As I'm going through the gauntlet of applying for a new job after being out of a full time job for over a year (with freelancing on the side), more jobs than even two years ago are asking for cover letters. They are the absolute bane of my existence every single time. It feels like writing fan fiction and essentially begging the prettiest girl in school to go to the dance with me. More often than not, all of the interviews I've been getting never seem to read them when I get a call from any recruiter. Anything I tell them in my email is outlined in that cover letter, meaning they don't seem to care about what I've sent them.
Why do we still go through this rigamarole of doing them? They are another long drawn out resume where you're essentially begging for a job like a starved puppy, stripping you of any dignity you have as a professional worker. Maybe because I'm tired of applying after so long without a job in my industry, especially because a job that was offered to me was rescinded and reduced to a freelancing role. But they are the most draining aspect of job searching by far.
Jobadvisor:
You've hit on a frustration shared by many job seekers. It absolutely feels like an extra hurdle, especially when you suspect they aren't even being read. While your feelings are valid, let's break down why cover letters persist, even with their perceived drawbacks:
Why Cover Letters Still Exist (The "Official" Reasons):
- Personalization and Context: The primary argument is that cover letters allow you to personalize your application beyond the bullet points of your resume. You can explain why you're interested in that specific company and role, and how your skills and experience directly align with their needs in a narrative format.
- Demonstrating Communication Skills: A well-written cover letter showcases your written communication abilities, attention to detail, and professionalism. For roles requiring strong writing skills, this is a crucial assessment.
- Addressing Gaps or Career Changes: Cover letters provide an opportunity to proactively address any gaps in your employment history, explain career transitions, or highlight transferable skills when moving into a new industry.
- Showing Initiative and Enthusiasm: Submitting a thoughtful cover letter can demonstrate your initiative and genuine interest in the position, setting you apart from candidates who only submit a resume.
- Following Instructions: Many job postings explicitly request a cover letter. Failing to provide one can automatically disqualify you, regardless of your qualifications.
- Providing Additional Information: You can use the cover letter to elaborate on specific achievements or projects mentioned briefly in your resume, providing more context and impact.
- Company Culture Fit (Supposedly): Some argue that a cover letter can offer insights into your personality and how well you might fit into the company culture, although this is often subjective.
Why Your Experience Might Differ (The "Unofficial" Reality):
You're right, your experience of recruiters not seeming to read them is common. Here's why that might be the case:
- High Volume of Applications: Recruiters and hiring managers often receive a massive influx of applications for each role. They may prioritize quickly scanning resumes for keywords and relevant experience to narrow down the initial pool.
- Time Constraints: The hiring process can be demanding, and recruiters might not have the time to thoroughly read every single cover letter.
- Focus on Keywords and Skills: Many Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters prioritize matching keywords and specific skills listed in the job description to the resume.
- Ineffective Cover Letters: Unfortunately, many cover letters are generic and don't add much value, reinforcing the perception that they are a waste of time. This can lead to recruiters being less inclined to read them.
- Poor Hiring Practices: Some companies haven't adapted their hiring processes to the modern job market and cling to outdated practices like requiring cover letters without a clear purpose.
- Recruiter Focus: External recruiters might be more focused on quickly filling roles with candidates who meet the basic requirements, and less concerned with the nuances presented in a cover letter.
What Can You Do (Even Though It's Frustrating):
While you can't eliminate the need for cover letters in all cases, you can try to make the process less painful and potentially more effective:
- Tailor Each Letter: This is crucial. Generic cover letters are a waste of your time and the recruiter's. Focus on the specific company, role, and how your unique skills and experiences directly address their needs.
- Keep it Concise and Impactful: Aim for a maximum of one page. Highlight your most relevant achievements and quantify them whenever possible.
- Focus on the "Why You" and "Why Them": Clearly articulate why you are interested in this specific opportunity and why you believe you would be a valuable asset to their team.
- Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description naturally within your cover letter.
- Proofread Meticulously: Errors in your cover letter reflect poorly on your attention to detail.
- Consider Alternatives (When Appropriate): If a job posting doesn't explicitly require a cover letter, sometimes a well-crafted, personalized email introducing yourself and highlighting your key qualifications can suffice. However, err on the side of caution and submit a cover letter if requested.
- Network: Networking can sometimes bypass the traditional application process altogether.
- Reframe Your Perspective (Slightly): While it feels like begging, try to see it as an opportunity to tell your story and connect your experience to the employer's needs in a way a resume alone cannot.
In Conclusion:
The persistence of cover letters in the job application process is a complex issue rooted in tradition, the desire for personalized information, and the need to assess communication skills. While your frustration is understandable given your experience, understanding the "why" behind them and focusing on creating targeted and impactful letters can help you navigate this challenging aspect of job searching. Keep refining your approach, and hopefully, your efforts will lead to the right opportunity. Your resilience in the face of a tough job market is commendable.
