How do you know when you need to write a cover letter?
Gone are the days when every job application required a letter. But some still do! No wonder you’re confused.
Some recruiters and hiring managers won’t read a resume without a cover letter. But they are a diminishing breed. Others have always thrown cover letters in the trash without reading them.
According to the Jobvite 2017 Jobseeker Nation Report, cover letters are dead–or nearly dead. For the most part, they’ve gone the way of the manual typewriter. According to Jobvite’s data, only 26% of recruiters consider letters important in their decision to hire an applicant. That leaves 74% who probably don’t look at them–and one in four who still do.
If you’re applying for jobs, you’re probably wondering whether to take the time to write letters. My Sweet Spot Job Search Method calls for a single resume that doesn’t need to be customized for each job within a search strategy. Instead, job seekers can better use their time tailoring a well-written letter for each application. It’s one of the best ways to demonstrate your unique fit for the job and your written communication skills (which is more important for some jobs than others).
As the recruiting and hiring process is ever-more digital, the need for cover letters is declining. Here are 10 tips to navigate whether you need a cover letter and, if so, how to write a good one.
1. When you don’t need one. Most “Easy Apply” applications on LinkedIn and simplified (one-click) applications on job boards like Indeed skip cover letters. Instead of a letter, some have a place to write a short note to the employer.
2. When you might need one. Some simplified applications still ask applicants to upload a resume and cover letter. With more extensive applications, you might not know if you need a cover letter until you get to the end of an application. You’ll probably be asked to upload a resume; maybe a cover letter. If you need one and you haven’t written it, the end of an application is not the best time to write it. You risk getting kicked out of the application and having to start over. I know how frustrating that can be!
3. When you do need one. Full applications on company websites often ask for a resume and letter. Many smaller companies ask applicants to email a letter, resume, and maybe work samples.
4. Better safe than sorry. Other than “Easy Apply” or one-click applications, I recommend writing a cover letter before starting the application. This is especially true if you’re applying on a company’s website, which is usually the best way. At the end of the application, if you can only upload one document, combine your letter and resume into a single PDF. You’ll probably never know if it’s read. But, if it is, a well-written letter can help you stand out.
So how do you write a strong letter?
5. Letter and memo formats. Stick to one page. Try to find the name of the hiring manager or lead recruiter on LinkedIn and address your letter or memo to that person. It shows you are interested in the job and willing to take the time to do some research.
A memo format is effective, especially if you don’t find a specific person to address, for example:
TO: Company X Marketing Team
FROM: Your Name
DATE: Month, DD, YYYY
RE: Strong Candidate for [Insert Title]
6. Focus on their needs; not yours. The body of your letter or memo should always focus on what you can do for them–not what they can do for you. At the same time, it’s important to convey strong interest in the job. A good letter or memo includes the following sections:
- Strong opening paragraph (3 sentences) about why you are a great fit for what they need
- 1 or 2 paragraphs with more specifics demonstrating you’ve done key aspects of the job
- Strong closing paragraph (3 sentences) to convey strong interest in the company and role
- A confident salutation, e.g., “Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to speaking with someone soon.”
7. Respond to salary requirement questions. Prevailing wisdom in any negotiation is that whoever says the first number loses. More companies are including ranges in job postings, which helps everyone know they’re in the right ballgame. If they don’t share a range, it’s hard for job seekers to coming up with a good number. Unless you have a firm range in mind, I recommend something like: “My salary requirements are negotiable and I will be happy to discuss this further along in your screening process.”
You want to leave room to negotiate later in the game. According to Jobvite’s 2018 Job Seeker Nation Study, only 31% of applicants negotiated their salary at their current or most recent job. Eighty-five percent of those who did received higher pay: 44% received 5-10% more than the offer; 21% received 11-21% higher.
Why would you deprive yourself of this opportunity? Remember, your new employer will never love you more than when they make an offer. This is your best chance to ask for everything you want.
8. Respond to requests for references. Like salary questions, when you apply for a job is too early to provide references. You want to control when which references are contacted and have time to give them a heads-up.
One option is to compile recommendations you received on LinkedIn or other sources into a testimonials document. Another option is to provide their names, titles, and companies, but not their contact information. I also recommend doing this in applications that require references.
In a letter, if you don’t have a testimonials document, say something like, “I will be happy to provide references further along in your screening process.” If you have one, “I have enclosed testimonials from former colleagues. I will be happy to provide contact information further along in your screening process.”
9. Keep applying through the summer. Don’t believe the myth that hiring slows down in the summer. Organizations on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year have fresh hiring budgets. Regardless of fiscal year, job posts keep coming, and you’ll have less competition from everyone who takes a break. Now is a great time to find a new position—especially given the lowest unemployment rate since 2000.
10. Read my book and other blog posts for many practical tips on how to land your next job. I wrote Losing Your Job & Finding Yourself to share my story of losing my job after 20 years and my proven job search methods. Many of my blog posts on LinkedIn are based on sections of the book.
So what’s the bottom line on cover letters? They are going the way of dinosaurs, but they’re not yet extinct. Enjoy quick and easy applications that don’t ask for one, and take the time to write a good one for any application that does.