letter has spelling or grammatical errors, chances are you'll go to the bottom of the pile.

If your cover letter doesn't speak to my company SPECIFICALLY, chances are you'll go to the bottom of the pile.

Basically, if you can't tell me why you want to work for my company and why you're a perfect fit, it tells me that your only interest is in a paycheck, and that you'll take no pride in your work and will show no initiative.

If you can't be bothered to proofread your cover letter and have a friend check it over, it tells me that you're sloppy and don't follow through.

If you can't even be bothered to hit the "spell check" button, it tells me that you're lazy.

Don't get cover letters very often, but I always read them, and they do make a big difference; they tell me whether someone's merely sending their resume to every job they can find without much thought, or if they've thought hard about and are invested in this job in particular.

Cover letters are a great way to stand out from the crowd.

Most resumes I see don't have them, and a good portion of those that do have a generic 'I want to work for <insert_company_name> and I'm sure I'm a good fit' boiler plate.

Give me some indication that you have studied the company web site, thought about the position and you'd probably get the interview with the cover letter alone.

No, but I'm a few steps removed from candidates initial contact. Honestly, I usually don't read resumes either because I don't think they're very valuable in assessing technical skill.

That said, if you're doing initial screens, it's probably worthwhile to read both.

Yes, for two main reasons:

1. Can they write/communicate well? e.g. flow, cohesive thought, attention to detail, proofing

2. Can they follow simple instructions? e.g. if asked for in the job posting, did they include a cover letter?

Absolutely, its a really good indicator between the excellent and good candidates, usually because the person has looked at what you do and relates their own experience to what the company does

Yes.

Yes.

Yes, in the form of an email.

Fuck Yes

From a restaurant perspective, a cover letter can be the deciding factor before performance is proven. Some employers don't require them, but most will. Its your chance to show communication skills and possibly spark interest before your resume is viewed. I've read cover letters that have been so appealing, I only used the resume for contact information - GTV

One more thing...some online postings don't reveal the company hiring, but, if they do, access their website, pick 2 points about their company that requires yours skills (if possible) and give your point of view as if you already worked for them, of course don't be negative, maybe even just compliment the situation. BROWNIE POINTS..