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Exec recruiter here. If your CV is clearly an obvious fit for the role, then that will be decisive and the cover letter is surplus to requirements. I'll likely only read it before the interview.
If your CV is not an obvious match but still interesting, I'll read the cover letter and if it tells a compelling story I might move forward to interview. If not, I may well reject the application.
Interesting, thanks for the insights. What would you say would be an example of a compelling story that’s short enough for a cover letter without being too wordy?
😂
I have been skipping it
I feel like the occasions I have used cover letters have set me apart from other applicants, but that may be because I don't have much industry experience yet. It allows me to explain why I want the job and what I bring to the table; things that my current CV can't quite say on its own. I have a pretty standard template that I tailor for each position I apply for, so it isn't that time-consuming to include one.
Only include one if required
Rising Star
I'm using a cover letter for the first time but it's only to explain why I'm wanting to leave consulting and go back to industry after only 3 months.
If someone requires it, I say nevermind and don’t apply to the job. I have not written or used a cover letter since my first job out of college 9 years ago. No one reads it
I hire alot, and I always want a cover letter. Our process makes it voluntary, but I'm more likely to invite someone to an interview if they send a cover letter. People are very careful with their resumes and have multiple people read them. The cover letter gives me a better idea of how you actually communicate. I say always take a few minutes to do one.
I can't speak for most companies, but my company (120+. employees) requires them and we actually do read the ones we get. They're definitely helpful when you don't have as much directly applicable experience, or are relatively new to our industry.
A good cover letter can move someone from the maybe pile to the yes pile for an interview for sure.
Since I apply so many jobs I don’t have time for cover letters lol
For most of the positions I've seen posted in the past 12 months, no cover letter is "required" but often there is an option to upload one. For those in marketing, it's a good opportunity to showcase writing skills and to convey a story about yourself that can't be written into a resume/CV.
Lol when they require it I just copy my resume and still get the interview sometimes. Do it if you want when it’s required but it’s a waste.
Never used one and got me to where I am today
Just applied and got offers at all the Big 4s. Didn’t upload cover letter. Resume is enough.
Depends on the firm. For the ones who do still consider it (like Accenture and some Big 4) the cover letter is still considered and is a very important factor in you passing screening (how you describe your experience, impact, why the firm, etc.)
However there are some that don't use it and it's therefore useless (ex: McKinsey and KPMG in my city)
This is of course for lower tier postings, not sure how this changes for senior management roles. I'd suggest you treat it case by case and look at each firm's requirements
If you require a cover letter, then I’m not applying.
I always use It to round out my application
I’ve NEVER gotten a callback when submitting a CV. Always proofed and worked through with my career center at Michigan. The consulting gig I’m about to start was obtained through a referral. It’s who you know, not what you write 🙃
If a job requires it, I don’t apply