Take with a grain of salt (i recruit in the tech space only and this advice may not be relevant/applicable outside of tech but i suspect it is still relevant). Cover letters are possibly relevant at SR VP/C suite level, other than that, the answer is absolutely not. Several reasons why. #1 MOST recruiters and hiring managers (when looking at resumes) have an attention span that makes unmedicated, sugared up, ADHD kids look calm, focused, and thorough, dont waste their attention span on reading a cover letter. 100% of cover letters are incredibly subjective, Most are 99% fluff, and 50% come off like chest beating because of usage of words like "championed" or "spearheaded". In the event you are a 1 %er that has meaningful content regarding your experience esp if it includes qualitative and quantitative info. That stuff should be under your work history content because 95% of people dont have enough info to capture what all they have done in each role. Its better to be there because then it gives context about how long it has been since those achievements or how recently you worked in "X" industry etc. and also makes it read as if you actually did work in your prior employment. If you worked somewhere 5 years and you give me 3 bullet points about it, im going to work with you and help you write me a bunch more meaningful substantive content (ie NOT works well in a team with others) We will do that by me asking a lot of questions. An example would be the software /web devs i speak to everyday. THey will have something like "Worked on several web/desktop applications.... Not going to cut it. What applications? what were they called ? what did they do? did you build from the ground up or was this break fix/,maintenance code what languages did you use, what frameworks, any webservices? what apis, what ide? Was it full stack or front/back end? Is any of it public facing (bonus points) and if so why are the links not on your resume?
As a recruiter, I think cover letters are more relevant now than ever, and many good ones have helped me hire for tough positions. I recruit in many competitive industries, and entry-level roles often attract dozens or even hundreds of resumes. I often need to split hairs when shortlisting candidates, and cover letters are a huge help. They’re also insightful when candidates apply for positions not directly related to their field or when someone has a large employment gap, helping me understand why a seemingly high-potential professional wants to change their career trajectory or was unemployed for an unusual amount of time. One concerning aspect is the alarming increase in cover letter submissions since the launch of ChatGPT. Since then, I’ve made a habit of glancing at a cover letter initially to scan it for repetitive, robotic language and only fully reading the most engaging ones.
While they can showcase your writing skills and enthusiasm for a role, the truth is, cover letters might not always receive the same level of attention as a well-crafted resume. In today's competitive job market, with hundreds or even thousands of potential candidates vying for a single position, most hiring managers and recruiters typically take less than a minute to review an application. This often leads them to scroll past the cover letter and focus directly on the resume. What matters most to hiring managers and recruiters, like myself, is picking out direct, relevant experience, which we quickly glean from your past employer brands, job titles, and achievements in those roles. Instead of submitting a cover letter, it may be more effective to include a clear, concise summary with three bullet points at the top of your resume. This summary should highlight your most impressive accomplishments and relevant industry experience, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly assess your relevancy and suitability for the job. A strong introductory summary often grabs a reader's attention more effectively than the blocks of text typically found in cover letters.
VP, Strategy and Growth at Coached (previously, Resume Worded)
Answered 2 years ago
Cover letters are less crucial in 2024. A strong resume is still your best foot forward. That said, they can really shine in creative fields and non-profits, where personality matters. Even elsewhere, a cover letter can help you stand out. Use it to showcase your personality and explain how your experiences, even from past roles, translate to the job you want. This is especially true if you're switching careers. A cover letter can bridge the gap and convince them you're the right fit, even if your background isn't a perfect match on paper. But for most applications, focus on crafting a stellar resume that speaks for itself.
Absolutely, cover letters do matter. For me at least, before even reviewing the CV, a cover letter serves as a crucial introduction and a response to the job post. It provides candidates with the opportunity to establish why they are the perfect fit for the position, highlighting key experiences and skills that directly relate to the job. Additionally, it demonstrates that the candidate has taken the time to understand the company's needs and is genuinely excited about the opportunity. It reflects their commitment and eagerness to contribute to the organization, making them stand out among other applicants who may not have made the same effort. This genuine interest is often a deciding factor in moving a candidate forward in the hiring process.
Although an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) may be programmed first to look for the keywords in a resume, a good cover letter could demonstrate written communication skills and enthusiasm toward a particular position. It's their opportunity to shape experience and accomplishments to the job description, whereas the resume might not. From the recruiter's point of view, a cover letter is a quick and easy way to shortlist a candidate. Although it is not likely that every application sent will be read, a strong letter will make the candidate look good and encourage reading the resume and qualifications. Cover letters are still useful tools, but they are quite relative. A strong cover letter can strengthen an application, but a well-formatted resume with relevant skills remains the core element.
I rarely read cover letters in detail, but they still hold some relevance. They can provide a glimpse into a candidate’s personality and communication skills. However, most of my focus is on the resume and the initial interview. I appreciate cover letters that are concise and directly address why the candidate is a good fit for the role. A well-crafted cover letter can set someone apart, but it’s not a deal-breaker if it’s missing. In today’s fast-paced hiring process, the resume and a solid interview performance are what truly count. Cover letters are nice to have but not always essential.
From my standpoint as a CEO of a tech firm, cover letters are definitely still pertinent. They provide a personal touch to the job application, giving me an opportunity to see the aspirant beyond their achievements and skills. Yes, I certainly read them as they shed light on the person's enthusiasm and unique competencies that sometimes aren't evident through resumes. Despite the prevalence of technology in today’s recruiting process, cover letters maintain their value, adding an essential human element.
Cover letters are still very relevant in our hiring process, especially since we’re a remote team. Our entire application process is online and a resume can only tell part of the candidate’s story but it’s still important. Similarly, video interviews, cover letters, and skills assessments are all important to our hiring process. A video interview might tell us a lot about the candidate’s demeanor and persona but it’s a cover letter that tells us how good their written communication skills are. Both are equally important, which is why we don’t rule out cover letters. In fact, a thoughtful cover letter is usually what urges us to schedule an interview. It’s their chance to bridge the gap and make a real connection.
Throughout the years, the need for cover letters has changed. Having one was expected when applying to jobs back then, but now, there is an ongoing debate on whether they’re necessary and beneficial during the application process. From our firm’s experience, most of our client companies only expect a resume submission and rarely require a cover letter. As a recruiter, I have found that conducting a phone screening is a more effective way to get to know a candidate on a deeper level.
Contrary to the belief that cover letters are outdated or overlooked, they continue to play a crucial role in helping employers evaluate candidates holistically. A well-crafted cover letter allows applicants to differentiate themselves by highlighting their unique qualifications, demonstrating their fit for the role, and conveying their genuine interest in the company. A cover letter is your chance to weave a mini-story. It's where you take a specific accomplishment or project related to the position and tell us how you rocked it. Think of your cover letter as your chance to make a personal connection beyond the resume. It's an opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm for the specific position and how your skills align perfectly with what we seek. For example, if you're applying for a design consultant role and you've helped clients navigate the world of marble countertops, mentioning that in your cover letter (and highlighting a successful project!) would be a great way to stand out. Cover letters can be the deciding factor that sets one candidate apart from the rest.
As a business owner in the creative industry, cover letters hold significance at Pixune. While resumes provide a snapshot of qualifications, cover letters offer insights into a candidate's personality, passion, and alignment with our brand ethos. We value cover letters as a means to gauge cultural fit, communication skills, and genuine interest in our specialized fields like 3D animation and game art. However, due to the volume of applications, we prioritize those with tailored cover letters showcasing creativity, industry knowledge, and a clear understanding of how they can contribute uniquely to our team.
Yes, cover letters are still relevant, and I do read them. In the restaurant industry, where customer experience and personal touch are paramount, a well-crafted cover letter can provide insights into a candidate’s passion and fit for the role. When evaluating applicants, I look for cover letters that go beyond the resume to highlight their understanding of our brand, their enthusiasm for the hospitality industry, and their creative ideas for marketing and customer engagement. A cover letter that showcases a candidate’s unique perspective and genuine interest in our restaurant’s vision can significantly enhance their application, setting them apart from others who rely solely on a resume. In addition, a cover letter allows candidates to explain any career gaps, transitions, or specific experiences that might not be immediately clear from their resume. For example, if a candidate has worked in various roles within the food and beverage sector, their cover letter can articulate how these experiences have prepared them for a marketing leadership role in our restaurant. This narrative helps us understand the candidate’s journey and how their skills and experiences align with our needs, making the decision-making process more holistic and informed.
The short answer is yes, cover letters are still relevant and I definitely read them when assessing candidates. The cover letter gives applicants a space to provide additional context for the information include in the resume. For instance, if the applicant has a personal connection to the company, the cover letter is the perfect place to include that information. It’s also useful for candidates who are early in their career, are switching from one career path to another, have a gap in their resume, or otherwise have aspects of their experience and skills that they want to explain further. From a recruiter’s standpoint, I also find there’s another advantage to reading cover letters: it’s very easy to tell when someone is just sending along their template and when they’ve taken the time to tailor it to the specific company and role they’re applying for. I can often get a sense of this from the resume, but it’s much more obvious with cover letters. This makes it a quick way to sort the people who are expressing genuine interest in the role from those who are just using a “shotgun approach” to apply to as many jobs as possible.
Cover letters remain relevant and are indeed read. They provide a glimpse into a candidate's personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the role. A well-crafted cover letter can highlight unique experiences and explain career transitions, giving context beyond a resume. It’s an opportunity for candidates to make a compelling case for themselves, making it an important part of the hiring process.
Cover letters remain essential and can significantly influence the outcome if appropriately executed. At Fuel Logic, we get a lot of applications, and a carefully written cover letter frequently distinguishes a candidate. Although not every hiring manager reads cover letters, I always ensure to do so as they offer perspectives that go beyond what a resume can convey. An engaging cover letter can highlight a job applicant's excitement and grasp of our organization's principles. For instance, we previously employed an operations manager whose cover letter demonstrated their enthusiasm for environmental sustainability in fuel management—a fundamental principle of ours. This individualized approach showed a deep alignment with our culture, which their prosperous career with us validated. Data backs up the significance of cover letters: a recent poll indicates that 83% of recruiters believe cover letters play a crucial role in the hiring process, particularly when applicants share comparable skills. Nonetheless, the essential elements are brevity and appropriateness; a cover letter should emphasize distinct skills and enthusiasm for the particular position and organization. To sum up, although not all hiring managers might give much importance to cover letters, at Fuel Logic, they are seen as an essential instrument that can significantly impact the choice of candidates. A well-crafted cover letter shows a job seeker's commitment and might play a crucial role in a tough job market.