Are Cover Letters A Waste Of Time?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Is a

Always a Waste of Time? Not necessarily

. If you do your research and create a cover letter that speaks to employers' critical issues, your resume stands a better chance of getting attention than if you shoot off your resume without a letter.

Do employers really care about cover letters?


Yes, are still important

. … A cover letter also shows the employer that you take the job opportunity seriously and are prepared to take more initiative to be considered for the job. It's also possible the hiring manager will actually look at your cover letter when selecting applicants to interview.

Are cover letters still important 2020?

ResumeLab surveyed 200 hiring decision-makers, including in house hiring managers, HR professionals, and external recruiters, to find out if cover letters are necessary to land a job in 2020. And they found that cover letters are, indeed,

still a very important part of your job application package

.

Are cover letters really necessary?


Yes, cover letters are still important

. … A cover letter also shows the employer that you take the job opportunity seriously and are prepared to take more initiative to be considered for the job. It's also possible the hiring manager will actually look at your cover letter when selecting applicants to interview.

Does a cover letter really make a difference?

Patrick's Bottom Line: A

well-written cover letter can still be a difference maker

if you are creative enough to find a way around (or supplement) a company's online recruiting process. Keep it brief. Make it compelling. A great cover letter won't land you a job, but it will help get you an interview.

Is no cover letter a deal breaker?

Some employers use them and others don't. … When employers do use cover letters, they are very important.

Around 10 percent of employers indicated having no cover letter is a deal-breaker

; for those employers, it prevents job seekers like you from getting interviews or job offers.

What do employers look for in a cover letter?


Highlight how your skills and work experience are what the employer needs

.

Show genuine excitement and enthusiasm for the role

.

List your most significant achievements from previous roles

.

Tell the recruiter or employer

why you're the person for the job.

Are cover letters necessary in 2019?

So if you're wondering whether you should include a cover letter, the answer is yes in most cases. You should

include a cover letter even if it isn't required

. There are only a few exceptions. For example, you might not need a cover letter if you're applying online.

How long should a cover letter?

Do Be Concise: Cover letters should be

one page long and divided into three to four paragraphs

. The first paragraph should indicate the reason you are writing and how you heard about the position. Include attention grabbing, yet professional, information.

What should not be included in a cover letter?

  • Spelling mistakes. Making silly mistakes such as typos on your cover letter gives a poor first impression. …
  • Personal information. Employers are not interested in your personal life. …
  • Salary expectations. …
  • Too much information. …
  • Negative comments. …
  • Lies or exaggerations.
  • Empty claims.

What is the best way to start a cover letter?

  1. Convey enthusiasm for the company. …
  2. Highlight a mutual connection. …
  3. Lead with an impressive accomplishment. …
  4. Bring up something newsworthy. …
  5. Express passion for what you do. …
  6. Tell a creative story. …
  7. Start with a belief statement.

How do you end a cover letter?

Make sure to offer thanks for their time and consideration, and choose a professional closing salutation such as, “

Sincerely

,” “Best regards” or “Thank you for your consideration.” Avoid overly familiar phrases like, “Yours,” “Cheers” or “Take care.”

Should you include a cover letter if they don't ask for one?

You don't need to send a cover letter if the job application doesn't specifically request one.

If a company wants your cover letter, they will ask for it

. … This way, you're still providing the information that's on your cover letter without sending it as a separate document.

What are 3 things that you should definitely not do on your cover letter?

  • Too much personal information. While the cover letter is your space to be more personal than the resume, take care not to be too personal. …
  • Your resume. …
  • Salary negotiations. …
  • Your reservations or questions about the job. …
  • Empty adjectives. …
  • Errors! …
  • Anything negative. …
  • A skills gap.

What things should I put in a cover letter?

  1. Your Personal Info, Contact Details & Date.
  2. The Details of the Company You're Applying to.
  3. A Professional Salutation (Formal Greeting)
  4. An Introduction with Your Skills and Professional Wins to Grab the Recruiter's Attention.
  5. Reasons You're a Perfect Fit for the Job.

How do you write salary requirements in a cover letter?

You can add salary requirements to your cover letter using “My salary expectation is flexible depending upon the overall compensation package and additional benefits such as opportunities for advancement.,” or “Per your request, given my qualifications and achievements, my salary requirement is $60,000 (negotiable).”

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.