The Role of a Cover Letter in Making a First Impression

Why It Still Matters (and How to Do It Right)

Many people believe that cover letters are old-fashioned. Yes, you are right, somehow. With all of the job sites, LinkedIn applications, and one-click submissions, drafting a separate letter seems like a hassle. I used to skip them, too. But, having been on both sides of the recruiting table, as an applicant and as a hiring manager, I've learned one thing: a polished cover letter might be your ticket to getting noticed, especially when applications begin to look the same. Nowadays, with competition tighter than ever and AI filtering resumes left and right, a personalized cover letter could be the difference between getting an interview… and being ignored.

First impressions matter

This is a little secret that few people admit: your CV shows a recruiter what you've done, but your cover letter reveals who you are. That matters. A lot. Recruiters often review hundreds of applications. A brief, honest, and unique cover letter demonstrates that you did more than just click "Apply All"; you are interested in this position. And the initial impression? It establishes the tone for how they view your entire application. Consider your cover letter to be your elevator pitch and not a rehash of your CV, but a brief, impactful story that relates your skills to the role and the firm.

What a good cover letter does

Most people make the mistake of using their cover letter to simply list their experiences. Don’t do that. Your resume already covers that part. Instead, focus on three things:

1. Show personality

Allow your tone to represent who you are. Allow your language to reflect your strategic, creative, analytical, or people-focused mindset. A little authenticity goes a long way toward creating a lasting impression

2. Show that you've finished your homework

Mention something specific about the firm, their mission, a recent accomplishment, or their product, and relate it to why you want to be a part of their path. This demonstrates that you are not just looking for any job, but for this job.

3. Bridge the gap

Use your letter to demonstrate why you're a good fit, even if your experience isn't ideal. This is where you get to share your tale, which the resumes cannot fully express.

Does every job application need a cover letter?

What's the short answer? No.

If the description clearly states "no cover letter required," you're probably fine. If you're applying through a site that doesn't even have a space for it, skip it. But if there is a choice to incorporate one, do so. Especially for competitive professions in industries such as communications, marketing, non-profits, and anything human-centered.

How to Write One Without Losing Your Mind

Writing a cover letter does not have to be hard. Following is a simple framework I use that works without sounding robotic:

• Opening line: Be creative and skip "I am writing to apply…" Instead, offer something that piques the reader's interest: "As someone who has helped scale two startups from idea to launch, I'm excited about the opportunity at XYZ."
• Middle paragraphs: Connect your background to the position. Use real-world examples, explain specific abilities or results, and emphasize what interests you about the firm.
• Finish up with confidence. "I'd love the chance to bring my creative energy to your team" is more effective than "I hope to hear from you soon." Thank them for their time.

And yeah, keep it short. Aim for 3–4 brief paragraphs. Respect their time.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Too generic: The phrase "To whom it may concern…" is too general. Try to find a name. If not, a simple "Dear Hiring Team" is sufficient.
• Rewriting your resume: Do not repeat bullet points; instead, offer context and narrative.
• Over-explaining: You don't need to share your entire life story. Simply provide them with a picture that makes them want to learn more.

A cover letter is not just a letter, it’s a chance.

Your cover letter is more than a formality. It’s your chance to stand out in a crowded field, tell your story, and make a lasting impression before they even look at your qualifications. It shows you care, and in a world of fast applications and AI screening, that effort is rare — and powerful.

So, next time you're going to skip the cover letter, remember: it might be the only part of your application a human actually reads first. Make it count.