The truth about cover letters

Cover letters: you hear how important they are to landing a job, but how crucial are they really? One Devex member posed this question: “I am struggling with the cover letter demand in applications. I put serious research and time in writing them, exposing aptly (I tend to tell myself) the person behind the CV but also my link with the position and the geography. I always have the impression that half the interview is done, that I stand out and that this would trigger particular areas of interest. Yet no. After a couple of obviously failed intents, I start thinking that I can as well send a standard pdf just to comply with the requisite and that was it. What is your take on the issue?” First of all, it sounds like this Devex member is taking the right approach with her cover letters by taking the time to write a compelling argument as to why she is the right person for this specific job. But as to whether or not a cover letter is actually read is a more complicated answer. Two questions I always ask when talking with recruiters are: What do you read first, the cover letter or CV? And how important are cover letters when deciding who to interview? For the former question, the answer is almost unanimous — just about every recruiter I talk to reads a CV before reading the cover letter. I myself do. International development positions typically require such specific experience that recruiters want to make sure you meet the qualifications before taking the time to learn more about you, the person behind the CV. Often people think of their cover letters as the introductory document in their application. But actually, cover letters should be thought of “sealing the deal” documents. Your CV should draw someone in and your cover letter is your closing argument as to why someone should hire — or at least interview — you. It’s a different way of thinking that can help inform how you craft the messaging in your letter. As to the second question, how important are they, the answer is more of a mixed bag. For some recruiters and hiring managers, the cover letter is very important. They want to see how you write, how you present yourself, learn more about your values, your soft skills and why you want to work for them. For others, they might give the letter a cursory glance and admit they rarely read them earnest; it’s the CV that matters to them. When recruiters share candidates with hiring managers, more often than not it’s only the CV they share. The challenge is that when you’re applying to a job, you don’t know who will be on the other end reviewing your application and if they are someone who values the cover letter or not. So my advice is if you are applying to a job you are truly interested in — and really, why apply to a job if you aren’t? — then it is better to hedge your bets and assume the reviewers will want a well-written cover letter. It’s frustrating to spend time tailoring a document knowing it may never get read. But one point most recruiters agree on is that a general cover letter won’t win them over and will almost always end up in the wastebasket. Remember that there can be personal value in writing cover letters beyond convincing the employer to hire you. Writing one is a good exercise in learning how to describe your skills and values in a narrative form, crafting your sales pitch that can help you come interview time or when faced with what to say during networking opportunities. For more advice on cover letters, check out ”Writing a cover letter: What you need to know.” What has been your experience with cover letters? Do you take the time to tailor them to each position? For those in the hiring seat: How important are cover letters to you in deciding who to interview? Please leave your comments below. Looking to make a career move? Visit our career center for expert advice on how to navigate your job search - all you need is a Devex Career Account to get started.