Are Cover Letters Really Necessary Anymore?

As Career Advisors, we are frequently asked the question, “Are cover letters even relevant anymore, and do I really need one?” Over the last few decades, the job application process has taken many new shapes as most internal processes have moved virtual.

More than ever, hiring managers, recruiters, and HR professionals are receiving record numbers of applicants for their featured job postings. While it may be easier and more time efficient to submit that application sans cover letter, we highly recommend considering the benefits of a compelling cover letter tailored specifically towards your target role.

Learn more about cover letter trends, best practices, and why skipping out on this application document could cost you an interview (and eventually the job).

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a supplemental document provided alongside a resume when applying for a new position. Cover letters are typically no longer than one page and speak to your intention to apply, credentials for the role, and interest in the company. This document serves as a brief introduction and allows space to emphasize your qualifications and alignment with what the company is looking for.

Cover letters are generally written in first person, as opposed to the silent third person verb tense used in resumes, which provides an opportunity to cultivate a stronger connection between yourself as the candidate and the hiring manager. The ultimate goal: create a value proposition that encourages the hiring manager to review your resume, resulting in a higher likelihood of being called in for an interview.

Remember, cover letters are supplemental items provided in addition to your resume, rather than a replacement. Use this opportunity to highlight or expand on what you’ve outlined in your resume, but avoid using a direct lift of your resume content in your cover letter writing.

Why do we encourage our clients to write one?

Just like you, me, and the world’s seven-billion people, specific job requirements will all be slightly different. There is no one “right way” to go about crafting an impactful application package. However, there are best practices to take into consideration when creating a compelling (yet cohesive) professional narrative.

Mindfully created cover letters are an amazing element to include in your application package, especially when providing evidence supporting your fit for the opportunity.

Our team highly recommends taking advantage of cover letters, especially in the following cases:

• Non-Traditional Career Progression.
  Your unique story is valuable. However, it can be challenging to clearly articulate your story within a 1-2 page resume. Particularly when your career has followed a non-traditional progression or may be confusing with overlapping dates, consulting work, or side hustles, a cover letter provides you with a platform to provide clarification.   

• Gaps in Professional Experience.
  Due to life circumstances, economic downturns, company acquisition, layoffs, or pursuing continuing education, you may find yourself with a gap in your work history. Cover letters offer you a chance to put this “gap” into greater context.

• New Professionals or Entering a New Industry.
  As an early-career professional or experienced professional targeting a new industry, cover letters provide an excellent opportunity for you to share your interest in the industry, your transferable skills, and your readiness to grow.

• Personal Connection.
  Oftentimes, landing a new job opportunity stems from who you know. If you have a personal connection or have been referred to the position from a friend, peer, or previous colleague, the cover letter is an excellent place to point this out.

• Positions of Leadership.
  For mid-level managers and above, cover letters are critical to share not only your alignment with the position from a leadership perspective, but also your vision for the continued growth of the organization and for prospective new teammates.

• Relocation.
  If you’re applying to a job located in a different city or state, or one that requires relocation, it’s wise to state your willingness to relocate directly within the cover letter. Otherwise, you may be ruled out as a candidate purely due to the current location listed on your resume.

• Requested by the Employer.
  This is a bit of a no-brainer, but if a prospective employer specifically requests or recommends a cover letter, they’re likely looking for candidates who will go the extra mile. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to “wow” a prospective employer by creating a cover letter specifically tailored to their job posting.

What if the online application ONLY allows you to submit a resume?

Pro Tip: If an online application allows for only one document to be submitted, copy and paste your cover letter into your resume as a “cover page.” Save this document, which now consists of your cover letter on page one and your resume to follow, as a PDF and submit. This allows you to submit one document, but still enables your cover letter to lead the way for your application package.

When CAN you opt out of writing a cover letter?

As we’ve outlined, cover letters are a critical part of the application process. With a little extra effort, an intentionally crafted cover letter can be the difference between your application being passed over or being called in for an interview - it’s an easy decision! 

However, there are a few times when a cover letter could potentially do more harm than good:

• Grammatical Errors or Inflated Information.
  As is the case with all application documents, typos and grammatical mistakes will not strengthen your candidacy. Proofread, proofread, proofread. Or, have someone trained in grammar and professional writing to review your documents (our team of experts is always happy to help!). Similarly, using overly inflated language to describe yourself or your accomplishments will not set you up for success in the long run.
  

• Lack of Personalization.
  Using a generic, “one size fits all” cover letter will likely not demonstrate intentionality behind your application. If you’re not in a position to create a cover letter tailored to your specific target role, either reach out for help or risk not including one at all.

In either of these cases, no cover letter is better than a poorly written cover letter. We recommend avoiding anything that doesn’t bring added value to your application.

Current hiring environments are increasingly competitive across most industries. It’s critical to create a compelling application package that not only helps you stand out as a prospective candidate, but that also generates interview and offer letter conversions. A tried and true method for infusing life back in to your application documents is by including a highly-tailored cover letter for your next job application!

Claire Webber
Founder / Lead HR & Career Consultant

Founding member of Clarity Career Solutions’ team of rockstars. Leverages a background in HR, Talent Development, Recruiting, and Consulting to help others achieve purpose driven careers.

Do you still find yourself stumped by cover letters? You’re not alone! Our team of experts would be happy to be a resource for you! Learn more about the Clarity Career Solutions team here. We’d love to learn more about you and your career goals!