Are cover letters worth the effort?

‘To include a cover letter or not to include a cover letter, that is the question…’

...And one I frequently get asked as a Talent Acquisition expert.

There’s no definitive answer to this but I think we’ll agree, myself included, we hate writing them!

Some could argue the cover letter is a thing of the past while others see it as an opportunity to shine (recent statistics show only 18% of hiring managers think they are an important part of the hiring process and 63% of recruiters don’t see the relevance). In my experience the decision on whether you are a suitable match for a role is predominantly based on your CV and/or screening call. As we continue to use social media in the hiring process, I anticipate cover letters will continue to decline in relevance.

So when does it matter if evidence suggests the cover letter is on the decline?

In today’s crowded marketplace, the cover letter does have a place to set you apart from the competition but ONLY if it’s done well. All too often I see badly written letters that replicate the CV and are a copy/paste job from a previous application. If you’re going to write a cover letter it must have impact and significantly add to your application so here’s my top tips on how to do that.

Make your words powerful

Keep your cover letter succinct and persuasive. Use natural language and limit the adjectives. By using words such as ‘because’ and ‘so that’ you can demonstrate your value and impact much more effectively. These simple additions can change a narrative into a much more compelling one. Try shifting your writing to ‘second’ person’ rather than ‘first person’ so it becomes less about you and more about what you can do for the employer. Research the company to understand their culture so you can set the correct tone for the letter.

Showcase your USP and passion

What is that thing - that one thing - that you can deliver and that the employer is looking for? Look at the job description (sometimes it’s easier to ignore the job title) and match your own skills and personality to identify synergies. Remember your opening line should be a WOW statement to really capture the interest. Please don’t start with “i’m applying for the position of…which was advertised on…..” Recruiters already know this!

Sell yourself, this is your opportunity to shine! Highlight what attracts you to that particular company and where possible reference any relevant news stories to show your genuine interest and any research you’ve done. This section needs to go beyond simply what’s written on your CV.

Get creative

The purpose of a cover letter is to bridge the gap between you and the hiring manager so you get noticed. So why not get creative? Instead of a cover letter why not use icons/graphics on your CV to illustrate key achievements (suggest keeping it simple and avoiding multiple fonts/colours). You might also consider attaching a short portfolio of work if it’s relevant or perhaps an appropriate referral. At the end of the day it’s about having the right skills for the job and grabbing the reader’s attention so maybe we need to modernise the cover letter to be more effective in today’s hiring process.

In summary, my advice is to focus your time and energy on building a powerful CV and if you include a cover letter - make it a knockout one!