The Purpose of Cover Letters, Why They’re Ignored, & Why I’m Reading Them Again
I ran a quick google search for “purpose of a cover letter” and got the below as the number one hit. It is half-baked advice like this that leads to the confusion around the purpose of the cover letter.
Cover letters do NOT:
- “introduce you to the organization.” While you’re trying to introduce yourself to a company your competition is working to develop a rapport with the recruiter/hiring manager.
- “demonstrate your interest.” You demonstrated your interest when you applied, now move on!
- “draw attention to your resume.” Your resume can take care of itself. Your cover letter is supposed to… well, I’ll get to that.
The True Purpose of a Cover Letter
Your cover letter is a way for you to get noticed and demonstrate that you’re not submitting a lazy, boring cover letter.
You need to accomplish 2 basic tasks in a cover letter:
- Quickly demonstrate your skills and the value you bring to the position.
- Quickly explain how well you fit the role.
- Bonus: Depending on your industry you may also demonstrate that you’ve got a personality, it is positive, and you’re not afraid to use it!
Here’s my suggestion for a very brief, easy to read cover letter written for a sales professional applying to a sales job:
Dear Michael,
I recently learned of your Houston-based Account Executive position and am eager to discuss the opportunity with you. I have been selling in a similar industry, right here in Houston, for the past 3 years. I have documented results proving that I excel in enterprise sales in this space. My sales background is in selling complex XYZ solutions to mid-market and large enterprise accounts, excellent local market knowledge and business connections, and the ability to lead a sales team to success in a non-managerial, team lead positions.
I would welcome the chance to speak with you soon to discuss the opportunity and learn more about the possibility of joining XYZ Corp.
All the best!
John Doe
The above cover letter is very brief and to the point. The paragraphs were short and easy to read and I included little, if any, fluff.
Why I stopped Reading Cover Letters
During my first several years in recruiting, I developed lots of habits, not all of which were good. One bad habit I picked up along the way was ignoring cover letters. Below I have outlined the reasons why I stopped reading cover letters, why I’ve started once again, and why this may not be a good thing for you.
The Whirlwind & The Justification
There were several reasons that lead me to stop reading cover letters but, by far, the number one reason was a focus on the urgent. The whirlwind of each day in recruiting is overwhelming and the first casualty of the whirlwind was the cover letter. I had justified this shortcut by telling myself and others that cover letters held little if any further information that would warrant spending the time to read them. The truth was that I was blaming being busy at first and when I did have the time I was simply being lazy and justifying it by dismissing the value of the information one can capture from a cover letter.
Advice: Although the problem of a busy recruiter isn’t your fault you still have an obligation (to your own candidacy) to alleviate it. Keep your cover letter short and to the point. Don’t get verbose on your cover letter… or on your resume… or in your interview!
The Templates & The Legal Speak
Templates that shared no information and “legal speak” that reads like a summons for a deposition leaves one wondering if you are actually human! While we’re on the topic, who poisoned the population with this mind-numbing gem???
“I am seeking a full-time, long term position within a growing company that will provide an opportunity for me to utilize my experience and skills, consistently meet or exceed the company’s expectations and my professional goals, and advance my career within the organization.”
That’s about as bad as resorting to calling yourself a “quick learner” in an interview!
And the “legal speak” is ridiculous! Seriously folks, this is a just a cover letter, not a legal document. The purpose of a Cover letter is to make a connection and make it easier for the reader to send you through to the next round. People have apparently become so confused by horrible advice that they are cashing in all of their 4-syllable big money scrabble words in the hopes of sounding like a caricature of a big lawyer. For example…
“I am writing to officially express my interest in the position of Project Manager advertised as being open within your organization as of the date of this letter… The attached resume will provide, in precise detail, the extent of my professional expertise relevant to your organization via the aforementioned position.”
Where, in all of that, was the value you bring?
Advice: Speak professionally, but not like you’re in court and your freedom depends on it. Speak respectfully (as though speaking to a member of the clergy) but in your own words… even if you happen to be an attorney applying to be an attorney at a law firm!
No additional Value Beyond The Resume
Far too many people use their cover letter to express their intent to apply for a position. Considering that applying by fax or direct mail probably accounts for less than 1% of all jobs posted in the continental US in 2016, I’d say if a recruiter is reviewing your cover letter and resume it’s quite safe to assume you’ve already expressed your interest BY APPLYING! Furthermore, duh statements like “attached please find my resume” and “writing to apply for the position of” simply need to be deleted.
Advice: If upon reviewing your cover letter you realize you just stated something that is painfully obvious like “I’m writing to apply for the position” or “please find my resume attached for your review and consideration” you’ve still got work to do. Consider doing some research and being genuine. A great way to increase the likelihood that your resume will be read and understood is to lead with either a list of reasons for the reader or a recommendation from a contact. Remember, all you want is an invite to the next step in the interview process so make it easy to get a yes.
Here are 2 examples:
A. 5 Reasons I’m the Best Choice for Your Open Staff Accountant Position and 1 Reason You May Want to Run in the Opposite Direction!
- Reason A
- Reason B
- Reason C
- Reason D
- Reason E
RUN
B. Start your cover letter with a statement that validates your experience, then briefly explain the value you will be bringing to the position. Consider adding a “Quick Snippet from a recent letter of recommendation or LinkedIn recommendation written in the third person.”
Why I Started Reading Cover Letters Again & Why This May Not Be Good News for Candidates
Over the past few years, I’ve found more value in cover letters. Candidates are taking more time to research a company and position then personalize the value they bring. A well-worded cover letter can further validate the abilities and achievements found in a resume.
That being said, even a bad cover letter is very helpful to a recruiter and/or hiring manager. I will often receive cover letters referencing other companies, positions, and recruiters! These cover letters speak to a candidate’s lack of preparation, attention to detail and/or interest in the position. Your cover letter will either increase your chances of being considered OR be held as further justification for not moving forward. Skirting by and doing the bare minimum is an ill-advised job search strategy. I fear that most candidates that take this approach don’t realize the amount of competition they’re up against for the job they’re after. Consider this: I currently receive an average of 125 applicants for every job listed by the company for which I work. To stand out you’ll need to take some time and do a little research. Put some personality into the writing sample that is your cover letter and you’ll make your writings more digestible and, dare I say, interesting?
I’d welcome the opportunity to help. Please let me know if I can.
On the hunt with you!
Michael
