Are Cover Letters Dead? (Incl. a Free Template)

Recently, I came across a post on LinkedIn from one of those 'recruitment gurus' claiming that cover letters are dead and that LinkedIn is all that matters now. But is this really the case? Let’s take a closer, expert look at this issue to see whether cover letters still hold value in today’s hiring landscape.

The History

The origin of the cover letter can be traced back to the Renaissance, when the renowned artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci wrote a letter to the Duke of Milan outlining his skills and qualifications. This letter is often seen as a precursor to the modern cover letter.

The cover letter, as we understand it today, became widely used in the 20th century. In the 1930s, banks began attaching cover letters to lengthy investor reports to provide essential context and clarity. The first job advertisement to specifically request a cover letter appeared in 1956 in The New York Times for a position as an industrial paint chemist at Dutch Boy Paints. By 1965, cover letters had become a standard requirement for most job applications, playing a crucial role in introducing candidates to potential employers.

There are good reasons for the importance of cover letters. They offer an opportunity for applicants to connect their experiences directly to the specific requirements of a job, highlighting aspects that may not be immediately evident in a resume. Cover letters can also illustrate cultural fit, demonstrating how a candidate's values align with those of the company. In fields that demand strong written communication skills, such as marketing or public relations, a well-crafted cover letter serves as a sample of the applicant’s ability to communicate effectively and persuasively. Moreover, a thoughtful cover letter personalizes the application process, allowing candidates to share their stories and showcase accomplishments that differentiate them from other applicants.

The Current Debate

The question of whether cover letters are “dead” in job applications has been widely debated, especially as digital hiring practices evolve. While it’s true that some recruiters now skip over cover letters or rely solely on resumes and LinkedIn profiles to gauge qualifications, cover letters are far from obsolete. Instead, they are becoming more targeted and selectively valued based on industry, job type, and company preferences.

Many hiring experts note that cover letters remain essential in certain fields where communication and persuasion skills are crucial, such as marketing, communications, and public relations. Here, the cover letter serves as a unique platform to showcase writing ability, creativity, and enthusiasm. Similarly, traditional and formal industries like law, finance, and academia often still expect well-crafted cover letters, especially for senior or specialized roles. In these fields, a cover letter can differentiate candidates by explaining how their experience aligns with the company's mission or specific job demands, adding depth that a resume alone may not provide.

That said, the rise of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and standardized application forms has led many companies to streamline their hiring processes by focusing primarily on resumes. However, some job postings still request cover letters, and failing to include one when required can result in immediate disqualification. Not only might this signal a lack of attention to detail, but the ATS will also scan the cover letter. Including a concise description of how you meet three to five key job requirements can enhance your chances of making it through the initial screening process by leveraging keyword matches on which these systems heavily rely.

Last but not least, in smaller or more selective companies, a well-written cover letter can still make a big difference, capturing the hiring manager’s attention and demonstrating your commitment and fit for the role.

Tips for Writing an Impactful Cover Letter

1. Tell a Compelling Story: Use the cover letter to briefly describe where you are in your career, and highlight why you are interested in that particular job and company.
2. Tailor It to the Role: Make sure your cover letter addresses specific job requirements, showing that you understand what the role demands and how your skills and experience match up.
3. Add Focus on Cultural Fit: Research the company’s values and work culture, then use your cover letter to show how your personal values and career goals align with the organization.
4. Keep It Concise and Relevant: A cover letter should be succinct, maximum one page. Avoid generic phrases and focus instead on concrete details that add value to your application.
5. Show Enthusiasm, Not Desperation: These days, the internet is full of desperate shouts like “I need a job, help me!” Don’t be one of them. Express genuine interest in the position without sounding overly eager. This helps you come across as confident and professional.

Conclusion

In the end, while cover letters may not be as universally required as they once were, a thoughtfully crafted one can still make a powerful impression—particularly when it aligns your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm directly with the needs of the hiring company. For certain industries and roles, this extra effort may be what sets your application apart. The general consensus is that if an organization requests it in the job description, you should include one.

Thus, cover letters are not dead, but rather evolving to serve specific, strategic purposes in today’s job market.

Download My Free Cover Letter Template

By downloading my free cover letter template, you'll receive a professional format designed to help you succeed in the competitive job market. Click here to get your free copy, which you can easily personalize and tailor to fit the job you’re applying for.

Alternatively, if you find it too complicated, let AI do the work for you! Download my free guide with ChatGPT prompts, and allow ChatGPT to generate a tailored cover letter for you.

Good luck!

You may also like:

• 5 Easy Tweaks for Maximum Resume Impact
• 5 Resume Mistakes That Will Land You in the Rejection Pile
• Harness the Power of AI in Your Job Search II. (Plus 10 Best ChatGPT Prompts)

Click here to subscribe and receive this newsletter directly to your mailbox.

Do you need my personal assistance? Simply send me your resume and a link to your LinkedIn profile at [email protected] and I will come back to you!