Job Doc

Are cover letters worth it?

Pattie Hunt Sinacole discusses cover letters

Ask the Job Doc. Boston.com

April 22, 2024

2 minutes to read

Q: Sometimes when I apply to a job online, they ask for a cover letter or “fill in the box” why you are interested? It is worth it to pen a cover letter? I am not sure if companies even require them, or even read them. Do they end up in the trash file? Should I even have one for each and every job? That would take some time, but I would do it if it is worth it?

A: Technology has transformed how employees are hired. Several decades ago, a cover letter was often required. I see the main purpose of the cover letter is to link a candidates’ experience to an opportunity. Years ago, recruiters expected them.

Today, when I receive a resume via email, a cover email usually suffices. Hard copy cover letters and resumes are quite rare now. Now, candidates are required to submit a resume, and only sometimes are candidates asked to share additional information in a “fill in the box” spot in an online form. Few of us receive hard copies of resumes anymore, since now a resume is often delivered electronically.

Some of our clients still like to review a cover letter for a few reasons. First, we like to learn how a candidate writes. Can a candidate compose complete sentences? Is a candidate detail-oriented and organized? Does the candidate know the difference between their, they’re and there? Some of my clients require a cover letter because a candidate’s ability to compose a letter is important to them. Second, the cover email should link a candidate’s work experience to the role of interest. Candidates should use the cover letter as an opportunity to highlight relevant work experiences or skills. A candidate should make it easy for the reader to understand why this candidate is qualified for the role. “Let’s contact this candidate” is the goal. Finally, some candidates use the same template when they are sending a resume to several employers. And… the company name is never changed. By that I mean if they have applied to the Smith Company, an “old” company name remains in the “Dear XXX” section.

You raise an important point. Often when a candidate submits a resume online, a cover letter is not required. Further, when a candidate completes an online application form, sometimes even a resume is not part of the application process.

I must admit, I only read a cover letter IF the resume interests me. I review the resume first. If the resume appears to be a strong candidate, I will review the cover letter (or cover email). If the resume doesn’t seem like a qualified candidate, I skip the cover letter, or cover email.

I would focus my time and energy on the resume first. Resumes are still the most critical document in any career-related discussion.