Are Cover Letters Dead in 2023?

It's Warrior Wednesday, and I'm excited to bring you a current and pressing topic concerning your job search. Today's newsletter supplements this week's Career Warrior Podcast release: Are Cover Letters Dead in 2023? If you're a podcast listener, you can check that out by clicking the picture below.

Ah, the cover letter. It's the neglected stepchild of the job application process. Everyone talks about the resume and the interview, but what about the cover letter? Is it dead? Should we bother with writing them given how long it already takes to fill out an online application?

The truth is that most cover letters should die.

But the concept of creating a transmittal message to supplement the resume is something that will never die.

But, yes, most cover letters look like this:

Dear [Hiring Manager],

I am writing to express my interest in the Project Manager position at your organization in Portland, Oregon. As an accomplished project manager with over [X] years of experience in planning and executing successful projects, I am confident in my ability to make a valuable contribution to your team.

Throughout my career, I have developed a comprehensive skill set in project management, including project planning, budgeting, risk management, and team leadership. I have a proven track record of delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders. I am an effective communicator and collaborator, able to work with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals.

I am particularly interested in the opportunity to join your organization in Portland, a city known for its innovation, creativity, and commitment to sustainability. I am confident that my experience and skills align well with the requirements of this position, and that my passion for project management will be a fit for this role.

Sincerely,

Yan Panchevson

YAWN!

At first glance, this is a very professional cover letter. You may even be tempted to use it as a template. Go right ahead.

But in its current state, this cover letter is vanilla and made me shrivel in boredom. If I was a hiring manager, I would probably just glance at the letter for a second, realize there was nothing of value, and move on with my life. I have way more important things to do with my day and my life in general.

Here's the thing. Employers still read cover letters. Maybe not all of them, but certainly the ones that catch their eye. A creative cover letter shows that you're willing to go above and beyond, that you're not afraid to take risks, and that you're genuinely interested in the job.

The Case for a Better Cover Letter

Perhaps not surprisingly, I’m here to tell you that the cover letter can be a powerful ally in your job search. Here's a quick list of reasons why a cover letter can accomplish when done right.

1. It can do certain things that a resume can’t - like tell a personal story.
2. It can also tip someone to a "yes" who is on the fence about your candidacy.?
3. It's great for career transitioners to explain WHY they are transitioning.
4. It's great for people to explain resume gaps (maternity leave, gap year, health issues, etc.)
5. It can show off your writing skills or creativity (especially if that's important for the job).

Yes, cover letters still are relevant, and if you can write an exceptional one, then this can put you above the pack.

Try it Out

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But Chris, writing a cover letter is so boring. And who even reads them anymore?"

And I get it. Writing a cover letter can feel like a chore. But the truth is, a well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in getting hired.

Think of it this way. Your resume is like the highlight reel of your career. It's where you list your accomplishments and skills in a concise and easy-to-read format.

But the cover letter? The cover letter is where you get to showcase your personality, your creativity, and your passion for the job.

I'm not saying you need to write a Shakespearean sonnet, Kendrick Lamar verse, or a three-act play. But a creative cover letter can help you stand out from the hundreds of other applicants vying for the same job.

Maybe you tell a story about how your love for data analysis started when you were just a wee little Excel enthusiast. Maybe you create a custom graphic that highlights your skills and experience in a fun and visually appealing way. The possibilities are endless!

Show, Don't Tell

Showing and not telling in my opinion is the most powerful thing a cover letter can do. Katy McElroy , Managing Editor at Let's Eat, Grandma, gives the following advice on soft skills:

"It's usually best to find creative ways to show rather than tell your soft skills. Providing examples of how you solved problems is usually more impactful than listing "Problem Solving" in a skills section. It's also important to research the company you're applying to see if that gives you any insight into what kind of soft skills align with their culture, values, and mission.”

So when it comes to showing and not telling, it's time for me to put my money where my mouth is. Here's a "cover letter example" of me applying to be a part of the legendary progressive rock band, Rush. In this example, I gave my best shot at spicing things up with actual stories that otherwise wouldn't belong on the resume.

I also recite this cover letter in my own goofy way on this week's podcast episode. Check that out too!

Dear Geddy Lee,

You are looking for a resilient musician who can nail all the progressive guitar riffs for your upcoming 2023 Rush Reunite tour. I am writing to express my strong interest in joining the legendary Rush band as your newest member.?

I have been playing guitar since high school, and I had the opportunity to perform with my band as an opening act for Forever the Sickest Kids. This experience not only taught me how to perform in front of a live audience, but it also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of music to bring people together.

Furthermore, I am a highly adaptable musician who is always eager to take on new challenges. When I was just 16 years old, I was tasked with learning the bass guitar in a single weekend in order to fill in for a missing band member. Despite the short time frame, I was able to quickly learn the necessary techniques and contribute to a performance of over 50 songs in front of 50 hard-to-impress teenagers.

As a member of Rush, I would bring a unique blend of technical proficiency, creativity, and dedication to the craft of music-making. I am confident that my skills and passion would complement the existing talents of the band and help to create an unforgettable live experience for audiences around the world.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications and enthusiasm for the band further.

Sincerely,

Chris "Rush" Villanueva

***

A bit long? Perhaps.

Memorable and personal? 100%

At the end of the day, the cover letter is not dead -- they just need a bit of a revival. In fact, it can be a powerful tool in your job search arsenal if you know how to use it. This is how we differentiate and grab the attention of hiring managers.

And if you still argue that most cover letters are bad, don't you see that as an amazing opportunity to stand out among the pack?

It's just waiting for you to breathe new life into it. So, dust off that keyboard, fire up your imagination, and get to writing. Who knows, maybe your next job offer is just one creative cover letter away.

Want a Better Cover Letter?

Thanks for tuning into our latest edition of the Career Warrior Newsletter! Here are some ways you can boost that cover letter.

→ Subscribe to the?Career Warrior Podcast?on your favorite platform to hear a real human voice behind the message.

→ Check out our cover letter writing services at?Let's Eat, Grandma. We also have an amazing blog that releases new content weekly.

→ Follow me on?LinkedIn. Click ?? at the top of my profile page so you can join the conversation when I post.

→ Join over 900 subscribers to receive weekly?Career Warrior Newsletters.