A recent Fishbowl by Glassdoor report finds that recruiters don’t really like cover letters. An expert weighs in on whether you should send one anyway.
"The future of this historical hiring component looks grim," Murphy says."However, while companies requiring cover letters may dwindle, we expect many employers will allow the candidate to decide for themselves whether they want to submit one."As companies have begun to stray away from the cover letter requirement, many job postings do have the option for candidates to submit them.
"When deciding whether to send a cover letter, it's always best to weigh the pros and cons. On the downside, a cover letter can take time away from applying to other jobs and might feel unnecessary, but on the upside, a cover letter can help you stand out against the competition," Murphy says. "If 58% of professionals say cover letters aren't necessary when applying to jobs, then a recruiter might perk up when they see you've gone above and beyond to send one."According to Murphy, If you do decide to include a cover letter with your resume, it's important to keep these three things in mind:Cover letters aren't one size fits all, Murphy explains."Always make sure to customize a cover letter and tailor it for the specific company and role.
"There's no minimum word count for a successful cover letter, so be concise and keep in mind 'quality over quantity," Murphy advises."Recruiters will likely only spend a few seconds reviewing a cover letter, so make sure to catch their attention and get to the point."Murphy says that if you're excited about a job opportunity, don't be afraid to convey it – it could work in your favor.
"Finally, and most importantly, if you're applying for your dream job or company, then let them know in the cover letter. After all, a cover letter is an opportunity to share your passion for the role, company or industry and to make it clear why you're the best fit."