I heard that if an ad only asks for a resume you don't send a cover letter. I thought the need for a cover letter was implied. What do you think/know?

i only send a letter if it's requested. i doubt many ppl look at such things.

If I wanted the job, I would send a cover letter. It's an additional opportunity to stand out and gives you a chance to add context to your resume.

Agreed. Seems professional and expresses your interest in the job in question.

I thought too send a cover letter too but I went to a class on resumes and they said not too. I'm not sure they are right. They said if they don't mention a cover letter then it will be just too much for them to read.

I think a cover letter is still nice. It allows you to tie in your resume to their job expectations and show why you're such a good fit.

If they don't want to read it, they don't have to, but I still think it's good to include one.

Your cover letter is your opportunity to explain why your skills would be a good fit for the job. You should definitely include a cover letter. If they choose not to read it, fine, but you should give them the option.

Always.

I've never gotten a job (yet) on the basis of either a resume or cover letter. However, the only callbacks/interviews I have ever gotten were from jobs where I spent a good amount of time on the covering letter.