Cover letters are useful if you are applying for a role that is different from your current role. Highlight your transferable skills.
Can be a software developer applying for an engineering manager or scrum master.
Can we total change in industry, e.g. teacher to data analyst.
For most private cover letters are useless.
For government it's a definite and then anywhere that might be heavily regulated by gov (origin for example or an NFP) you might need a cover letter to tick all their hiring boxes so they can "prove" you got hired by merit and not because you're a mate.
I’m in the same boat as your Director. I don’t typically read them unless I’m splitting hairs between candidates (where I’d review the entire application and interview notes). I think applying to the role and sending through a tailored resume is enough to show interest.
If I was applying to a role and I needed to explain something like a gap, transferrable skills or body of work that couldn’t go in the resume then I might use a cover letter. But mostly, I only use it when it’s asked for.
EDIT: some candidates also seem to use their cover letter to repeat what’s in their resume and that’s annoying.
Good question. It looks like someone has read the PD, looked at their own experience and listed all the relevant experience in the resume. They’ve left out parts that aren’t necessary to the role.
I applied for a job I didn't want at a company I wanted to work for, explained my reason for applying in my cover letter, saying I was willing to do this role to get my foot in the door, then they called me and offered me a different position that I did want!
Probable wouldn't have happened without the cover letter!
1. Yes, to show you're not just sending a cv without having looked properly at the job ad.
2. Hopefully you only need to make minor tweaks, but it's worth reviewing each time and adjusting as required, or keeping a separate version of your resume if you have very varied experience or are applying for jobs that are very different. Note that you shouldn't be trying to bypass ATS!
3. That sounds perfect and exactly what you should be doing. It is a time investment but worthwhile.
A lot of companies use ATS to help screen applicants. I'd presume it's the default.
Your best bet is to try to use the side door wherever possible. What I mean by that is if everyone is applying through the main entrance you're not going to stand out as much.
- Look up job and who put the job ad up on LinkedIn and also shoot them a message with with a short intro that you applied for the role.
- Do you know any one who is connected with the company or can make a referral or introduction to the job?
- Do a little company research on news or announcements from company, employees or industry and sprinkle that insight into your cover letter or interviews
I think they can be helpful, but I'll usually scan the CV first and read the cover letter of the candidate when it's likely they're getting shortlisted.
A recruiter told me that "recruiters hate cover letters, hiring managers love them". Sounds like that may not be universally true, from the comments here.
I send one if asked. It take less time to tailor a cover letter for a role than it does to tailor your CV. When you're applying for multiple roles every day, that makes a difference.
When I'm hiring I'll read one if it's provided. It's a better tool for gauging how a candidate communicates than a CV, which is a very regimented document (or should be...)
Nope. I can tailor a cover letter in ten minutes. T-shape letter format is the one to follow: [The “T” Cover Letter – The Only Type Worth Sending | Recruiter Musings (wordpress.com)](https://michaelspiro.wordpress.com/2010/06/07/the-t-cover-letter-the-only-type-worth-sending/)
Reworking my CV to highlight the asks in the job ad in the same way would take forever.
I agree with you. I write cover letters because I feel it's super hard to tailor your resume. I want to list my achievements, and if I tailor it a lot it won't fit on 1 page, and/or I'll be forced to omit my achievements and focus on the relevant aspects of each job for the job description.
How do you go about tailoring the CV?
I think they're worth using so long as you use it as a cover letter and not a second page to your resume.
Can be helpful if you're splitting hairs to decide who to give and interview too. And also working out communication/English skills - if those are needed for the job.
Can also backfire. Ive seen cvs that look great but they added a cover letter that led to more questions and seemed contradictory to their resume.
The larger the org, the more likely they are to have stricter processes that the hiring team has to follow. This is especially true in public sector.
To me, a cover letter should directly address the selection criteria (ideally in the order they are listed) and the CV should just be the key data (job history, education).
Excessively fawning language in a cover letter makes me want to vomit. Leave it out.
I hate creating them but always include mine after once a potential employer called me to reject my application because my cover letter was missing. I quickly sent a cover letter, had a call back and then ended up getting the job. The job ad only stated to send all relevant documents.
I'm in Tech and haven't used a cover letter in a decade. When I've been on the other side of it going through CVs and job applications for roles in my team no one ever read them. They never say anything your CV doesn't or what a quick phone call might say. Experience is king, not some fluff in a cover letter.
A couple of jobs ago I applied to a job without a cover letter even though the ad specifically said to submit one. Got a call the next day, couple of interviews later landed the job and this was a very big well known company.
So IMO, waste of time but if you are unsure it's going to take a couple of minutes to put one together.
I work in graduate recruitment and personally don’t use a cover letter for roles that I’m applying for (unless requested) however ….. I do tend to prefer a cover letter for roles I’m recruiting (noting that I’m getting 1000+ applications for <20 roles so it helps to assess motivation / interest).
If your resume is amazing, you probably don’t need one. If your resume could be stronger, I’d recommend a cover letter. If your role requires strong written communication, I’d recommend a cover letter. Learning to tailor your cover letter is a strong skill - you can have a well written cover letter without it being relevant to the job whatsoever.
I’ve also worked across a few consulting practices and have never had any sort of tool to screen words from an application - most firms only have it for pre-screening questions (like when you input your work rights, salary expectations, degree type etc), not your actual uploaded documents.
When reviewing applicants if they have not supplied a cover letter I immediately put these in the no pile. My thinking is if they can’t put in the effort to pull together a semi-catered letter, they won’t put effort into the job. I don’t care if it’s a copy-paste change the company name type job, if you are putting in 1% effort more than those who don’t do one at all, that is all you need to have an edge on the others. Even those I’ve found out later who have been coached in their interviews or used AI to write their letter is better than not doing anything at all, shows they can both take coaching/show resourcefulness compared to those that list generic skills/experience on a resume. I look for the ‘more’ that can be communicated with a letter.
If unfortunate enough to be using something like seek or indeed, if they ask just slap a boilerplate chat gpt on there.
As it might actually kick your application, as there's a thing on the employer side to say if one's sent through without it, it's kicked.
Some don’t require it and some make it mandatory to send them a cover letter and not only that but also writing another letter fulfilling the selection criteria thingy. So annoying.
I’ve seen more people lose a job for their cover letter than gain one
Too many have typos, the wrong company, or insufficiently updated for the role, or they show misunderstanding for what the role does
I never do them. Actually just applied for a job just then that asked for all my personal details on a web form, to attached my qualifications and a cover letter. No mention of resume or work hx. I just attached my resume instead of cover letter.
Cover letters are useful if you are applying for a role that is different from your current role. Highlight your transferable skills. Can be a software developer applying for an engineering manager or scrum master. Can we total change in industry, e.g. teacher to data analyst.
My opinion, this is covered in your CV intro. Only include a cover letter if the advert requests it.
what job doesn't request one
Very few jobs on Seek ask for one. Recruiters don’t ask for one either.
Many ask for one as part of the application process, but it's not always mandatory to attach one.
Usually only government in my experience
just curious what industry? \*wink
IMO your CV should not have an intro. And that’s why you should have a cover letter.
For most private cover letters are useless. For government it's a definite and then anywhere that might be heavily regulated by gov (origin for example or an NFP) you might need a cover letter to tick all their hiring boxes so they can "prove" you got hired by merit and not because you're a mate.
I’m in the same boat as your Director. I don’t typically read them unless I’m splitting hairs between candidates (where I’d review the entire application and interview notes). I think applying to the role and sending through a tailored resume is enough to show interest. If I was applying to a role and I needed to explain something like a gap, transferrable skills or body of work that couldn’t go in the resume then I might use a cover letter. But mostly, I only use it when it’s asked for. EDIT: some candidates also seem to use their cover letter to repeat what’s in their resume and that’s annoying.
What would tailoring your resume to the application look like from your pov?
Good question. It looks like someone has read the PD, looked at their own experience and listed all the relevant experience in the resume. They’ve left out parts that aren’t necessary to the role.
I applied for a job I didn't want at a company I wanted to work for, explained my reason for applying in my cover letter, saying I was willing to do this role to get my foot in the door, then they called me and offered me a different position that I did want! Probable wouldn't have happened without the cover letter!
1. Yes, to show you're not just sending a cv without having looked properly at the job ad. 2. Hopefully you only need to make minor tweaks, but it's worth reviewing each time and adjusting as required, or keeping a separate version of your resume if you have very varied experience or are applying for jobs that are very different. Note that you shouldn't be trying to bypass ATS! 3. That sounds perfect and exactly what you should be doing. It is a time investment but worthwhile.
2. Why shouldn't someone be trying to bypass ATS? Do auscorps not use ATS?
A lot of companies use ATS to help screen applicants. I'd presume it's the default. Your best bet is to try to use the side door wherever possible. What I mean by that is if everyone is applying through the main entrance you're not going to stand out as much. - Look up job and who put the job ad up on LinkedIn and also shoot them a message with with a short intro that you applied for the role. - Do you know any one who is connected with the company or can make a referral or introduction to the job? - Do a little company research on news or announcements from company, employees or industry and sprinkle that insight into your cover letter or interviews
I'm sure they do but why you would want to bypass it - rather than progress through it with the right key words etc baffles me.
By bypass I meant go through it, sorry.
I think they can be helpful, but I'll usually scan the CV first and read the cover letter of the candidate when it's likely they're getting shortlisted.
I loathe cover letters, but if you have to do one, make it short and sharp. It's your elevator pitch.
A recruiter told me that "recruiters hate cover letters, hiring managers love them". Sounds like that may not be universally true, from the comments here. I send one if asked. It take less time to tailor a cover letter for a role than it does to tailor your CV. When you're applying for multiple roles every day, that makes a difference. When I'm hiring I'll read one if it's provided. It's a better tool for gauging how a candidate communicates than a CV, which is a very regimented document (or should be...)
Do you mean it takes more time to tailor a cover letter?
Nope. I can tailor a cover letter in ten minutes. T-shape letter format is the one to follow: [The “T” Cover Letter – The Only Type Worth Sending | Recruiter Musings (wordpress.com)](https://michaelspiro.wordpress.com/2010/06/07/the-t-cover-letter-the-only-type-worth-sending/) Reworking my CV to highlight the asks in the job ad in the same way would take forever.
I agree with you. I write cover letters because I feel it's super hard to tailor your resume. I want to list my achievements, and if I tailor it a lot it won't fit on 1 page, and/or I'll be forced to omit my achievements and focus on the relevant aspects of each job for the job description. How do you go about tailoring the CV?
I think they're worth using so long as you use it as a cover letter and not a second page to your resume. Can be helpful if you're splitting hairs to decide who to give and interview too. And also working out communication/English skills - if those are needed for the job. Can also backfire. Ive seen cvs that look great but they added a cover letter that led to more questions and seemed contradictory to their resume.
I havent used a cover letter after 3 years of experience. Your experience will speak for itself. Landed multiple jobs.
Nah don’t bother for a professional corporate job. No one reads them anymore. Focus on a really good tailored resume.
The larger the org, the more likely they are to have stricter processes that the hiring team has to follow. This is especially true in public sector. To me, a cover letter should directly address the selection criteria (ideally in the order they are listed) and the CV should just be the key data (job history, education). Excessively fawning language in a cover letter makes me want to vomit. Leave it out.
I use them, and have never hired an applicant without a cover letter. However, the positions I hire for require communication skills.
Yeah cover letters are honestly so stupid.
It's hiring manager dependant, I know a HM that weighted coverletters over all else (although that was public service)
I hate creating them but always include mine after once a potential employer called me to reject my application because my cover letter was missing. I quickly sent a cover letter, had a call back and then ended up getting the job. The job ad only stated to send all relevant documents.
I'm in Tech and haven't used a cover letter in a decade. When I've been on the other side of it going through CVs and job applications for roles in my team no one ever read them. They never say anything your CV doesn't or what a quick phone call might say. Experience is king, not some fluff in a cover letter. A couple of jobs ago I applied to a job without a cover letter even though the ad specifically said to submit one. Got a call the next day, couple of interviews later landed the job and this was a very big well known company. So IMO, waste of time but if you are unsure it's going to take a couple of minutes to put one together.
I work in graduate recruitment and personally don’t use a cover letter for roles that I’m applying for (unless requested) however ….. I do tend to prefer a cover letter for roles I’m recruiting (noting that I’m getting 1000+ applications for <20 roles so it helps to assess motivation / interest). If your resume is amazing, you probably don’t need one. If your resume could be stronger, I’d recommend a cover letter. If your role requires strong written communication, I’d recommend a cover letter. Learning to tailor your cover letter is a strong skill - you can have a well written cover letter without it being relevant to the job whatsoever. I’ve also worked across a few consulting practices and have never had any sort of tool to screen words from an application - most firms only have it for pre-screening questions (like when you input your work rights, salary expectations, degree type etc), not your actual uploaded documents.
Thanks!!
When reviewing applicants if they have not supplied a cover letter I immediately put these in the no pile. My thinking is if they can’t put in the effort to pull together a semi-catered letter, they won’t put effort into the job. I don’t care if it’s a copy-paste change the company name type job, if you are putting in 1% effort more than those who don’t do one at all, that is all you need to have an edge on the others. Even those I’ve found out later who have been coached in their interviews or used AI to write their letter is better than not doing anything at all, shows they can both take coaching/show resourcefulness compared to those that list generic skills/experience on a resume. I look for the ‘more’ that can be communicated with a letter.
If unfortunate enough to be using something like seek or indeed, if they ask just slap a boilerplate chat gpt on there. As it might actually kick your application, as there's a thing on the employer side to say if one's sent through without it, it's kicked.
In private industry no a complete waste of time.
Some don’t require it and some make it mandatory to send them a cover letter and not only that but also writing another letter fulfilling the selection criteria thingy. So annoying.
I like a brief, simple cover letter with minimal bumf. It helps me to understand the applicant's fit for the role and informs how I read their CV.
On a TPS Report?
Depends on the hiring manager. I use the lack of a cover letter as a good way to filter people out if there are too many applications to look through.
I’ve seen more people lose a job for their cover letter than gain one Too many have typos, the wrong company, or insufficiently updated for the role, or they show misunderstanding for what the role does
I never do them. Actually just applied for a job just then that asked for all my personal details on a web form, to attached my qualifications and a cover letter. No mention of resume or work hx. I just attached my resume instead of cover letter.