Does a cover letter actually get read by the recruiter, or is it just a waist of time?

I get this question a lot. When should a cover letter be written and does it actually get read? There are three outcomes when it comes to writing a cover letter; it can either help you, hurt you or make no impact. I know that might seem pretty obvious, so I’ll expound a little to help illustrate what I mean.

How a cover letter can hurt you.

This is pretty obvious once you know it, but a cover letter needs to be well written and specific for the job you are applying to. Please don’t create a generic cover letter and submit your resume with it. If you are going to take the time to submit a cover letter with your application, be sure that it is tailored to the person who may read it.

When does a cover letter not matter?

When you are a strong match for the job you are applying to, chances are a cover letter is not going to make a big difference. The recruiter is going to get your resume, and if it’s well written, they may not even need or notice the cover letter.

This is something you will need to exercise some judgment on. You typically know when applying to a job if you’re a good fit or a “stretch” fit. Meaning, you may know that you can do the job, but if your resume doesn’t articulate that you have done the job previously, you will certainly want to consider adding in the cover letter.

When does a cover letter help or should be required?

A cover letter is absolutely required when the job you are applying to does not match your background by 90% or more. (This is not an exact statistical figure, just my personal opinion, but I can make a strong case for it). I am not promising you the recruiter will read it. In today’s world of online applications, I am not even promising you the recruiter will notice that you took the time to write a cover letter, but I can tell you that when I get an applicant that does not seem to be a strong fit on paper, I look to see if there is a cover letter there to help explain why that person took the time to apply.

The cover letter should not be overly long or wordy, but it should be long enough to explain why you think you would be a good fit for a role in which you probably have never done. You should use the cover letter to bridge the gap between what the job requisitions is “requiring” and what transferrable experience you have. You should use the cover letter to answer the question the recruiter will inevitably have when he or she reads your resume. That is, “Why did this person think they were a fit?”

Just like a resume the cover letter is used to tell your story. You don’t want to waste space or words on your resume, and you certainly don’t want to do it on your cover letter. Pretend the recruiter only has about 15 seconds to scan your cover letter. Be sure that every part he could scan is as impressive and as valuable as it can be.

If you’re trying to make your cover letter valuable, what should it look like?

It should be about 3 paragraphs.  The first paragraph should say who you are, what role you are applying to and why you are interested in the company and position.

The second paragraph is where you discuss why you think you’re a fit for the role. Sentences like, “You can see from my resume that I have strong background in recruiting, but what you may not see is my immense experience in talent management…”  Use the second paragraph to explain why you are qualified for the role, even though it might not be obvious in your resume. This paragraph is really the “bridge” that I mentioned earlier. This is the “meat” of your cover letter. It is probably the part the recruiter’s eyes will go to when they first open your letter so make sure it answers their primary question, “Why are you applying?”

Your last paragraph is just your closing. Honestly, it’s not really a paragraph. Might just be a one liner. If you know the recruiter’s name, it’s a great idea to add it as a personal touch in your closing thought. Something like, “Thanks (recruiter’s name) for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.” By doing this, you are again showing the recruiter that you are truly interested in this position and company and didn’t blast out 30 letters to any ol’ “hiring manager”. When you put extra effort into an application, if the recruiter notices, then I promise you, the recruiter will feel inclined to respond with a higher than usual level of effort.

Final thought.

When used correctly a cover letter is a great way to separate your application from the possibly hundreds of others out there. It is your chance to speak a little less formally and show some personality. As a best practice, you should probably write a new cover letter for every position you apply to. This will ensure your cover letter is as intentional as it can be.