#135: The Cover Letter Conundrum: Do Employers Really Read Them? –
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.