are cover letters becoming obsolete

Do I Need a Cover Letter in 2024? Is It Necessary or Outdated?

By Henry Garrison

Anyone who has ever searched for a job at least once has probably asked themselves “do I need a cover letter” during the job-seeking process.

While some recruiters believe cover letters are outdated due to modern recruiting techniques, others think that these should accompany resumes to complete the story of candidates’ professional backgrounds .

To resolve the dilemma once and for all, we’ve prepared a practical guide on when a cover letter is or isn’t necessary. Keep reading to find answers!

Key Takeaways

Cover letters used to be an integral part of a job application . Today, many recruiters deem them obsolete, but others still expect to receive them along with a candidate’s resume.

You shouldn’t submit a cover letter if you’re not instructed to do so, if you are short on time, or if there isn’t a specifically designated option for it. 

Likewise, if there are clear-cut instructions that a cover letter is mandatory or you want to elaborate on specific pieces of information, do include a cover letter in your application.

Do I Need a Cover Letter for a Resume?

Yes—you should submit a cover letter alongside your resume when applying for a job, and there are several reasons for that.

The key purpose of a cover letter is to help recruiters get to know you better. Here, you can elaborate on your professional background and the achievements you made in previous positions and mention accomplishments you haven’t listed in your resume. This can set you apart from other candidates with similar work experience and help you get the job .

Sending a cover letter indicates that you’re ready to take the initiative and put in extra effort . Researching and writing a tailored cover letter takes a while. So, by making time to craft a compelling one, you also demonstrate that you’re not only eager to get a role but that you’ll also be committed to it.

The truth is that recruiters and hiring managers don’t read all the cover letters they receive; in fact, 74% of hiring professionals never do that. Yet, failing to submit a cover letter when it’s clearly highlighted that you should do so will only show that you don’t follow the instructions properly . Ultimately, your application will be discarded.

3 Scenarios When You Don’t Need a Cover Letter

Here are some scenarios when you don’t need to send a cover letter:

#1. It Is Not a Requirement

There will be instances when you’re clearly instructed not to send a cover letter along with your resume. Failing to follow the instructions and doing so regardless of the directives will not earn you bonus points for dedication.

On the contrary, it will just indicate that you don’t pay attention to details and instructions or that you deliberately refuse to follow them . Needless to say, you will be considered an unsuitable candidate, and your application will end up being rejected.

#2. You’re Short on Time

If you don’t have much time to tailor your cover letter for the position you’re applying to, it’s much better not to submit it at all than to send a poor one . By poor, we imply a generic, one-size-fits-all cover letter template, or even worse, AI-generated cover letter examples you can find all over the internet.

Such documents are bad, and recruiters warn against them . They also imply that you didn’t want to bother to research the company or personalize your cover letter . This further shows that you are lazy and not interested enough in the position, which you definitely don’t want.

#3. There is No Space on the Application Form

If you are applying for a position via an application form and there isn’t room to attach a cover letter, let alone write it, it’s obvious that it’s not needed for that role .

Surely, you can figure out how and to whom to send it by researching the company or the job ad. However, if you’re not instructed to do so and no place was provided for this purpose, you should probably skip it altogether.

When You Should Definitely Submit a Cover Letter

Here’s when you should definitely submit a cover letter:

#1. There is Something Important to Mention

Besides introducing you as a candidate to hiring professionals, a cover letter allows you to add information you haven’t had a chance to mention in your resume due to its limited length .

Therefore, it gives you a perfect opportunity to explain the following situations in detail:

You’re ready to relocate

You want to change careers

You have a gap in your employment

You have no experience

You want to highlight specific skills and achievements

Remember, this document is not just a carbon copy of your resume . Hence, you should not just repeat the professional history or skills you listed in your resume .

#2. To Mention Personal Referrals

A cover letter is a perfect place to acknowledge your referrals , i.e., individuals who personally referred you to the company. Having a referral may give bonus points to your job application since you have someone at the company who can vouch for you and help you get noticed.

Mention the referral in the initial paragraph of the cover letter. This way, you will let a recruiter or hiring manager know who has referred you to the job and potentially spike their interest from the get-go .

#3. You Have a Connection to the Company

Similarly to referrals, any connections or links to the company should be included in a cover letter. Therefore, if you have completed an internship in it or you’re acquainted with hiring or any other managers, don’t hesitate to list it.

Mention upfront how you’re linked to that person . It will not only show a recruiter or hiring professional reading the cover letter that you’re transparent, but it may also do good for your application.

6 Expert Strategies for Writing an Ideal Cover Letter

Now that you know what a cover letter is and when it should be submitted, it’s time to craft one. Here are some tips and strategies for creating a compelling cover letter:

Cover Letter Writing Tips

Be concise . A cover letter should be focused on your achievements, hard and soft skills, and, most importantly, how these can help the hiring company grow. For those who wonder how long a cover letter should be, the answer is 250–400 words.

Go for action words . To make your accomplishments noticeable, stick to action verbs. Avoid phrases such as “I was in charge of” or “I was responsible for.” Replace them with action verbs like “coordinated,” “managed,” “organized,” etc.

Proofread your letter . Before you send your cover letter, check if there are any spelling or grammar mistakes . It needs to be completely error-free; otherwise, you may be rejected, as is the case with 58% of cover letters that have typos.

Avoid cliches . Using expressions such as “exquisite team leader,” “effective team player ,” or “excellent communicator” may sound nice but won’t add value to your cover letter. Support them with specific achievements from your experience, however, and the final result will be completely different.

Follow instructions . If an employer has listed specific requirements or instructions on how to create and send a cover letter, follow them. Failing to act as instructed may imply that you don’t pay attention to details and are not a good fit for the company.

Tailor your cover letter to the specific position you’re applying for . Research the company and job advertisement, pay attention to the required skills and qualifications, and list them in your resume. Again, focus on how they can help the company prosper.

Final Thoughts

Only a few decades ago, cover letters used to be mandatory for job applications. Today, it is not the case, and many candidates keep wondering “do I need a cover letter” whenever they are about to apply for a job.

The answer to this question depends on several factors . Sometimes, you will have to submit a cover letter, particularly if you’re instructed to do so. Other times, you won't, and doing so may have not-so-positive consequences. The good news is—now that you’re aware of both scenarios, you won’t be confused about whether the cover letter is necessary or not.

Do I Need a Cover Letter FAQ

#1. do i need a cover letter for an entry-level position.

Yes, cover letters can be a handy tool for recent graduates or professionals who are changing careers and don’t have any relevant experience. They can use a cover letter to pitch themselves by highlighting their qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.  

#2. Do I need a cover letter for a part-time job?

Yes, you need a cover letter regardless of whether you’re applying for a full-time or part-time position . By submitting a well-crafted cover letter, you’re letting an employer know that you’re really interested in the position and will take it seriously.

#3. Do I need a cover letter when applying online?

Yes, you’ll probably need a cover letter when you’re applying for a job online, given that most applications today are online. When applying for a job, you’ll see a button or a room specifically designated for attaching or writing the cover letter, so don’t ignore it. 

#4. Do I need a cover letter for an internal job posting?

Yes, a cover letter is significant and necessary when you’re applying for an internal position . No matter if you’re hoping for a promotion or seeking a completely different role, a cover letter serves to remind stakeholders of your accomplishments and contributions to the company.

Create your cover letter once, use it everywhere

Cover Letters — Understanding Why Recruiters Must Discourage Them

The cover letter is antiquated, and it needs to be discouraged.It reduces applications and its content can result in mis-hires. Yes, overall the traditional cover letter is a dinosaur that is well on its way to extinction. But if you want to improve the hiring process, understand the reasons why you need to discourage them upfront. The harm that cover letters can create can be categorized into three areas: discouraging applications, opportunities for mis-hiring, and wasting a recruiter’s time.

Damage Area No. 1 — Creating Cover Letters Discourages Applications

My research and experience reveal that if you don’t proactively discourage cover letters, your firm will get fewer overall resume submissions.

• The time they take to create will reduce applications — because of the time they take to create, the thought of having to create a customized cover letter will delay or discourage many applicants. And even with the commonly used cover letter templates, creating the cover letter may take an extra 10 minutes. Many potential applicants will put off sculpting a cover letter until they have more time (which may never come). This delay is even more likely to occur among fully employed prospects who are only casually searching for a new job.  
• Requiring them sends a negative brand message — merely asking for a cover letter may send a negative message to your most progressive applicants that your company (as well as your hiring process) operates in an old-school manner. That slow-to-change cultural image may discourage them from applying or accepting a job.
• Providing no cover letters is a trend  — yes, it’s a trend; research by Jobvite showed that 47 percent of job seekers didn’t submit a cover letter with their most recent application.  

Damage Area No. 2 — The Content Of Cover Letters May Lead to Hiring Errors

Because much of the content of cover letters is not focused on the required job skills and experience, relying on this non-job-related information may result in mis-hires. This helps explain why the previously cited Jobvite research revealed that only 26 percent of recruiters now “consider cover letters important.”

• A distraction from the job requirements — since the content of cover letters seldom adds any new information related to the required skills and experience. Reviewing and considering that non-job-related content might cause decision-makers to use selection criteria that don’t correlate with on-the-job success.  
• Some of the revealed information may be inappropriate — since there are no formal cover letter requirements, applicants often include inappropriate information about their families, their hobbies, their age, and other information that may be illegal. This may lead to an adverse impact.
• Cover letters can lead to premature candidate rejection — some use cover letters to assess an applicant’s creative writing or even spelling. But not all jobs require writing skill, so this early rejection may cause your firm to miss out on some great candidates (especially international candidates with less-than-perfect English skills).  
• These letters may not be an accurate indicator of motivation or authenticity  — some recruiters and hiring managers consider one’s willingness to write a cover letter to be an indication of motivation and interest in the job. There are better ways to measure motivation, and their willingness might instead be an indication of desperation. Don’t assume that modern cover letters reveal the authentic person, because many applicants now use a cover letter template directly off the Internet.  

Damage Area No. 3 — Reading cover letters take up valuable time  

Scanning cover letters may reduce the time available for screening the actual resume.

• Reading cover letters takes time  — because they are written in no standard format, cover letters are hard to scan. Even with an estimated one minute for each one, that is a significant amount of wasted time over 100 applications because there is no data showing that quality cover letters predict on-the-job success.
• Even opening cover letters is problematic — cover letters often come as a separate attachment from the resume. So even opening them takes time. And with each attachment, there is an additional cybersecurity risk.
• Hiring managers now realize they add little value  — research by the Addison Group  revealed that just 18 percent of hiring managers rank cover letters as important parts in assessing potential candidates.

Action Steps for Discouraging Cover Letters  

If you want to eliminate the burden of cover letters, consider:  

• Don’t ignore the issue — if you say nothing on your website or job postings about cover letters, you’re still likely to get cover letters from 40 percent of the applicants that are not discouraged.
• Tell them to omit cover letters  — you can, of course, say “submit your resume only.” But if you really want to eliminate cover letters, use phrases like “please do not submit cover letters” or “submit your resume, without a cover letter.” Test phrases in order to determine the most effective ones.
• Discourage everyone from reviewing cover letters — there are legal issues related to physically removing cover letters from an application after it is received. So, in most cases, the best you can do is to proactively discourage recruiters and hiring managers from even looking at any cover letters that they encounter.

Final Thoughts

I have published articles recently on how traditional interviews and resumes are both becoming obsolete. Cover letters are also facing the same fate. Cover letters made sense when people frequently wrote and mailed personalized letters. However, in the world of texting, few individuals even know how to write a letter. In addition, now that an individual can apply for dozens of jobs on the Internet within an hour, the ability to quickly and painlessly “just submit your resume” is now a competitive advantage in the talent marketplace. If you want to test the impact the cover letters have on your volume of applications, post a popular job one week and require cover letters and post the exact same ad the next week disallowing cover letters. And don’t be surprised when your volume of applications increases dramatically when no cover letters are allowed.  

Author’s Note : If this article stimulated your thinking and provided you with actionable tips, follow or connect with me on  LinkedIn , subscribe to the  ERE Daily , and hear me and others speak at ERE’s Recruiting Conference in October  in Washington, D.C.

Are résumés and cover letters obsolete? Ask HR

Johnny C. Taylor Jr., a human resources expert, is tackling your questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society.

The questions are submitted by readers, and Taylor's answers below have been edited for length and clarity.

Have a question?  Do you have an HR or work-related question you’d like me to answer?  Submit it here .

Question: Due to the global pandemic, many sweeping changes have taken place. I would like to know: Will resumes, CVs and cover letters become a thing of the past? What will be the proper medium to apply job opportunities? - Anonymous

Johnny C. Taylor Jr.: We might be acclimated now, but remember: We jumped from record-low unemployment to levels unseen since the Great Depression. That’s unbelievable and a tragedy for the millions of hardworking Americans affected, so I hope neither you nor your loved ones are among them.

But even if you are, don’t get too down on yourself. After all, refreshing these items will keep you busy and get you back into the swing of things in no time.

Résumés, CVs, and cover letters are the bread and butter of recruitment and hiring, so most employers still take them seriously. And, yes, while the world of work is ever-changing, the reality remains this: They’re not going anywhere anytime soon.

Now, before breaking down why that’s the case, I want to quickly distinguish between the types of materials you mentioned.

Résumés are usually one- to two-page summaries of your experiences, skills, qualifications, and achievements. Resumes are more common in the world of work, but there are also CVs which is short for curriculum vitae. These serve the same purpose but are much longer (featuring your entire career) and are typically more common in academic and scientific circles.

Cover letters, on the other hand, can address common questions a recruiter might ask, such as why you want to work for them, what makes you the right fit, highlight how you’re unique, or, perhaps explain a gap in employment on your résumés.

Ultimately, these different documents aim at reinforcing one message: Why they should hire you. It might seem like a lot of work, but I promise you it will be a wise investment of your time.

If you decide to update your own, here are three things to keep in mind:

• Don’t list every job you’ve ever had to show “experience.”

• Be clear and concise.

• Your materials should reflect the job you want, not the ones you’ve had.

Best of luck!

Flu season: Can shots be required for employees? Ask HR

Job searching: Can I be fired for looking while on furlough? Ask HR

Q: I have been temping, as needed, for about 5 years for a government office. They recently posted a position that I would have loved to apply for, but because I was working for them in a stressful, overtime period, I missed the opportunity. This is totally on me, and a lesson learned.

Here's where I'd love your perspective: The job posting said they'd use all submitted applications as a pool for future positions. When I emailed the HR manager, asking if I could submit to the pool, she sent me what felt like kind of a cold response that the position was closed and so was the pool. Is it just me or does it seem unfair that this pool, only advertised inside a specific posting wasn't advertised on its own? Am I missing something? - Anonymous

Taylor:  I’m sorry you missed out on the job you wanted to get, but I’m happy to hear you’re framing it as a lesson.

I understand how you might be put off by this response. After all, you’ve been putting in work as a temp for quite some time now. But I wouldn’t take it too personally. You mentioned it’s a government office, so it’s possible they can’t accept applications after a certain deadline. 

Additionally, most governmental entities have an Affirmative Action Program (AAP) and/or Equal Employment Opportunity commitments requiring them to follow established guidelines in recruiting, interviewing, and selecting candidates. This is to ensure a fair process for all who apply. 

If this organization hires often, try exploring other openings that might fit your skillset. Or, see if they save résumés for future consideration; some organizations have a system that alerts interested applicants when a new position opens. If possible, try signing up or submitting your application early so you don’t miss your next chance.

Lastly, you could consider tactfully asking the HR manager the best way to make it known that you are interested in a particular position. They may give you some helpful tips and guidance on applying for permanent positions at your organization.

Cover Letters

• Career Center
• Job Prep Toolkit
• What is a Cover Letter
• Anatomy of a Cover Letter
• Sample Cover Letters
• Downloadable PDF Guide to Resumes & Cover Letters

WHAT IS A COVER LETTER?

A cover letter is your chance to communicate what makes you, you. It is additive, though not consistently required, as part of your application package to an internship or a job. But remember, employers can spot a form cover letter a mile away. So, while it’s important to highlight your experience, accomplishments, and skills, it’s essential that you research the company and connect your qualifications, passion, and interests to their needs.

ANATOMY OF A COVER LETTER:

QUICK TIPS:

• Research the intended recipient thoroughly and understand the nature of the organization’s products or services before you begin writing.
• Keep your letter short, no more than 1 page.
• Prepare a specific letter for each employer, when it is required (the job description will specifically ask for a cover letter).
• When possible, address each employer by name and be mindful of pronouns. 
• Open your letter with a strong sentence that will encourage the employer to keep reading.
• Unlike resumes, cover letters are written in the first-person perspective
• Statements should not be copied and pasted from your resume, rather provide more description and/or context of a skill or experience. 
• Be sure to demonstrate how you can support the organization rather than how you hope to benefit from the job.
• Tailor your letter to the interests and needs of the person to whom you are writing. Focus on the outcomes that will help solve the employer’s problems.  
• Check carefully for grammatical and typing errors. Have someone else proofread your letter before sending. Remember that your cover letter is evidence of your communication and writing ability.

While companies are moving more toward focusing on your portfolio and social media presence, cover letters are still an important element in the job application process, especially if the job posting specifically asks for one. It is important to research the company and industry you are applying to and include specific details.

No, not all companies require a cover letter. Be sure to follow the specific instructions of the position you are applying for. When given the option to submit a cover letter, we always recommend submitting one. For those who are applying to opportunities that may not directly align with their majors or past experiences, have seemingly scattered experiences, or are in process of making a pivot, cover letters can be helpful in communicating your interests, intent, and transferable skills.

Although both the cover letter and resume outline your job history/experience, the cover letter draws more of an explicit connection to the why and offers a more in-depth, behind the scenes look into your specific experiences.

Although ChatGPT is an excellent resource to generate ideas, you should always edit and revise your own work. Keep in mind a cover letter is an opportunity to provide your personal flair and stand out, something only you can create.

You should always be confident in your cover letter but try to avoid phrases such as “the best candidate” or “perfect fit.” Be sure to provide specific examples of your experience and quantify your claims.

Yes, in your opening paragraph make sure to mention how you heard about the position and if it is a personal connection, state their name here. If it is not a referral, make sure to include your connection to the community.

SAMPLE COVER LETTERS

Feel free to reference the following cover letter samples and tailor yours accordingly. Note that there are different styles and ways to communicate the same information. Remember to make a copy of the guide before editing/adding notes. These are all “view only” documents.

• Cover Letter Template
• “T” Cover Letter Template

Examples by Style:

• “T” Cover Letter Example
• Bullet Point Cover Letter Example

Examples by Major:

• Electrical Engineering
• Engineering

• Work With Us

Are Resume Cover Letters Becoming Obsolete?

The humble resume cover letter: we all know that we should write one. And yet so many of us skip this simple step. Our reasons for this are many and varied: we kid ourselves that we don’t have the time, that it’s not needed in this day and age, or that the hiring manager won’t read it.

Maybe we hope that our impressive LinkedIn profiles and bustling industry-savvy social media accounts will suffice. After all, studies have shown that 35% of employers will view your social media page before even reading your resume.

Yet that still leaves a whopping 65% of employers who will decide whether or not to interview you based solely on the contents of your resume and (if you’ve supplied it) your cover letter.

So why do we dislike writing that cover letter so much? Maybe it harks back to the days when our mothers forced us to write countless ‘thank you’ letters to relatives for Christmas gifts. There’s just something about the act of sitting there, pen in hand, staring at a blank sheet of paper that makes even the bravest of us balk at this seemingly unnecessary task.

Yet a survey by OfficeTeam showed that not receiving a cover letter with a resume was still a huge turn-off to potential employers.

Although a large majority of jobs now allow you to apply online, this opens the door to a new ‘scattergun’ approach to job-hunting that was simply not seen in the pre-email days when you had to physically print out your job application package and mail it to a physical address. The last thing a prospective employer wants is to have to hunt through your resume for some clue as to which job you’re applying for, or (worse) to find your contact details.

Put simply, including a cover letter with your resume is good manners . Sure, we can get by pretty well in life without manners, yet who among us can fail to be charmed, to smile and say ‘thank you!’ when a stranger opens a door for us?

Make sure you open the door for your employer with your cover letter. The key to a great cover letter is as follows:

• Keep it Short – 3 paragraphs max
• Stick to the point – Don’t tell your life story
• Write a new cover letter for each job

The last point is particularly important if you are applying for jobs online. Although there are now hundreds of online job boards, be aware that the same job may be advertised on dozens of different boards. There’s nothing more off-putting to an employer to find six copies of your resume in their INBOX, all with identical cover letters.

Unlike a resume, the point of which is to get solid information across, your cover letter is also a place to let your potential employer see a little bit of your personality. Like a really good first date, the best cover letters don’t reveal all, but instead hint at all the good qualities you possess. They serve to intrigue the other party and make them want to find out more.

So be courteous but also have a little fun, add a little personal sparkle here and there, and whet the hiring manager’s appetite for the main event – meeting you at the interview.

In short, the cover letter may seem like a relic from a bygone age, but beware to those who think they can skip this important step in the job application process. It’s human nature to be impatient and want to skip to the main event right away, but a little common courtesy can give you the advantage that so many others lack these days.

And like good manners – cover letters will never be obsolete.

About Author: Reyna Ramli  is a writer for  CareerBliss.com , an online community dedicated to helping people find happiness in the workplace. When Reyna is not writing, she enjoys cooking, working out, and reading fashion blogs and magazines.

photo credit: mugfaker via photopin cc

About the author

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Home » Advice » HR & Management » Has the cover letter become obsolete in the recruitment process?

Has the cover letter become obsolete in the recruitment process?

• March 29, 2018

With time ever more precious, and our reliance on technology rising, it is hardly surprising that all our recruitment is becoming increasingly automated.

The recruiter’s time became even more strained at the edges when benefit laws changed a few years ago to enforce job seekers to apply for jobs to clock up numbers, rather than because of suitability on either side.

So, the poor old recruiter sunk further into a sea of CV’s from applicants with neither skill nor desire. To whittle that number down, overworked HR departments and recruiters have had to become reliant on on-line portals that use algorithms to, in theory, sort the wheat from the chaff.

Despite these algorithms being unable to be used to assess their content, the portals still require a cover letter. Many people feel that changes in recruitment have, therefore, made the practice of sending a cover letter obsolete.

A cover letter is certainly old fashioned, in that it is firstly a sign of etiquette, a formal introduction to the candidate. Many recruiters still consider a cover letter demonstrates professional courtesy, dismissing a CV submitted without one.

It is also perhaps forgotten that the purpose of a CV and a cover letter are very different. A CV sets out a candidate’s work history and qualifications for a job. A cover letter not only acts as an introduction but should also underline the fit of a candidate to a particular position. A cover letter should reveal personality, which a CV should not.

Many cover letters go unread, leading to angry candidates who feel that the hours they have spent crafting their careful offering have gone to waste. They feel outraged at having wasted their time. It might, on the surface, seem ridiculous to be asked to spend time on something that is not always read.

There are many reasons why recruiters do not read cover letters in full. Some are essay length, inappropriate and defeating to tackle. Some are so badly presented, that without reading, they confirm an applicant’s unsuitability.

There are those that start with ?Dear whoever is reading this?; or those that tell you they have always wanted to work in IT when you are advertising for a driver. There are those that are simply too perfect and have clearly been written by someone else, or those that are cut and pasted pastiches from on-line examples.

Any of the generic versions are easily spotted and quickly rejected. However, the biggest reason is that when the CV has already revealed no match in the skill set or experience to the job requirement, the letter becomes superfluous.

Candidates are also angered that many HR departments do not have time to give individual feedback or sometimes even to acknowledge applications. These applicants, who believe their letters should have spoken for them in demonstrating their exceptional qualities, resent the effort spent.

Many take being ignored and or rejected as personal. The reality is that it is not. The recruiters are simply too much under pressure to reply and have to concentrate their energies into selecting the best person for the job.

Ten years ago, jobs were fought for. Candidates saw it as part of the territory to bash on doors for as long as it took, resulting in increased resilience to rejection, and nurturing grit and determination. With fuller employment this has changed.

There is also a growing resentment of corporate values, as they are increasingly seenAs synonymous with greed, global warming, poverty and all the other ailments of the planet.

For some candidates, being rejected within the recruitment process underlines their conviction that companies and all who work in them are ignorant and lazy, rather than sparking any internal reflection, leave alone personal development. Instead, it adds fuel to the argument against wasting time on a cover letter.

But the reality is that a good cover letter can still make a difference. At senior level, it is still considered absolutely essential. At junior trainee level, with no experience to look for on a CV, the recruiter is sometimes left to rely on the cover letter to show the personality they are looking for. For jobs which require writing, presenting or selling skills, a cover letter is a showcase of the skills needed.

Cover letters give recruiters an insight into the candidate’s mind. Sadly, I have lost count of the number of covers I read over the years full of grievances against former employers, angry demands of what that person expect out of life or?revealing a narcissistic obsession with self. Reading those letters can quickly save a recruiter time spent on a wasted interview.

A good cover letter reveals that the candidate actually understands that employee / employer is a contract with benefit to both sides. Just as applicants are rightly?looking for a job they would enjoy and do well in, so the company wants someone who will perform and deliver. Any cover letter that expresses why the applicant is a match to the role, in conjunction with why they would love it to do it, goes a long way to demonstrating that understanding.

Good candidates understand that the cover letter is still an opportunity to show their passion and get ahead of the game. Good candidates still write them.

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Real Business has championed entrepreneurship in the UK since 1997. It is now the main source of inspiration, education, and collaboration for the owners of fast-growing businesses, from startups to mid-market companies. Real Business provides readers with high profile interviews, news, insight and industry benchmark reports, as well as a growing stable of events tailored to SME growth.

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