The Overlooked Value of Cover Letters and How to Make Yours Stand Out

Cover letters often find themselves the topic of hot discussion - random I know as its seemingly rare for people to disagree or have strong opinions on anything job search (I kid).

But do you want to know my opinion on the value of Cover Letters? And I like to think my opinions are fairly balances + they’re based off my real world experience recruiting over the last decade.

Well you’re in luck!

It’s true, many recruiters and hiring managers admit they don't always review them. But I believe (when utilised effectively) cover letters can add significant value to your application! Here’s why cover letters are often overlooked and how you can ensure yours makes an impact.

Why Are Cover Letters Often Ignored?

In the high-paced environment of recruitment, the volume of applications are often overwhelming. Most applicant tracking systems (ATS) used by companies separate CVs and cover letters into different tabs. This separation means that reviewing both documents requires additional clicks and time – a luxury recruiters don’t always have!

Even when the application flow is lighter, the user experience of flicking between tabs isn't intuitive. As a result, recruiters typically become really efficient at skimming through CVs, often scanning for a snapshot of a candidate's qualifications and experience. And as a result, our recruitment systems structural inefficiency often leads to cover letters being sidelined.

The Hidden Value of a Well-Written Cover Letter

Despite these challenges, a cover letter can be a game-changer if the role is a reasonable fit for your profile. Here’s why:

1. Personalisation: A cover letter allows you to tailor your application to the specific role and company, highlighting your enthusiasm and fit for the position.
2. Storytelling: It provides a platform to tell your career story, explain transitions, and show how your experiences align with the job requirements.
3. Differentiation: A personalised cover letter can set you apart from other candidates by showcasing your communication skills and attention to detail.
4. AI Flexibility: A cover letter allows for more flexibility when using AI for personalisation without impacting the quality of your CV. While AI can struggle to maintain the quality, detail, and format of a CV, a cover letter is more adaptable and can be effectively customised.

However, the key lies in personalisation. A generic cover letter won't do much to enhance your application.

Pro Tip: Merging Documents for Better Review

BUT while I do believe in the value of Cover Letters, I recommend merging it with your CV into a single document. This way, when recruiters open your CV, they will see your cover letter first, providing context and setting the stage for your application.

Introducing My New Cover Letter Service

Recognising the importance of a personalised cover letter, I’ve developed a core service to simplify the process. For just $60, you get a core cover letter tailored to your CV, along with prompts and instructions to personalise it for any job application. Here’s how it works:

• Core Cover Letter: We provide a professionally crafted cover letter that highlights your strengths and experiences relevant to your field.
• Personalisation Prompts: You receive detailed instructions and prompts on how to customise the letter for specific roles and companies, making it easier to add personal touches.
• 24-Hour Turnaround: We understand the urgency of job applications. That’s why we work to a 24-hour turnaround time if you have a CV ready (unless adviced otherwise on engagement)

Check out the details and make your purchase here. Plus, when you pair this service with our CV service, you can get the cover letter for just $33 - browse my full suite of services here.

Conclusion

Cover letters might often be overlooked, but when crafted and used effectively, they add substantial value to your job application. Our new service is designed to help you create a powerful, personalised cover letter quickly and efficiently, ensuring that you make a strong impression on potential employers. Don't let your cover letter go unnoticed – make it an integral part of your application strategy.

Ready to enhance your job application? Purchase your cover letter service here and I’ll be in touch to kick this off!