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The long-dreaded cover letter: a relic of the past or a powerful tool in your job search arsenal? 

In an age dominated by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and online applications, many job seekers question the value of this traditional document.

It’s a fair question, especially when simply filling out an application can take so much time. I know I’m not alone in wondering why employers require you to fill out online fields with your job experience (isn’t that what a resume is for?).

Not only that, but now employers are requiring projects, tests, and endless rounds of interviews. It’s exhausting.

Do employers read cover letters? Can they set you apart from other applicants? Do they actually make a difference in the job applicant pool?

More importantly: do cover letters still matter? And are they worth your time and energy when you could otherwise focus on other aspects of the job application process?

In this article, I’ll share some reasons why it may or may not make sense for you to craft a cover letter (hint: it depends). I’ll also give you a few tips for writing a compelling cover letter if you find you need one.

The Cover Letter Dilemma

Did you catch my hint? The truth is that you might need a cover letter… or you might not.

While there’s certainly an individual preference at play, hiring managers may skip or skim your cover letter depending on the following key factors:

• Industry: Competitive fields like marketing or creative professions often place more emphasis on cover letters. Psst… you might need a portfolio in one of these professions too!
• Company culture: Some companies have a more personalized approach to hiring and value the extra effort a cover letter demonstrates.
• Job level: Higher-level positions may require one to showcase your fit for a more senior role.
• Applicant volume: When a job attracts hundreds of applications, cover letters may be overlooked, or they might set you apart from your competition.

The Case for the Cover Letter

Despite the effort it requires, crafting a compelling cover letter can offer several advantages:

• Demonstrates your interest in the role: A well-written cover letter shows genuine interest in the company and the specific role you’re applying for.
• Highlights your unique qualifications: You can elaborate on skills and experiences that need to be fully captured on your resume.
• Differentiates you from other candidates: One strongly written can help you stand out from a crowded job pool.
• Improves your chances of an interview: While not guaranteed, it can increase your odds of getting noticed.

Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter

If you decide to invest time in a cover letter, make sure it’s worth it. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Tailor your cover letter to the job: Customize it for each application, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
• Keep it concise: Aim for one page, focusing on the most important points.
• Showcase your personality: Let your unique voice shine through.
• Proofread carefully: Errors can quickly make a negative impression.

Conclusion

Admittedly, I loathe cover letters. I have also written my fair share of them.

However, I’m very selective about which jobs I will draft a cover letter for. I only write one for a role that I’m particularly passionate about and where I strongly feel a cover letter will make a difference in my application. 

I have also skipped applying to some jobs entirely because they required one.

Ultimately, the decision to include a cover letter is yours. While it may not be a guaranteed game-changer, it can certainly be a valuable tool in your job search toolkit.

By understanding the potential benefits and tailoring your cover letter effectively, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job. However, it’s also possible that the cover letter you crafted for your last job application was a total waste of time.

Choose wisely.

Job hunting can be stressful, but it’s important to maintain a positive outlook (hard as it might be). Focus on highlighting your skills and experiences, and don’t be afraid to network and build relationships in your industry.

For additional support to help you FIRE Your Career, check out my free ebook, “7 Ways to FIRE Your Career.”

Have a question or want to learn more? Leave a comment below!

Now that you’ve learned why you might need a cover letter (or not), you might be wondering how else you can FIRE Your Career. Check out the posts page for more ways you can FIRE Your Career and achieve financial freedom.

FIRE Your Career: Achieve Financial Freedom Through Your Career & Spend MORE Time Doing What You Love.

Resources I Recommend in This Article:

7 Ways to FIRE Your Career (a free ebook to help you build a foundation for financial freedom)

Resources I Frequently Recommend:

Strengths Finder (book to help you uncover your innate strengths, includes a free personality quiz)

ClickUp (my recommended goal-tracking and project-management tool)

Rich Dad, Poor Dad (a great intro to financial freedom book)

The Bogleheads’ Guide to Investing (a great intro to investing book)

Others: 16 Books I Recommend to FIRE Your Career