Cover Letters: Are they worth it or a waste of time?

To cover letter or not to cover letter? That is the question.??

Recent data from Forbes found that 70% of recruiters, hiring managers and candidates polled voted that cover letters are no longer a necessary part of the shortlisting process, while some hiring managers still insist applicants submit one.?

They may not be popular amongst everyone, but cover letters are a great opportunity to expand on your CV. You can share further detail about your skills and experience, and align yourself with the job specification to show that you’re the right candidate for the role.?

However, drafting a cover letter can be time consuming, and if hiring managers receive multiple applications, some candidates may wonder whether their carefully drafted letter will even be read.?

Here, we explore the pros and cons of cover letters, and #TeamGlee share their tips on what to consider when drafting your next cover letter.??

Why you should consider submitting a cover letter?

You can add a personal touch?

While your CV will give the hiring manager details on your experience and key skills, it can be difficult to get across your personality. A cover letter gives you the chance to introduce yourself and is a good opportunity to expand on any experience and skills relevant to the specific role. Be sure to tailor your cover letter to each role you apply to so you can highlight any key skills and let the hiring manager know you’re a great fit their company.?

It is a good opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills?

A cover letter is a great chance to show off your writing and communication skills. If the role you are applying for requires these skills, submitting a cover letter is the perfect opportunity to let the hiring manager know that you are capable.??

You can align yourself with the job specification?

Your CV will likely list your key skills, but a cover letter gives you the opportunity to go into more detail. You can discuss a project that you led on, or a career high you are particularly proud of. Demonstrate how the skills you acquired during these examples could be useful for the role you are applying to.??

Why drafting a cover letter could be a waste of time?

It can be time consuming?

We all know job hunting can be time consuming. There’s the lengthy application process, updating of CVs and (if you’re lucky!) attending interviews. So, the thought of adding?another task to the list can be off-putting, especially if you’re not sure it’ll get read. ?

There’s a chance you could make mistakes?

A poorly written cover letter could do more harm than good. If you fail to proofread and there are spelling mistakes or grammatical errors, this could put you in the hiring manager’s bad books. Generic cover letters are just as bad – it’ll be obvious if your letter has been written using AI, or if there has been minimal effort put into it. If you choose to submit a cover letter, be sure to do it properly and check it thoroughly before submitting. ?

The industry you are applying to may not appreciate cover letters?

Some industries, such as the creative or tech sectors, may view cover letters as outdated. Depending on the role, it could be more valuable to have a portfolio or an up-to-date LinkedIn profile. ?

So, what if you have been asked to submit a cover letter??

Here are some valuable tips from #TeamGlee.?

If you're a candidate looking for more helpful job search advice, look no further - here, we discuss the benefits of working with a recruitment agency when looking for a new role .