Are cover letters dead?
Does anyone still expect to see cover letters with applications? Or are resumes and portfolios enough? And if they DO want them, is the old template still relevant? It's extremely stiff, formal, and has unnecessary standards like listing yours and theirs addresses (it's sent digitally, who needs addresses? And all my contact info is in the resume). Or the very formal greetings and sign off.
My last job search in 2023 I did not do any cover letters, even if it asked (but was optional). If it required a cover letter I just didn’t apply — the only places that absolutely require cover letters are small companies or old school places. Sometimes you’ll see a specific hiring manager talk about how cover letters are important on LinkedIn or something. Generally those people are rare, and if they hold the belief that candidates should write a cover letter, I know I won’t like working with them anyways. I had a good success rate with initial interviews, so for me personally it didn’t seem to matter. It’s a waste of time, especially in the age of AI generated text. I never read them when I review for hiring and I don’t know anyone who does either.
Thanks I agree! I was surprised to see a company like Spotify encourage cover letters: "...let us know why you’re interested in joining the band. We love to see cover letters, portfolios, and personal websites as well as CVs/resumes as this gives us a better sense of who you are..." I can see it being a more thorough hiring approach where they also look for personality / culture fit?
Write a good one, if they don't read it it won't hurt you.
Except for all the time it takes
Yes
If you're qualified they'll know it with or without the cover letter
Thanks I agree! I was surprised to see a company like Spotify encourage cover letters: "...let us know why you’re interested in joining the band. We love to see cover letters, portfolios, and personal websites as well as CVs/resumes as this gives us a better sense of who you are..." I can see it being a more thorough hiring approach where they also look for personality / culture fit?
I don’t think they’re saying “send us all these things we list” they’re saying: “take the initiative and send us what you think represents you and tells us why you want to work here.”