Are you applying for lots of jobs and find yourself thinking, ‘Are cover letters necessary? Is anyone even reading them?’
I get it, they take valuable time.
You don’t want to spend effort and brain power crafting the perfect cover letter for each job if you don’t need to.
However, I’d argue cover letters (or cover emails) are still valuable. Whenever I mention cover letters please take that to include electronic cover letters. It is rare to apply for jobs via snail mail, so the cover letter is usually sent by email as well.
Let me explain why they’re still important, when to include them, and how to write an effective cover letter.
The Importance Of A Cover Letter
Traditionally, a cover letter was used to introduce yourself to the potential employer and give a more personalised view of your CV. However, methods of recruitment have changed dramatically over recent years. We have seen the emergence of online applications, Applicant Tracking Systems, LinkedIn Easy Apply, etc.
Given these developments, it’s not unreasonable to wonder if cover letters are necessary. But the data seems to show that they are still interesting to hiring managers.
A survey by Resume Genius showed that only 6% of respondents believe cover letters aren’t an important part of the recruitment process.
That said, they may not always be necessary. In fact, some recruiters even specify that a cover letter should not be included.
But where there is an option to include one, my advice would be to do so. They still provide an opportunity to build rapport and put your CV into context.
When Should You Include A Cover Letter?
Not all job applications require a cover letter, but there are some cases where it is necessary.
When Are Cover Letters Necessary (Not Just Recommended)?
The general rule of thumb is: always include a cover letter if your CV needs context to showcase your value.
For instance:
- You are changing careers. Your value is in your transferrable skills not your work history.
- You are returning after a break. You want to explain why you are returning now and what you have learned during your career break.
- You are applying to a values-driven organisation, e.g. a charity. You want to explain why you are passionate about working there.
- Jobs that need significant writing or communication skills. You want to demonstrate your skills in these areas.
As you can see, in these cases, you want to explain a bit more about your skills and experience than your CV might allow.
Take the time in your cover letter to showcase your relevant achievements. You can also build rapport with the hiring manager and encourage them to read your CV.
When You Don’t Need A Cover Letter
Are cover letters necessary for all roles? Let’s be honest, there are some cases where you can skip the cover letter altogether.
Obviously, if the job advert says, ‘Don’t include a cover letter’, then don’t!
For casual roles, you may not need one. If your CV, or application form, gives enough information, then you can usually skip the cover letter.
Some online applications may not allow you to upload a cover letter either. In those cases, pay particular attention to your CV. Have you highlighted all of your relevant skills and experience?
If you’re not sure how to tailor your CV towards the job you are applying for, check out my blog here.
Pro Tip: When you submit your CV, do you find yourself thinking, ‘I wish they also knew X, so they understand why I’m good for this role.’? That’s a sign that a cover letter is a good idea!
How To Write A Good Cover Letter
If you’re looking for an in-depth breakdown of what to include in a cover letter, check out my blog here.
I’ll share a few of my top tips here to get you started:
- Address it to a person if you can. This might take a little research, but it makes a big difference. If you can’t find a name, use a gender-neutral greeting like ‘Dear Hiring Manager’.
- Focus on the company’s needs and goals. The cover letter isn’t all about you and your achievements. You need to show what you know about the company and how you can help them achieve their vision.
- Tailor it to each application. Again, this takes time, but it has a big impact. Copy and paste at your peril!
- Build rapport. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Remember, people hire people. They don’t want to hire an AI-generated version of you. They want you!
- End with a call to action (CTA). For example, ‘Please read my attached CV for more details of my skills and experience.’
Final Thoughts
As we have seen, there are some situations where you could skip the cover letter. But, in the vast majority, a well-written cover letter can complement your CV and add valuable context.
It also allows your personality to shine through and demonstrates your relevant skills. Why miss out on an opportunity to highlight how useful you will be, if you are offered the job?
To answer my original question:
Are cover letters necessary? Perhaps not always strictly necessary, but they’re a good idea in most cases and essential in others!
Need help crafting the perfect cover letter, or even support with your CV? My packages include personalised cover letters to help you stand out from the crowd. Find out more here.
Ready to get started? Book a free discovery call today.