Do Cover Letters Still Matter in 2024?

Cover letters take a lot of time to write. Are they really worth the time and effort in the post-COVID era? The truth is, that it depends. It depends on the types of roles that you are pursuing, your background, and the company that you are applying to. In this article, we will dive into the current state of cover letters and whether or not they still matter in 2024.

Understanding the Role of Cover Letters

Cover letters started as a way for job seekers to introduce themselves and express their interest in a specific role or company. They were meant to complement the resume and give employers a glimpse into the applicant's personality, values, and motivations. However, with the rise of technology and online job applications, cover letters have become less common and many believe they are no longer necessary. But, is that always true?

The Decline of Cover Letters

Over the past decade, there has been a noticeable decline in the use of cover letters by both job seekers and employers. According to a survey by Jobvite, only 26% of recruiters read cover letters regularly while 56% rarely do. This is due to several factors such as time constraints, the high volume of applicants, and the ease of screening resumes through digital platforms. As a result, many job seekers have also stopped putting in effort to write cover letters, believing that they are not worth their time.

However, this decline in the use of cover letters has also led to an increase in competition for jobs. With fewer applicants taking the time to personalize their application and showcase their unique skills and experiences through a cover letter, those who do stand out and leave a lasting impression on employers. In fact, 73% of hiring managers report that they read the cover letters they receive. So, if you include a cover letter and it gets to the hiring manager, then there is a good chance that you can make a strong case for why you are fit for the position.

More Than Just an Introduction

Although some may view a cover letter as a simple introduction, it can do more than that. A cover letter can be an excellent way to preview your qualifications and fit for the job. You can also give the hiring manager a glimpse into who you are as an individual and how you can contribute to their organization.

A cover letter can make or break your chances of getting an interview. It is your chance to make a strong first impression and demonstrate your communication skills. A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and show that you have taken the time to research the company and understand the role. Alternatively, a poorly written cover letter can kill your application. So, if you are going to include a cover letter, make sure that you include one that doesn't hurt your chances of landing the interview.

A Chance to Showcase Personality and Passion

A cover letter is not just a formal document; it is a chance to showcase your personality and passion for the role. It allows you to tell your career story and explain why you are the perfect fit for the job.

Your cover letter should highlight your career journey, your passion for the industry, and your unique selling proposition. It should convey your enthusiasm for the role and your commitment to making a positive impact. This is your chance to show the hiring manager why you are not just qualified for the position, but also why you are the best candidate for the job.

Analyzing Current Trends in Hiring Practices

As the job market evolves, understanding current trends in hiring practices is crucial for job seekers. Employers increasingly rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the hiring process. The role of the ATS and how it is evolving will play a key role in whether or not you should submit a cover letter in today's competitive job search market. Here is what you need to know about the current trends:

The Impact of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) has become a common tool used by employers to manage and streamline the hiring process. These systems scan resumes for keywords and relevant information, helping recruiters narrow down the candidate pool. However, most ATS do NOT scan the cover letter. Instead, the cover letter is stored in an entirely different place after your candidate profile is created. Thus, keywords play a far less important role in your cover letter than they do on your resume.

So, if the ATS scans your resume for keywords and makes determinations on your application based on that, then what value does the cover letter have? In most cases, it is about getting you through to the hiring manager. People look at your cover letter to determine why you want the job, why you may be a good fit, and answer any other questions they may have about you as a candidate. In some cases, the cover letter is the key to getting out of the maybe pile and into the interview pile. Thus, the best practices for a cover letter is not to pack in a ton of keywords. Instead, as described above, it is to tell your story and to use this great opportunity to make your pitch for the job opening.

New ATS Functionality: Hiring Manager Fields

In recent years, some Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have introduced a new functionality called Hiring Manager Fields. If you see this field when you apply for a job, know that the field is designed to replace the cover letter. Instead, the information that you input in this section will be sent DIRECTLY to the hiring manager.

This is huge because the hiring manager won't always see your cover letter when it goes through the typical ATS. Instead, it was up to the recruiter to send the information to the hiring manager who may not have access to the ATS. Now, with this field, you know that you have a chance to speak directly with the hiring manager with whatever information you include in this field of your online job application.

You will want to use this opportunity to score the job interview. The way that you do that is to preview exactly what you want to tell the hiring manager about your application and to explain why you want the job. Hold back nothing in this field and treat it like a written interview, because it is. And, if you know the hiring manager's name, then you should make sure to include it in this field.

When Not to Include a Cover Letter

There are definitely times when you should not take the time to include a cover letter. Here are the times when you shouldn't waste the time to prepare or submit a cover letter with your job application in 2024.

Generic or Template

Using a generic or template cover letter can significantly diminish your chances of standing out among job applicants. Recruiters and hiring managers will know the cover letter is generic when they see it. This will hurt your application when the position that you are pursuing requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Including a generic cover letter that is not unique to the job posting that you are applying for will only serve to hurt your application.

Tailoring your cover letter to the specific job description and company culture is crucial to demonstrate your genuine interest and suitability for the role. Taking the extra effort to craft a customized cover letter, using a cover letter template if needed, tailored to each application can greatly enhance your job prospects.

Company Does Not Ask for One

Some companies do not want cover letters. In fact, they won't even give you a chance to include a cover letter in the job application process. Thus, taking the time to prepare a cover letter for this position is a complete waste of your time. It can also hurt your application if you try to attach it to the additional documents section of that application because it can show a lack of attention to detail. Instead, you are best served in these cases to simply follow directions and direct your efforts to networking or other areas in your job search.

It's Optional and You Have Nothing Unique to Say

Submitting a cover letter that adds nothing to your application when it is optional is also a bad choice. Merely going that extra step without having something to say will only serve to hurt your application. At a minimum, it won't help your application.

Quality is always key when applying for jobs. And, going the extra mile is not always good if you can't do it well. This is true when applying for jobs and when you are performing that job. So, take the time to do the cover letter well before submitting an optional cover letter or don't waste your time. A company that says a cover letter is optional really means that the cover letter is optional. Trust that information and stop wasting your time on things that do not help your job search.

You are Spending Too Much Time on It

Crafting a cover letter is crucial, but spending excessive time on it may not yield proportional benefits. Efficiency is key; if you find yourself obsessing over every word and format, you might be overdoing it. Remember, a cover letter should complement your resume and it is not always read when you submit it. Aim for a balance that showcases your qualifications and enthusiasm concisely for different positions. Prioritize quality over quantity to avoid getting bogged down in perfectionism. Time management is essential in a job application process; allocate your efforts wisely.

Holding Back Information from the Resume

A cover letter is not a place to include information not included in your resume. You must put everything in your resume that needs to be there because that is what the ATS will scan. This means you should not hold back relevant details from your resume to include them in your cover letter. Instead, that resume needs to clearly state all of your qualifications, skills, and achievements.

The cover letter is where you should tell the story behind your resume. This is where you include the explanation about how that experience on your resume is relevant to the job you are pursuing. You can also include an explanation about employment gaps in your cover letter. Or, you can articulate why the time is finally right to pursue a career change on your cover letter. Again, the cover letter will set the tone for the interview process and it should give the recruiter and hiring manager a preview of some of their core questions about your experience.

When to Include a Cover Letter

There are also times when you should include a cover letter with your job applications. Here are the times when it is best to invest the time in a cover letter for your job applications in 2024.

It is Required

There are job postings that will explicitly require a cover letter to apply for the position. This means that you can not finalize your application for the position unless you upload a cover letter. In these cases, it is clear that the cover letter is required in the application process and that someone will value the information as part of making determinations about which candidates to bring in for the interviews.

Make sure to take your cover letter seriously and to build a custom, tailored cover letter whenever an organization requires the cover letter for the application. By following these instructions, you show your ability to adhere to specific requirements set forth by the employer. This simple act can set you apart from other applicants and demonstrate your professionalism and respect for the hiring process.

Company Requests a Custom Cover Letter to Answer Specific Questions

There are also times when a company will ask specific questions to be addressed in any cover letters. These particular questions will be spelled out in the job description and you will need to address them clearly in your cover letter or you will be rejected for the position. This is a little different than when a cover letter is merely required because the organization wants to know your answers to specific questions.

In this case, you may be able to tweak your standard cover letter or you may have to completely rewrite it to ensure you answer the questions that this employer wants to know. Adapting your responses to align with the company's requirements demonstrates a strong understanding of the job and showcases your qualifications effectively. By addressing their specific inquiries, you portray yourself as a proactive and engaged candidate, increasing your chances of standing out among other applicants. Such tailored efforts can differentiate you positively in the hiring process.

Applying Through a Referral or Network Connection

You will also want to include a cover letter when you are applying for a position through an employee referral or a network connection. This cover letter may be more streamlined, but you will want to clearly communicate the person who referred you for the position in the cover letter and share any insights about why you are a good fit for the role based on those conversations.

Leveraging these connections provides you with a valuable edge by potentially having your application fast-tracked or receiving insider insights into the company culture. When someone within the organization can vouch for you, it adds credibility and can make your application stand out among the pool of candidates. Building and nurturing professional relationships play a crucial role in accessing hidden job opportunities and securing interviews.

Adds Value to Your Message

You should also include a cover letter when applying for a position if you have something to add to your application. If you can craft a message that enhances your application and that makes it easy for the company to see you in the role, then this is the time to prepare a cover letter for the role.

The way to add value to your message in a cover letter often starts with a google search. You can incorporate the research from your online searches to strengthen and tailor your cover letter. You can also connect the dots between your resume and the job description in the cover letter to make the role of the recruiter easy in the process. This approach not only showcases your qualifications but also sets you apart as a thoughtful and detail-oriented candidate, increasing your chances of standing out in the hiring process.

Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter

The steps to writing a compelling cover letter in 2024 are not overwhelming. To grab attention, focus on key elements and tailor your message to the job and company. Treat it like a written interview by showcasing your communication skills and relevance to the role. Use action verbs and specific examples to demonstrate your qualifications. A well-crafted cover letter can be the key to landing your dream job.

Key Elements That Grab Attention

Crafting a cover letter that grabs attention requires key elements. Here's the basic structure of an effective cover letter that will grab the attention of any hiring manager:

• Introduction that includes information about how you learned about the job and some kind of a hook statement/preview to your qualifications.

• Address the role-specific qualifications to show exactly how your resume shows you meet all of the required qualifications and any relevant preferred qualifications

• A few examples of what sets you apart from other applicants

• Explain why you want a new job at this time and what you want

• Describe specifically why you are interested in this job at this company

• Include a signature and/or some kind of closing statements

Remember, communication skills matter; ensure clarity and professionalism throughout. These elements set you apart and make a lasting impression on hiring managers.

Tailoring Your Letter to the Job

Regardless of whether you use the above structure for your cover letter, make sure that you are tailoring the letter to the specific job or organization.

In 2024, to stand out with your cover letter, make sure that you address the key points in the job description, proactively answer any questions, and reflect your genuine interest in the role. Tailoring your cover letter shows your dedication and effort in the application process.

Customizing the Message to the Company

Customizing the message to the company is essential to showcase your alignment with their values and needs. Research the company culture, values, and recent projects to tailor your cover letter effectively. Address specific challenges they face and highlight how your skills can contribute to their success. Personalizing your message demonstrates your genuine interest and can set you apart from other applicants. Avoid generic templates and show that you have made the effort to understand the company you are applying to, including addressing the hiring manager's name if possible.

Treat it Like a Written Interview

Approach your cover letter as if it were a written interview. Emphasize your qualifications, relevant experience, and why you are the best fit for the job. Use action verbs and specific examples to showcase your skills and accomplishments. Tailor your message to the company and the job requirements, demonstrating your communication skills and professionalism. Treat every paragraph as an opportunity to make a strong impression, just like you would in a face-to-face interview. Your cover letter should reflect your career journey and highlight why you are the ideal candidate.

Conclusion

Cover letters remain a relevant tool in job searches in 2024. While trends in hiring practices evolve, the impact of applicant tracking systems and the need for personalized, value-added cover letters persist. Tailoring your message to the job and company, treating it like a written interview, and focusing on key elements that grab attention are essential. Know when to include a cover letter, especially when it adds value and is required. Crafting a compelling cover letter can set you apart in the application process.

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