Why It Still Matters (and How to Do It Right)
Cover letters feel outdated to a lot of people. I get it. With all the job portals, LinkedIn applications, and one-click submissions, writing a separate letter feels like an annoyance. I used to skip them too. But after being on both sides of the hiring table — as an applicant and someone involved in hiring — I’ve learned one thing: a well-crafted cover letter can be your golden ticket to getting noticed, especially when resumes start to look alike. 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
Here’s a little truth most people don’t say out loud: your resume tells a recruiter what you’ve done, but your cover letter tells them who you are. That matters. A lot.
Recruiters often go through hundreds of applications. A concise, genuine, and customized cover letter shows that you didn’t just hit "Apply All" — you care about this role. And that first impression? It sets the tone for how they see your entire application.
Think of your cover letter as your elevator pitch — not a rehash of your resume, but a quick, powerful story that connects your skills to the role and the company.
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
Let your tone reflect you. Whether you're strategic, creative, analytical, or people-focused — let that shine through your language. A little authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
2. Show you’ve done your homework
Mention something specific about the company — their mission, a recent achievement, or their product — and tie it into why you want to be part of their journey. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but this job.
3. Bridge the gap
Use your letter to explain why you’re a strong fit, even if your experience isn’t a perfect match. This is where you get to tell your story — the part resumes can’t fully explain.
Does every job application need a cover letter?
Short answer? No.
If the listing explicitly says “no cover letter needed,” you’re probably fine. If you're applying through a platform that doesn’t even offer a space for it, again — skip it. But if there’s an option to include one, do it. Especially for competitive roles, industries like communications, marketing, non-profits, or anything people-centric.
Even in technical fields, a good cover letter can show communication skills, motivation, and cultural fit — things employers are always looking for.
How to Write One Without Losing Your Mind
Writing cover letters doesn’t have to be painful. Here’s a basic framework I use that works well without sounding robotic:
- Opening Line: Be original — skip “I am writing to apply…” Instead, say something that hooks the reader: “As someone who’s helped scale two startups from idea to launch, I’m excited about the opportunity at XYZ.”
- Middle Paragraph(s): Connect your background to the role. Use real examples, mention specific skills or results, and highlight what excites you about the company.
- Closing: Wrap up with confidence. “I’d love the chance to bring my creative energy to your team” is better than “I hope to hear from you soon.” Then thank them for their time.
And yes — keep it short. Aim for 3–4 short paragraphs. Respect their time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Too Generic: “To whom it may concern…” is a red flag. Try to find a name. If not, a simple “Dear Hiring Team” works fine.
- Rewriting Your Resume: Don’t repeat bullet points — provide context and narrative instead.
- Over-explaining: You don’t need your whole life story. Just give them a snapshot that makes them want to know 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.
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