[Peroni]

The title is 'How to find a job' not 'How to secure a job'.

Finding the opportunity is the hardest part and cover letters aren't as relevant as what you may think. I'm sure your post is great for interview advice, mine was aimed at helping people get those interviews in the first place.

[jim_h]

My experience is that the cover letter was beneficial to getting an interview. In the cover letter I am able to demonstrate that I know about their company and that my skills/experience are a good fit for their position.

I know this was useful from my experience since the interviewers have mentioned that cover letter was very useful or they brought up details from it.

[achompas]

and cover letters aren't as relevant as what you may think

My experience tells me that cover letter relevancy is subjective. Some managers swear they need to read a good one, and others flip right to the resume.